structural planting, ideas?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by al n, Sep 5, 2011.

  1. al n

    al n Total Gardener

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    good morning all :)

    i'm starting to think about planting and i am stuck on ideas for structural planting for wooden planters. there will be roughly 12 planters each measuring 3ft by 3 ft so what do you suggest?

    in the past, i've used cordylines, canary island palms, and bamboo, so will probably incorporate these, but i would like ideas for something to go with them. they need to be non poisonous, and safe for little ones. i'm going to be on a budget as all this re-design is going to cost a small fortune!

    thanks for the replies in advance,
    atb, Al.:)
     
  2. *dim*

    *dim* Head Gardener

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    if the planters are to be left outdoors, then look at a chusan palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) ... this is the hardiest palm in the UK (supposidly good for up to -15 degrees C) .... after a few years when the pot has become too small, sell it on or plant it in your garden .... large specimins fetch good money

    you could also look at a Chamaerops humils palm .... also hardy, but not as hardy as the fortunei

    here is a site which will give you many ideas:
    Architectural Plants: Illustrated Plant Catalogue: A

    the link shows plants starting with the letter A ... click on the other alphabet letters at the bottom of the page to view the others


    I would not look at planting cordylines as many were destroyed by last years winter
     
  3. al n

    al n Total Gardener

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    thanks *dim*

    your right about the cordylines, i lost everyone of them i had :( shame, i do like them for structure.

    thanks for the suggestions, i'll look into the chusan palm.
     
  4. al n

    al n Total Gardener

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    forgot to add, we are 200 yards from the seafront and it can get quite windy. even tho we are sheltered by houses, when it blows a hoolie it really does blow strong.
     
  5. *dim*

    *dim* Head Gardener

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    for windy situations, the Chamaerops humils palm is better ... there is a 'blue' leafed version which some say is hardier than the normal one ... called the vulcano

    http://www.therealgarden.co.uk/content/root/en/images/20081212161954-cham-vulcano-PC2-400.jpg

    for a replacement of the cordylines, look at mahonia .... there are a few species, and one has reddish leaves .... as hard as nails
     
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