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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2009 21:05:32 GMT
I want to add a bit of colour to the front of my house next year cos the summers are so misserable and i was thinking a cottage or a kitchen garden design might work. I have some small rosemary at the front to create a hedge and Pyracantha against the house Ive bought a packet of Tom thumb Nasturtiums and a packet with 10 kinds of herbs . Ive got about 6m by 1.5m to play with. What else should i get?any ideas?any pics?
Cheers Steve
Maybe i should have put this in the Beds and borders dept
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Post by Jasmine on Dec 14, 2009 7:37:02 GMT
Are you thinking of perennials or annuals Steve? Traditional cottage garden or something a bit different?
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Post by JennyWrenn on Dec 14, 2009 17:24:35 GMT
Nasturtiums thrive in really bad soil including clay so I am always sowing these
I had them in tubs at the front of my garage doors and they were such a pretty sight - only just finished blooming - highly recommended
You can gather the seeds if you have time ;D
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2009 18:59:41 GMT
To be honest im not really sure whet i want to do, I was just throwing it out there to see what came back ;D I think im now gonna go with hot colours not sure. Maybe cos i live in a house full of women im turning into one i just cant seem to make my mind up ;D I do know that i want shrubs perennials and annuals  |
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Post by Jasmine on Dec 14, 2009 19:11:13 GMT
Purple penstemons, echinacea, orangey red crocosmia, rudbeckia?
Could have a rose and/or clematis growing up an obelisk for height.
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Post by Ladygardener on Dec 14, 2009 19:20:08 GMT
Steve there are some good pics of members gardens on the threads why not just have a little browse and see what combinations you like. You can get a really good idea of what works well with what by looking at real gardens I think. Good luck, cottage gardens are so lovely. ;D
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2009 23:43:13 GMT
Your right about the pics LG theres a lot to look at.I have some red Crocosmia out the back Tig and some Dwarf Rudbeckia that LG i think sent me . Maybe i need some bigger Ruds as well. I did buy 2 Hemerocallis and some Helenium last year but the slugs must have had them because i dont remember seeing them and come to think of it a red hot poker. I will Definately be on the anti slug warpath next year .
Cheers
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Post by Dutchy on Dec 15, 2009 10:29:35 GMT
Why not try some pelargonium as bedding they are a good annual for sun and slugs do not like them.
Mind they are a bit on the compact and stiff side but a modern cottage gardener will use whatever takes the fancy. Including those dark purplish grasses that are related to penisetum but behave as annuals.
And for hight why not get some hollihock. At times those are sold by the colour so you can pick a vibrant one. They will last you well over 4 years when you remove the seeds early enough.
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Post by Tig on Dec 15, 2009 11:29:21 GMT
If you want lots of vibrant hot colours you could invest in a few dahlia tubers next spring. Lots of different heights available and even some with bronze foliage?
African and French Marigolds also give a good golden display, bees love them and s & s seem to leave them alone in my garden.
x Tig
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2009 17:36:38 GMT
I like the idea of the dark purplish grasses Dutchy I will look for them. I bought some Salvia seeds they might look good ,never grown them before.I will have to get some more Marigolds as you say Tig they do look good and ive always liked Bishop of Landorf dalia's but i wouldnt be into lifting them every year they would have to brave it like all my other plants ;D
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Post by Ladygardener on Dec 15, 2009 18:41:56 GMT
Don't forget Cerinthe Major Purpurasenses (sp )they grow for me as annuals or as short lived perennials, bees love them and they're a beautiful plant. Don't forget sweetwilliam, no cottage style garden should be without them and you can save the seeds of both these plants. ;D
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Post by bagpuss on Dec 16, 2009 13:19:55 GMT
What about some Hellebores for some winter colour Steve? Perhaps some spring/summer bulbs too. There are also some really nice fuchsia's too. I have a lovely one called "Lottie Hobby" www.shootgardening.co.uk/sitePlant.php?plantid=1794&name=fuchsia-lottie-hobby which I bought a few years ago, and it flowers continuously (it's even still in flower now). It is one of my favourite plants in my garden, and wouldn't be without it. Hope that helps, and look forward to seeing some pictures of your progress. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2009 14:36:40 GMT
The cerinthe looks nice LG and i do have an unopened packet of sweet williams i think they are bienials arent they?
Lottie hobby looks a bit tooooo pink for my tastes Bagpuss but i do have a red and white one out front already that looks good.
A red hellebore would look nice i have a green one out there already and it self seeds everywhere.
What bulbs look good in the summer? Are Cannas grown from bulbs or seed?
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Post by Spruance on Jan 1, 2010 22:54:12 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2010 10:40:16 GMT
Spruance i might go into town and have a look a bit later I know where the shop is.
Cheers
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Post by Tig on Jan 3, 2010 11:14:16 GMT
You could get some tigridia bulbs Steve, they flower late summer and look quite exotic. There is also euchomis bicolour and dierama  x Tig |
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