Planting for a north facing cremation plot

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Bobster64, Nov 18, 2018.

  1. Bobster64

    Bobster64 Apprentice Gardener

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    My wife sadly died two months ago and her ashes have just been buried in our local churchyard. The plot is on the north side of a hedge and as well as room for a foot wide trough of plants, as it is in the first row, there seems scope to plant some bulbs in the yard or so between the plot and hedge. Someone else has already planted what I think are little cyclamen which seem to be thriving. As I do not know a great deal about gardening and particularly winter plants, I am appealing for some suggestions.
    What could I plant in the trough that would give colour over the winter months? (Suggestions for other seasons also welcome.).
    Recommendations for bulbs and plants in the north facing piece of ground in front of the hedge. I think I have left it too late to plant snowdrops - am I better wait for spring now before planting?
    Any help and suggestions much appreciated
     
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    • CarolineL

      CarolineL Total Gardener

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      Hi Bobster64 - my sympathies - I went through the same loss back in May, but our local cemetery does not allow plants, it just grasses over apart from the headstone. If the cyclamen are the winter flowering ones (hederifolium), then you could extend the season by cyclamen coum which flower (pink, white) in early spring and also have lovely coloured leaves. You could have winter aconites producing lovely shining yellow flowers in February. You can get little pots of bulbs (snowdrops, miniature iris etc) already growing from garden centres, and they should settle quickly.
       
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      • ARMANDII

        ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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        Hi Bob, my sincere condolences for your loss. I lost my wife in April 2001 and still go to the Church every day and she always has fresh flowers in the urns, rain, snow or shine. Inside the frame of the grave I have planted Cyclamen in pots, with the tops covered in the compost which fills the stone frame, and they seem to like and thrive in it.
        Cyclamens are good for the Winter colour as are Winter Aconites.

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        Difficult as it is, Bob, at this time, I would advise you to think ahead and also plant some Spring bulbs for future years so that the flowering period continues. I buy 36 pots of dwarf Daffodils every year in March from a Market Trader friend of mine and they are planted in the pots inside the frame lining the sides to give flowering from March into May. So I would recommend Winter and Spring bulbs and Cyclamen if you can find the space.
         
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          Last edited by a moderator: Nov 19, 2018
        • Ned

          Ned Evaporated

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          Hello @Bobster64 , so sorry for your loss, but a big :sign0016: to the corner, you never know, maybe we will persuade you to be an avid gardener too.
          A good way to ensure that there is something flowering all year, would be to buy a small flowering perennial plant each month of the year. In 12 months there should be enough to make a permanent continuing display.
           
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          • Upsydaisy

            Upsydaisy Total Gardener

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            My condolences to you @Bobster64.

            We have a similar issue with my Mum's plot , but I think it's a bit smaller. If you're not sure then maybe a good idea is to go to a Garden Centre or similar each month and see what's in bloom.

            A warm welcome to the forum.:hapflowers2:
             
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            • Marley Farley

              Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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              Hello @Bobster64 ..... Please please before you plant anything check your cemetery regulations before you plant, as some do not allow planting.. It is heartbreaking if you are told to remove plants after you have put them in or even put a slate or gravel topping...!

              If you can plant them there are Daphnes, they have a lovely scent and some are low growing, and of course there is always Aubretia.. It is difficult as some allow planting and some don't and some allow ground cover plants, just so long as they can mow over the plots... please check first..
               
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              • Ned

                Ned Evaporated

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                Marley, doesn't Daphne require full sun? This plot is on the north side of a hedge :scratch:
                 
              • ARMANDII

                ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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                Daphne
                Daphnes are grown for their beautiful and intensely fragrant blooms which are usually produced in winter or spring. They are best planted near paths and doorways or at the front of borders where it is easy to enjoy their heady fragrance when in flower. Some have attractive foliage or berries as well.

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                Daphne

                Quick facts
                Common name Daphne
                Botanical name Daphne
                Group Range from large shrubs to small alpines
                Flowering time January-December
                Planting time Spring
                Height and spread Various
                Aspect Sun, partial shade, shade
                Hardiness Hardy
                Difficulty Moderate
                 
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                • Marley Farley

                  Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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                  Well I have two north facing and they are as happy as Larry @Tetters ..
                   
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                  • Ned

                    Ned Evaporated

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                    Well - I`m learning all the time Marley. I have never had much success with any of the Daphne varieties I`ve tried. Maybe the soil requirements ?
                    I think the one I have is ''aureomarginata'' or something like that, and although it has survived, the leaves always look a bit yellow.
                    I tried to grow ''mezureum'' but it died :frown:
                     
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                    • Marley Farley

                      Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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                      @Tetters I have Rebecca and Limpsfield but would like a Jaqueline Postel too. Love the scents.
                       
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