structural planting, ideas?

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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