Shrubs by Andy McIndoe

Shrubs by Andy McIndoe

Author:Andy McIndoe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Timber Press
Published: 2018-05-15T16:00:00+00:00


The climbing Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris produces its lacy white blooms in midsummer.

Narrow beds and borders

Narrow beds and borders are common features in gardens of all sizes and present a real planting challenge. Often backed by a fence or wall, plants have only one way to grow if they are not going to encroach on lawn, path, or patio. The width of planting areas may be limited by space, especially in small gardens. A narrow bed along a boundary may be the only planting possibility in a passageway or other restricted space. However, some spaces are narrow by design, often from the belief that an area of lawn is easier to maintain than a bed. If widening the planting area is a possibility, this is always worth considering. Larger beds and borders offer far greater planting possibilities and avoid the need for regular pruning and trimming to keep plants within bounds. This often happens when the wrong subjects are chosen.

Many perennials have a tendency to spread over time. They need lifting and dividing to maintain performance and vigour. Even if they are upright in habit, these are not the best choices for narrow borders. Deciduous varieties that die down in winter leave the space empty, presenting a depressing picture during winter if backed by a wall or fence. Shrubs, in contrast, can bring the area more depth and interest throughout the year. The secret is to choose shrubs that grow up rather than out.

In narrow borders around paved areas or alongside paths, neat, compact shrubs are the ones to choose. If there is room to spill over the edge of hard surfaces, they have a softening effect and help to join hard and soft landscape areas together. However, if they spill over the edge of grass, this is an obstacle when mowing and is likely to cause problems for the grass and the plants. Planting position in the border may overcome this, or again widening the planting area at the outset may solve the problem.

The most difficult thing to achieve in a narrow bed is a planting scheme that holds together, rather than a disparate row of plants that fail to relate. In long borders, repetition of some subjects helps to give the scheme rhythm and unity. Limiting the planting palette and colour scheme also helps. If the border is backed by a wall or fence, then climbers can work with the shrubs to hold the scheme together, especially if they are evergreens.



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