Re-vamp

[carolann]

As some of you know I have a little Rock type garden its not too big but I am fed up with what I have in it and want some ideas for next season please. Here is a pic of what it looks like today but all the Annuals willl be gone.

at the front hanging down the wall are Arabis White and Pink, Purple Aubretia, Double Blue Campanula, White Rock and a few Trailing Carnations which just want to grow upwards What I would like is a Perennial trailer which is Red and not a Sedum as I'm not a big fan of those. Here are a few more pic's of whats in the bed

this is about 6" back and more or less the middle, its the Campanula and Phlox Purple Beauty which I want to keep

left side of the bed is the White Arabis, White Rock and Pink Arabis, just behind them are some Grape Hyacinths, Primulas and some bulbs which have White scented flowers like stars.

Right side we have a few Viola Black and Orange and next year some White seeds kindly sent from Barbara. The Iris which will be staying there but the Hollyhocks and Alstroemeria will be dug up

back left is Potentilla Fireball which is just the right height for now if it gets any higher then it will be going to another bed ;D
mixed in are some Aqualegia Green Apples which have not flowered this year so depending how high they are they may be moved as well. Just in front of those are 2 Salvia 1Blue 1Red which will stay for the time being

the Blanket Flower (Goblin) will be moved to another bed as will the one on the other side.

the Yellow flower is a Coreopsis and only grows to 10" so that will stay where it is for now.

back right is a little raised bed with Aqualegia Miss Hushi
I would like to just fill the bed with Perennials if possible so any ideas please, oh and not PINK as I'm not that girly being a rock chick

[Jilly]

Not a suggestion, but I love that campanula, I've seen it in the GC several times but they always have it in the houseplant section, I didn't realise it was hardy.

Jillyx

[bagpuss]

You could try some erodiums in between the bits of stone Carolann, and not all of them are pink.

[Tig]

It all looks very nice as it is Carolann

If you want to add some more perennials I quite like the variegated arabis 'alba', the foliage is quite bright to add interest after flowering. www.rainyside.com/features/plant_gallery/perennials/Arabis_procurrensVariegata.html

You could also add some of the purple leafed ajuga, although I find it to be a bit invasive

There are some variegated aubretias, I think Swan Red and Lime would both add some interest.

Expect the soil is quite damp - have you got any pulsatillas? They seem to prefer dry conditions though?

Hopefully you will get lots more suggestions

x Tig

[Dutchy]

Not a clue what is hardy enough to get through your winters.
But I do want to say that it is a lovely rock garden very hard rock indeed ;D

Maybe Prunella webbiana that does not mind wetness too much.
Full to half shade try Galax urceolata also does not mind wetness but wants acidity I think

[carolann]

Thank you ladies for the surgestions I will look them up later. There are too many bits of soil and I want the whole lot covered or as best as, Jilly it is very hardy I got mine from the GC but outside and it came through last winter with no problems but I did almost lose it when it was first put in till I put some human hair all around it to stop the S&S's from getting it now they dont bother it at all. Tig thats a little beauty I shall look out for that one for sure. Now I'm off to check out the othere plants. Please keep the surgestions coming.

[Auricula]

I grow lots of lampranthus in such situations but I think it would turn its toes up in your winters whereas it's pretty hardy down here. Your area looks lovely at the moment Carolann, very pretty

[Barbara]

What about some RED pelagoniums, you could grow LOADS from seed.
And what abbout some BLUE ajuga, that covers the soil VERY quickly, I hve some I can send you if you like.

I have that little campanula, I call it fairys thimbles, had it for years , never fails to come back, even after _10 we had this year. (I hope I've not just given it the kiss of death )

[beanie]

Have a look at some of the Erodiums they are a smaller version of the hardy Geranium. they have a long flowering season and some of the foliage is evergreen.