provide a rich contrast of colour. Many hardy geraniums are happy in shade, along with Primula, Viola and Brunnera. Once you do the research, you’ ll realise the huge array of possibilities. |
Houttuynia cordata, sometimes known as fish mint or the chameleon plant, spreads like mad, especially near a pond or waterway. Bamboo |
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should also ring alarm bells. | ||||||
• If you have clay soil which is often waterlogged( and then rock-solid during summer), don’ t despair. There really are plants that suit every place. Consider Astrantias, for example. They are a tough herbaceous perennial that can cope with many different conditions. You might need to give them some water |
SPANISH BLUEBELLS |
It’ s a beautiful plant, but even the“ well-behaved” clumping bamboos need to be planted using a root barrier, because they spread sideways very easily. The Spanish bluebell looks innocent but it’ s vigorous |
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when it’ s really dry, but it’ s worth it. They |
ARE INVASIVE |
, |
and |
competes |
and |
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shrug off attacks by slugs and snails, can withstand low temperatures and their“ Aunt Hattie’ s pincushion” flowers come in charming shades of pink, silvery cream and lime. |
hybridises with our native bluebell. The common snowberry shrub, Symphoricarpos albus, spreads by suckering roots, forming thickets very quickly. You really |
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don’ t want that. | ||||||
• Unless the plant you’ re buying is extremely vigorous, | ||||||
or designed to be a substantial specimen, never buy just one. You need a swathe so you’ ll notice them. One Echinacea flower will be lost amongst the jostling stems of neighbours, but a group will look stunning. You can speed up nature by planting in clusters. |
• Think about plant shapes and texture as well as flower and foliage colour. Plants should look good together, or their individual charm will be lost.
Contrast creates interest; it’ s all about pattern. Use rounded shapes in different sizes, punctuated with
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vertical plants and some spreading plants too. | ||||||
Remember that colour looks better when it’ s repeated; | ||||||
avoid having every colour under the sun. | ||||||