Help deciding on flowerbed shape

Good guy · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 8:48 am Post subject:

Drawing 'for real', on the ground, really helps you get proportions right, enables you to see how what you are proposing relates to the whole space and let's you see the idea from different viewpoints - various windows in the house, upstairs, from the entrance gate etc. you can 'draw' with a hosepipe or a rope, too.
Don't rule out trees on or near the boundary - a view is often improved by being 'framed' and such planting can often give the garden scale within the landscape. And you will need shelter!

tagwex · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 9:15 am Post subject:

You are not agreeing with me AGAIN are you?

Good guy · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 5:06 pm Post subject:

Wild, isn't it?
Next thing there will be some kind of a Wexford and Donegal Accord - WADA for short. We could get funding from the EU and set up a consultancy. Our fees, payable in Bitcoin, would be called WADA charges!

tagwex · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2015 9:59 am Post subject:

You have so much to do and so many choices to make yet it is an exciting time.
All your choices will not be correct at first but that is the nature of it and your borders will evolve in time to what you want. The first thing to do is decide on a few small trees (3 to 4m max. height) to frame the border and give it perspective. A few apple trees wouldn't go astray.
- Evergreens are almost essential, but not just for their foliage.
- Long Flowering Shrubs must certainly be included. I believe these 5 are great for year long interest.
Cytisus × beanii AGM
Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata'
Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' (v) AGM
Hypericum × hidcoteense 'Hidcote' AGM
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii Perfecta' (L)
- Multi-purpose shrubs – such as the Stranvaesia.
- Attractive Stems would be a good inclusion, and should form part of any plan, look at red dogwood.
- Variegated foliage should be an option.
- I would even throw in a few vegetables too, some can be quite pretty and useful too, can be used as gap fillers.
- Good or unusual foliage form, or general shape and other attributes of the shrub. This trait is often ignored but can be so important in the choice of shrubs for all year round interest.

Height and Spread will need to be taken into account before positioning anything. Have you found out your acidity level yet?

tagwex · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2016 3:08 pm Post subject:

Well Spiracles, how did it all end up? It would be nice to find out.

Sue Deacon · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2016 10:22 pm Post subject:

Just picked up on this thread - missed it before. I too would be interested to see how you were progressing with this project.

I'd also add to what has been said - you don't want any sharp corners on the lawn, they are a begger to mow. Keep the curves gentle. Also, it would be a shame in a plot of that size not to have some trees. They don't have to be monsters. But a gardenof that size without a few trees could end up looking a little 'bitty'. Be bold in the planting, you have the space - lucky you! Smile

tagwex · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2016 11:24 pm Post subject:

Ahhh keep up Sue. You joined the forum 5 months before this thread started. Too busy planning ghe taaaaay house I'll wager. Huh?

tagwex · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2017 11:04 pm Post subject:

Well Spiracles, how did it all end up? It would be nice to find out.