Q:

Plants for a sunny border to compliment a tangerine coloured Rose.......

Hi, I have a newly built patio, which incorporates a 5 metre by just over 1 metre bed, south facing in full sun. (when the sun shines!) I have already purchased 8 tangerine roses which I had thought to underplant with some Alchemilla mollis... but I am at a bit of a loss. I had thought to make it very bright with the tangerine/lime colourway but maybe I need to add some dark purple leaved Heuchera? Do they like full sun? Also I would have liked some height at the back....? On the north length of the bed is the patio, on the south length are two oak sleeper holding back a raised lawn. Can you please help me, I started off doing my purchases from you but really I need some professional advice as to what will work together. The 8 rose bushes are the only purchase so far. Regards

Q:

Plant advice for 2 new beds please

Hello, I need some help to decide which plants to put into two new areas please:- 1: A semi-circle flash bed at the front of the house, size approx 2m x 0.80m and 0.80m deep. I thought about the 3 following options for a small tree/bush in the middle:- a) Magnolia soulangeana, but I was worried about the size that it could grow to and possible problems with roots etc . Will it stay small if the size of the container is used to restrict it? b) Witch Hazel (Hamamelis intermediana 'Diane'). Will it spread too much? I think this is very pretty. c) Corylus avellana 'contorta' Then I also need to think about ground cover plants to help suppress weeds. I am only interested in fully hardy, easy to look after plants, could be with some flowers or coloured leaves. 2:- A thin path between neighbours (approx 2m x 0.40). My idea is to plant bamboo. I would love a modern thin run of bamboo with ground cover. My worry is which bamboos to use. I love the yellow, like Phyllostychys aureocaulis (Golden Grove) but not sure if it is strong enough as it could be exposed to some wind. I bought from you a couple of years ago the Phyllostychys aureosulcata 'Spectabilis' which I planted in pots but it died this year. I see on your website some other bamboos but I don't like them as much as their canes seems less exposed and have a lot more foliage. But possibly these would be a better alternative... ...? For the ground cover I as thinking of Ophiopogen nigrescen. Do you think these plants will be suitable, or have you any other suggestions? Thank you for your help, Galia

Q:

Suggestions for planting low maintenance border please

Hello, I recently had my garden extended by a piece of land measuring 34 metres by 14 metres, and my son purchased 23 Phormiums from you in last August on my behalf. I was delighted with the service I received, and the plants appear to be thriving well especially considering the dreadful weather we have suffered this winter. We also bought Rootgrow from you to assist with their development ,and also for use when we moved mature Acers and other shrubs. I still need more shrubs or other types of plants and would appreciate some advice as to what to use. Along one of the 14 metre lengths there is a "hedge" of bamboo plants, and adjacent to these on the return (long) length there is a small rise of earth, tapering down to ground level, with a specimen black bamboo at the end of the mound. There is also a mature acer, which we had to move, situated at the edge of the dividing path (between the lawn) on the field side of the garden. Would it be possible for you to suggest the names of suitable plants which I could purchase from you and which would compliment the existing ones. I am in my eighties and therefore need a very low maintenance garden. I would also like to introduce a little colour if possible. My garden is very exposed and is on quite a windy site. I look forward to your reply.

Q:

Plants to replace a lawn

Dear Sir I have a small lawn at the front of my garden and want to use plants other than grass. Can you give me some ideas of plants that could give a low effect of green or some planting scheme that would look ok ? Richard

Q:

Companion planting for Nectaroscordum bulbs

A friend of mine gave me about 20 Nectaroscordum siculum bulbs this October. I planted them all together for effect, at the required distance apart, and I am wondering if you could suggest something I could plant underneath them, when they come up (hopefully!) next summer. I believe they are quite tall, so something at their feet would be good. The bed gets sun and shade in equal parts. If you could help, I would be very grateful. Best wishes Diane

Q:

Do I need to cut back my Heuchera?

I have a Heuchera Chocolate Ruffles and I am not sure whether I need to cut it back each Spring. It is around 3 years old and although I have never had to prune it before it is starting to look a little tatty.