Another renovation project started in 2011 was to totally revamp what I now refer to as the Willow Screen Border.
I decided to limit the flower colour scheme to blue and white as the border 'sits' beneath a fairly large crab apple tree which casts shadow over the border so I thought these colours would give a lift to the shade.
Although the flower colours were limited there is also the additional colour provided by the leaves of plants - some I chose for the silvery white variegation which contrasts with the plummy leaves of the heuchera that provide a link through to the leaves of the crab apple that overshadows the border
As well as providing interest through colour the leaves of the plants above also have a variety of shapes and textures which are added to by the leaves of the perennials that are shooting into growth.
In this border I planted a couple of shrubs - one being an acer and the other ...
... at the opposite end of the bed to the acer, a hydrangea quercifolia both of which also have interesting leaves. I did worry recently that the hydrangea was dying but it now seems to have rallied and is producing new shoots.
A choisya that, along with one or two other plants, was allowed to survive the renovation is just coming into flower. Luckily for it the white flowers fit my colour scheme.
At the moment flower colour is being provided by spring perennials.
and the bulbs that I planted last year.
Summer flowering perennials should hopefully take over once these have died back. I'm hoping the crab apple that is now in full flower won't cast too much shade for them to thrive.
Of the five clematis planted along the screen four are showing growth in varying degrees - although none are really growing as quickly as I would have liked - but I am concerned that one plant has disappeared altogether.
All in all I am pleased with how things are progressing and just need to consider whether I need to add anything once I determine where the gaps are.
The blue crocuses planted in this area disappeared altogether so I'll buy more crocuses this year and grow them on in pots to plant out later - as I did for the front garden bed.
I decided to limit the flower colour scheme to blue and white as the border 'sits' beneath a fairly large crab apple tree which casts shadow over the border so I thought these colours would give a lift to the shade.
I'm thinking of planting out some anemone blanda which have been growing on in pots. As they came in a mixed pack, I've been waiting until I saw what colour they were. I'm quite happy that they have all ended up having blue flowers so I have placed the three pots in the border to see how they'get on'' there.
Being spring flowers I think they may tolerate a bit of crab apple shade once the tree is in full leaf. What do you think?
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It all looks very nice, and the combination of white and blue suits perfectly for shaded areas.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to make a white flower bed one day, because white flowers are my favourite.
I've been pleased with the colour combination, Dewberry
DeleteSue, have you ever made an inventory of the plants you have in your garden? It would be a long list! The blue and white colour scheme works very well - and I like the willow screen too. It has a much softer look than say a larchlap fence would have. how long does that stuff last?
ReplyDeleteI've looked back and the screen was there in 2007 Mark - could have been sooner but my pictures only go back that far. I don't think it would have lasted as long if it hadn't had a neighbour's fence behind it. Originally we erected it as we didn't like the look of the fence. It was a strong ready made screen - ones we have made, to divide up the garden, just using the willow roll haven't lasted as long.
DeleteThe Willow screen is beautiful Sue and I especially love the Lamium and the Acer.
ReplyDeleteThe work that has gone into those beds is very obvious, thank you for sharing such beautiful photos.
Linda - The Tenacious Gardener
The acer was something we had wanted for ages, Linda but this border seemed to offer enough shelter for us to finally plant one.
DeleteI do love the willow screen, so pretty, and such a lovely border too. Blue and white is lovely.
ReplyDeleteSome fantastic pics there.xxxx
Thank you, Snowbird
DeleteWell I think it all looks wonderful. You certainly do put a lot of thought and planning into your garden. Mine is quite small and really for the children more than me so I do very little with it apart from some summer bedding plants each year. I would quite like a larger more interesting garden...but then where on earth would I find the time to do it!!
ReplyDeleteWe'd really like a garden big enough to not need an allotment, Tanya but it isn't going to happen!
DeleteLove your blue and white border - not a combination I would have thought of - but they look really good together
ReplyDeleteWith a little cheating, Elaine to allow for the bronzy heuchera and Ophiopogon.
DeleteI really like your willow screen border area. It is looking lovely with the bamboo plant and the other plants you've selected. I like the edging too; a great job. (I'd be sitting and admiring it with a cup of tea.)
ReplyDeleteCoffee maybe Kelli but I hate tea! I have planted some clematis to scramble up the screen which has wires attached but things are slow to take off.
DeleteAren't those willow screens lovely, I used them in my parents garden to hide the neighbours connifers. I bought a Brunnera last week and love its little blue flowers and the wonderful leaves. I'm looking forward to it getting big enough to divide.
ReplyDeleteWas it Jack Frost Paula?
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