Empty border, what can I fill it out with?

rinroo

I have an empty border in my front garden that used to be home to 3 torbay red palms (i think thats what they were called anyway) But the snow at the start of the year killed them off.

So now I'm left with a a border which is approx 1 m x 4.5 m, It gets the sun all day, has no shade and is currently being used by the neighbours cats as a toilet :cool: and I have absolutely no idea of what to put there.

I'm not very green fingered and have no clue about plants. I just want something that will fill it out add a bit of colour and the main bulk to come back every year. I obviously dont want to spend a fortune either, I just need a pointer in the right direction as to what kinds of plants/shrubs/trees? I need to be looking at. I did have a wander round the local garden centre but the guy i spoke too said i should just do a rockery as its easy and hassle free, but i'm not sure i want a rockery.

elsien

Some bulbs to give early colour. Then really the worlds your lobster!
Maybe a couple of shrubs to give some structure and all round colour, and some perennials (come back every year but die down in the winter) which flower at different times so there's something interesting going on all the time?
With it being a sunny spot you've got quite a lot of choice, so you might want to narrow down what you want a bit more.
I'd give your nursery nil points for customer service!

What sort of height do you want? Is it in front of a hedge or fence?

stilernin

Why not ask on your local Freecycle for any plants that they might be thinning out or pulling up seedlings of? It would be a quick, free way of filling up the space while you make a long term plan. Any you don't like can always be dug up next year and put back on Freecycle.

I have given away loads in the past; there are always takers.

amcluesent

> the guy i spoke too said i should just do a rockery<

LOL. Was it Gene Hunt?

A bed in full sun lends itself to a Mediterranean planting scheme, so look for plants with hairy or small waxy leaves, herbs and succulents which can cope with droughts.

Google for Mediterranean planting scheme and there's loads of ideas; stachys, crocosmia, santolina, geraniums, etc

rinroo

Thanks for the replies.

elsien wrote: »

What sort of height do you want? Is it in front of a hedge or fence?

Not thought about height really, there is nothing in front of it but grass, its completely flat, no fence or hedge.

I'm off to google a Mediterranean planting scheme now

Pipkin

How about some scented Pinks?

Smell fabulous, look wonderful, are hardy (mine survived unprotected underneath all the snow this winter) and come back year after year.

Homebase are selling 6 very very well established and thriving pinks for £7 - you can get cheaper but these are top class plants (slightly bigger ones are nearly £4 each in B and Q.)