Ground cover plants are extremely beneficial in suppressing weed growth within the garden beds and amongst the ornamental plants. However, utility does not have to be the primary function, ground cover plants are aesthetically beneficial too, with many being highly decorative in their own right. A variety of colours and textures are to be found and once established most weed seedlings that attempt to grow will be successfully smothered by the ground cover canopy, depriving them of light and competing with them for water.
Ground cover plants also have great benefits with regards to the garden location and site topography. Where steep slopes exist and are subject to erosion, plants with a low spreading habit and vigorous root growth will provide stability to the soil, particularly after heavy rainfalls. The following are recommended: Juniperus squamata – Blue Carpet. Cotoneaster dammeri – Bear Berry. Hypericum calycinum – Rose of Sharon. A wildlife garden can benefit too with the addition of ground cover to attract the bees and butterflies, such as: Thymus praecox – creeping thyme. Lotus corniculatus – bird’s foot trefoil. In dry locations and to inhibit evaporation from soil and to eliminate the use of a top surface mulch, ground cover plants should not be underestimated. A dense planting of evergreens will assist in shading the soil, keeping it cool and natural leaf decomposition will act as the mulch. The following plants are suggested: Rosmarinus – rosemary Lavandula – lavender Cistus skanbergii – dwarf pink rockrose. Cistus Corbariensis – hybrid rockrose. Ground cover plants can provide colour to areas of shade, the following are examples: Bergenia – Ballawley, elephants ears. Euonymus fortunei – spindle emerald/gold. Symphytum x uplandicum ‘Variegatum’ When selecting ground cover plants it is best to choose the ones of vigorous growth and that will cover their allotted space in a short duration of time. It is important that they are perennial, either evergreen all year round or emerging rapidly in spring before the unwanted weeds have a chance to set seed. Ground cover plants are not necessarily confined to low growing, but taller shrubs of medium height can also be used to suppress weeds beneath their own canopy and below tree canopies too, such as: Fatsia japonica - ‘Variegata’ Cotoneaster conspicuss – Tibetan. Prunus lauroceraus - ‘OttoLuyken’ There are numerous ornamental ground cover plants available that can provide great colour and interest to the garden and when preparing to plant, ensure that the ground is weed free prior to planting and take heed of the recommended spacing, as this can vary from plant to plant. This year and the years to follow, why not reduce the weeding time and bring additional benefits to the garden by incorporating a variety of ground cover plants.
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Most, if not all gardens there will exist an area subjected to shade, an area of comparative darkness and coolness caused by a shelter from the direct sunlight.
As the summer approaches and the strength of the sun’s rays increase, the shady areas which are often neglected should perhaps be embraced and appreciated more. Shade is created by buildings, walls, fences or tree top canopies and when a solid structure is the cause, more often than not, it will provide protection against wind too. This microclimate can provide a pleasant seating area on a hard or soft landscaped surface, providing protection from the midday sun and strong winds. Climbing plants which are suitable to grow in shade are:
Certain types of climbing roses are also shade tolerant and some climbers are more vigorous than others which should be taken into consideration. Shrubs can be planted directly into the ground or the use of pots maybe more appropriate. As with climbers, many shrubs can provide a profusion of colour within an area of comparative darkness. Popular shrubs for growing in the shade are:
There are numerous other shrubs which are compatible with shade and it is advisable to research online or a visit to a nearby garden centre. The average temperature will also has a huge affect on the plants growing rate and an area of shade is most likely to have a North or North Easterly aspect and subject to cold, if not freezing temperatures during the winter. This should be taken into consideration before plant selection. Treetop canopies can provide full shade to a dapple shade and the choice of planting here should be more akin to a natural woodland environment. These would be perennials which return each year such as:
The above, once again can bring great colour and vibrancy to an otherwise sombre section of the garden. Therefore, no longer be kept in the dark, surround oneself with an abundance of colour and sally forth into the shade. During the month of March the northern hemisphere spring equinox occurs, thus the length of daylight is
equal to that of darkness. From then onwards the daylight hours increase and the gardening season is well and truly upon us and no doubt a floriferous spring and summer to look forward to. A variety of summer bloom can come from the bulbous plants and the month of March is ideal to plant the following popular bulbs: - Dahlias - Gladioli - Begonias - Crocosmia - Cannas Lily All of the above can be regarded as sub-tropical plants, which thrive in the sunny and warm locations of the garden. Therefore, it is best to take heed of the weather forecast and not to proceed with planting if a frost is imminent. Essentially the difference between spring bulbs and summer bulbs is that the spring bulbs require several weeks of cold temperatures to trigger the upward growth, hence they are planted in autumn and remain in the soil throughout the winter with growth and blossom occurring in spring. However, the summer bulbs with their preference for a warmer climate do not require this slumber period of cold temperatures. The term bulb is used generically as it includes bulbs, tubers, corms and rhizomes. They are all underground storage organs, the correct name which classifies them all under one umbrella is ‘Geophytes’ originating from Greek, earth (Geo) and plant (phytes). The planting depths can vary depending on the type of bulb, a good rule of thumb is two to three times the size of the bulb which more than often equates to planting approximately 100mm deep. Dahlias are root tubers and can benefit from being pot planted in a greenhouse for the initial growth to commence and then transplanted into the garden, this is to ensure they do not succumb to any frosts. It is however, the temperature of the soil, a minimum of 13c and not the air temperature which contributes to healthy and beautiful dahlias, therefore, it is best to choose an area with full sun and lighter, free drainage soil. Gladioli and Crocosmias are both corms and to be planted approximately 100mm deep and it is advisable to prepare the planting bed by adding some compost after loosening the soil with a garden fork. The Crocosmia corms will benefit from being planted in clumps, whereas, the Gladioli should be planted individually with the point of the corm facing upwards and by placing several in close vicinity to one another, one will be rewarded with a fabulous display of blossom. Gladioli also make excellent cut flowers for the enthusiastic florists amongst us. Begonia tubers are suited for containers and hanging baskets and will provide a continuous colour throughout the summer and autumn. The fibrous rooted variety are more suitable for the garden beds. The tubers have a convex side which is planted downwards, the concave side will posses the new growth and faces upwards. Plant in a pot with a thin layer of gravel/shingle to allow for drainage then the remainder with compost and plant the tuber just beneath the surface. The range of colourful begonias available ensure hanging baskets are a great addition to any garden. The canna lily is a rhizome (underground stem) and the large bold tropical leaves and striking flowers make for a terrific display and should be planted in full sun and a sheltered location away from strong winds. Plant the rhizomes, with the growing points facing upwards, 100mm deep with 500mm spacing between each one for a superb summer display and then water thoroughly. It is highly recommended to use a soil thermometer probe before the planting of summer bulbs, then one can be sure the necessary soil temperature of 13c has been reached for a successful summer bloom. |
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