I’ve been busy doing hedging for a number of clients recently. This prompted me to think about what makes for a good hedge? Regular trimming without doubt encourages thick foliage and dense growth. Leaf size is an extremely important consideration when choosing a hedge. The lower the hedge, the smaller the leaf you will want to keep the hedge looking “tight”. Popular hedges (by their common names) include: photinia, viburnum, box, murraya and lilly pilly. These varieties are hardy and flourish with regular pruning.
I’ve just spent a good part of my day removing the spent flower heads of in excess of 400 Agapanthus at a client’s property just outside Berry! (Removing the flower heads prevents undesirable seed propagation.) These evergreen plants with narrow, straplike leaves provide a colourful display of blue to purple or white flowers every summer. Agapanthus are particularly impressive when used to line garden borders or massed on sloping hillsides. They are generally hardy, low maintenance plants which thrive in full sun or part shade. They can be readily propagated by dividing expanding clumps. Are you looking to create a romantic garden in a small space? Here’s an example of one that has been achieved in just two years. Pierre de Ronsard rose has been planted to climb along the fenceline and pergola. Box hedges and topiary provide structure and interest in the foreground and Murraya hedges in the background. The garden is well-mulched and seaside daisy is growing as a soft white groundcover. Burgundy plum trees offset the green hedges beautifully and ornamental features have been cleverly incorporated to complete this romantic picture. The gardener regularly uses seaweed solution to nurture her plants and is preparing to prune back the roses for another flush in the New Year. If you have an area in your garden where plants and/or lawn fails to thrive, perhaps landscaping with pavers could be an option. The borders around the landscaped area will serve also as edging for garden beds. With the right plants and colour, you can create a new and visually appealing room in your garden, perhaps an ideal entertaining area. If you have an area in your garden you wish to enhance, please contact me to discuss your landscaping and planting requirements. In small spaces, such as courtyards, where natural soil is not available, plants in pots can provide dramatic effect. Citrus plants grow particularly well in large pots, and with adequate water, food and pruning, will display dense, dark green foliage and provide beautiful (and useful) fruit in the winter months. Be sure to keep up the water to your potted citrus plants, at least once a week in the warmer months. Citrus require regular feeding, ideally well-rotted manures or a citrus fertiliser. It’s important to tip prune citrus plants regularly to promote fruiting and to help prevent them becoming woody. Ideally, citrus plants should be re-potted every five years. |
Categories
All
Vaughn NicholsVaughn loves to transform outdoor spaces. He has studied aspects of horticulture and with plenty of experience tending South Coast gardens, he can maintain and help your garden reach its full potential. |