Ideal "in between" plants?

Discussion in 'NEW Gardeners !' started by SusieD, May 30, 2015.

  1. SusieD

    SusieD Gardener

    Joined:
    May 28, 2015
    Messages:
    56
    Gender:
    Female
    Ratings:
    +65
    Hi

    Well I went out in my garden today, decided to start with a very small area before I tackle the jungle at the bottom of the garden! This area is up against a fence panel to the right of my garden, towards the house. Shady in the morning but sunny in the afternoon. It's only a small area so I've only planted three things in it so far, a dark red lily, a pink jewel and something completely unknown cos they weren't labelled! My question is should I plant something in between them or would it look too overcrowded? If I can plant something else what would you suggest?

    I should say that on the left hand side is quite a larger shrub and to the right is a large rose bush which needs pruning eventually since when it's windy it knocks the window wanting to come in ;)

    Thank you in advance :)
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Dips

    Dips Total Gardener

    Joined:
    May 10, 2014
    Messages:
    2,277
    Ratings:
    +3,631
    I think if you plant i between it would become too crowded as the plants grow

    If you dont want to see bare soil you could plant some groundcover plants in front
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
    • SusieD

      SusieD Gardener

      Joined:
      May 28, 2015
      Messages:
      56
      Gender:
      Female
      Ratings:
      +65
      Thank you @Dips, that's what I was worried about, as I've no idea how much these things are going to grow. What ground cover plants would you suggest? I'm a complete novice to this gardening business and tend to impulse buy!
       
    • Dips

      Dips Total Gardener

      Joined:
      May 10, 2014
      Messages:
      2,277
      Ratings:
      +3,631
      Im big fan of creeping thyme, creeping phlox or ajuga reptans

      But it depends on how much room you have at the front. Ajugas would work with the partial shade and produce lovely purple flowers
       
      • Informative Informative x 1
      • SusieD

        SusieD Gardener

        Joined:
        May 28, 2015
        Messages:
        56
        Gender:
        Female
        Ratings:
        +65
        Thank you, there's not a great deal of room but I think they look a bit lonely on their own :)
         
      • Dips

        Dips Total Gardener

        Joined:
        May 10, 2014
        Messages:
        2,277
        Ratings:
        +3,631
        Plants always do when you first plant them dont worry they will soon grow

        Perhaps leave it and see how the border looks in september
         
        • Agree Agree x 1
        • Informative Informative x 1
        • SusieD

          SusieD Gardener

          Joined:
          May 28, 2015
          Messages:
          56
          Gender:
          Female
          Ratings:
          +65
          good advice, I tend to be very impatient. I will try and resist planting anything else until these have had a chance to grow a bit :)
           
          • Like Like x 1
          • Dips

            Dips Total Gardener

            Joined:
            May 10, 2014
            Messages:
            2,277
            Ratings:
            +3,631
            Dont worry im impatient too

            I dont think it helps that all gardening shows create instant gardens that look amazing and when you plant stuff yourself it just always looks blah and lacking at first.
             
          • SusieD

            SusieD Gardener

            Joined:
            May 28, 2015
            Messages:
            56
            Gender:
            Female
            Ratings:
            +65
            yes that's true. I did wonder whether I could plant some spring bulbs dotted around (I know it's too late to plant them now). Make it look pretty for longer lol
             
          • Dips

            Dips Total Gardener

            Joined:
            May 10, 2014
            Messages:
            2,277
            Ratings:
            +3,631
            Lol have you got a picture which shows more of the area so we have more clue of context, space and scale etc It will help with people making suggestions
             
          • SusieD

            SusieD Gardener

            Joined:
            May 28, 2015
            Messages:
            56
            Gender:
            Female
            Ratings:
            +65
            lol sorry told you I was impatient! Hope these pics show enough. On the left there will be a bit more space when I find another home for the BBQ!
             

            Attached Files:

          • SusieD

            SusieD Gardener

            Joined:
            May 28, 2015
            Messages:
            56
            Gender:
            Female
            Ratings:
            +65
            haha oh good lord I can see how daft I sound now - there clearly isn't a lot of room for anything else there!
             
          • Dips

            Dips Total Gardener

            Joined:
            May 10, 2014
            Messages:
            2,277
            Ratings:
            +3,631
            You dont sound daft i fully understand

            I would honestly just wait and see how much they grow and how big they get this year and then make a decision
             
            • Useful Useful x 1
            • SusieD

              SusieD Gardener

              Joined:
              May 28, 2015
              Messages:
              56
              Gender:
              Female
              Ratings:
              +65
              yes I will definitely do that, see how these ones get on first. Thanks for all your help :)
               
              • Friendly Friendly x 1
              • Oldtyke

                Oldtyke Gardener

                Joined:
                Mar 12, 2015
                Messages:
                70
                Gender:
                Female
                Location:
                Hessle, East Riding of Yorkshire
                Ratings:
                +194
                I would go to a garden centre and get some half-hardy annuals to give you some colour. Things like nicotiana, salvias, or whatever takes your fancy. Obviously you only get one season out of them, but you can pack them in for a good display.
                 
              Loading...

              Share This Page

              1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                Dismiss Notice