Planter advice for a beginner

JamesN

Hi

I’m looking to put our house on the market in a month or so. I’m currently trying to dress up the exterior to make it more appealing. So I’m looking at cheap solutions for landscaping.

I’ve had some planters made up to go under the windows. 5 in total. The ones that are made out of decking boards. They are about 40cm high and vary in length but for ease let’s say around 1 metre long.

I’m clueless when it comes to plants so I’m after some suggestions on what is easy to maintain and cheap to buy when relatively established (bulbs will take too long I assume, given I’ve got a month).

1 planter is very small compared to the rest as it’ll sit by the front door. Another 1 needs to be a climber as I’m matching some trellis to it. There isn’t a huge amount of sunlight but it’s not permanently shaded either.

Any recommendations on what to get? Keen to learn but trying to keep cost down.

Thanks in advance.

-taff

Some cheap bedding plants will be good for now, geraniums or pelargoniums, or some surfinia, or some ivy. Or some of all three. You could put a few herbs in. And a clematis or black eyed susan for the trellis.

unrecordings

Maybe something bright like marigolds or oxeye daisies ? Easy to replenish from a garden centre (or B&Q) if you've an unexpected viewing. Maybe some lavender..? I personally wouldn't think too much about longevity at this stage

Farway

unrecordings wrote: »

Maybe something bright like marigolds or oxeye daisies ? Easy to replenish from a garden centre (or B&Q) if you've an unexpected viewing. Maybe some lavender..? I personally wouldn't think too much about longevity at this stage

Agree entirely, all you really need is something to entice viewing, a trip to any s/m will provide instant bedding plants at least cost


Should they show signs of tiredness before you sell, just replace them



New owners will either care for them or let them die, by which time you'll be sorting your new house out


Just treat whatever you buy as expendable window dressing

GreenQueen

what about some nice herbs in one or two - cost about the same as geraniums, and you'll have something you can use. Parsley is bright and textured, you can get thyme, sage or oregano with variegated leaves, chives add a bit of spikiness. Added benefit, if someone brushes against it, it smells nice! Marigolds or nasturtiums can add a bit of colour, and won't cause any problems with edibility (if there is such a word!)

JamesN

Thank you all. Appreciate the good friendly advice. We are on the same wavelength. It’s not longevity I’m after it’s kerb appeal

I’ll see what they look like in the local garden centres. Is it best to go garden centre or b and q for prices? I live in Stratford on Avon if hat helps.

-taff

Independent garden centers are usually cheaper than Dobbies or Wyevale, and Lidl and Aldi also do cheap beding plants. So do bigger supermakets or BM bargains gor example..

sheramber

Beware that summer bedding plants need protecting from frost. So be prepared to cover them with fleece if frost likely.

Pansies/violas , bellis are okay but geraniums would need protection.
You can get heathers in flower now but they need ericaceous compost.

PurAsc

Definitely, agree with this for a low maintenance but pretty option Good luck with the move!

Farway

JamesN wrote: »

Thank you all. Appreciate the good friendly advice. We are on the same wavelength. It’s not longevity I’m after it’s kerb appeal

I’ll see what they look like in the local garden centres. Is it best to go garden centre or b and q for prices? I live in Stratford on Avon if hat helps.

I find Morrison's have lots of bedding plants, and choices, this time of year, with 2 for £3 type offers

JamesN

Managed to get some clematis (also my favourite of the lot) but struggled to find the other ones. That said I was avoiding garden centres as trying to keep costs low.

I also got some petunias to go with it as the label suggested it would be suitable. They were cheap so no major issue if they aren’t. .

I’ve got some other flowers too but the names escape me at this hour. I'll add them in tomorrow.

I’ve planted them all in. Any idea of the best way to include a photo?