Читать книгу Plant Combinations for an Abundant Garden - A. & G. Bridgewater - Страница 15

With all sites there are problems and opportunities, and sometimes areas that initially appear totally inhospitable eventually produce the most interesting and distinctive gardens – unique and full of character. Creating height through arches, trellises and pergolas draws attention away from exceptionally narrow or short gardens, while a levelled area on a steep slope becomes idyllic when turned into a leisure feature, especially if illuminated at night.

Can all sites be made attractive?

TOO SMALL?

Logically, there is a size when it is near impossible to create an area in which plants can be grown. Yet many successful gardens are created in areas at the entrances to basement apartments, where both space and light are limited. In small areas ideals are limited, but a few decorative pots, a hanging basket and window box can be just as cherished as an extensive and well-manicured lawn is to a croquet devotee.

Use climbers to cloak eyesores and barren walls. Hanging baskets and window boxes can be used in a similar way.

SEEING THE OPPORTUNITIES

The ability to recognize hidden opportunities in potential gardens is, in part, gained by looking at other gardens, both locally and nationally. Some large display gardens even have areas where a range of small gardens are featured; even if one of them in its entirety does not suit you, an amalgam of several elements may be practical in your garden. Have a sketch-pad or camera handy and take a few notes that later give clues to opportunities.

Annuals are sown in spring each year to create an inexpensive yet vibrantly colored feast of flowers.

LEGACY PROBLEMS

Often there are existing structures in a garden left from the previous owners (or even before them). It could be poles set in concrete to hang out the wash, or the foundation of an old shed. Regardless, former owners often let these existing obstacles restrict their garden design. When first taking possession of a new garden, the time is now to remove these old structures so you can start from a clean slate.

Raised decking is ideal for creating a distinctive feature, perhaps alongside a stream or a colorful garden pond.

AWKWARDLY SHAPED SITES

TERRACING SLOPES

Brick retaining walls have a formal nature and are suited to relatively open areas, whereas old railroad ties are better for relaxed and informal settings with beds of grasses and deciduous azaleas. Peat- blocks are another solution to soil retention, but not on steep slopes. In open areas, slopes can be grass, with level areas interspersed with 45° slopes. Powered edge trimmers are ideal for cutting grass on slopes.

STEEP SLOPES

Slopes provide added interest in a garden, although moving from one level to another can sometimes be difficult – especially as age progresses. Flights of 6–8 steps – with a resting landing between them – make slopes easier to negotiate.

Creating a flattened leisure area on a steep slope helps to split it up. Where possible, position this feature level with head height when viewed from a patio around the house.

SHORT AND WIDE

Accentuate the shortness by erecting a head-high screen of leafy or flowering climbers across the garden, so that the boundary cannot be seen. Ensure that the screen is not too high, because a glimpse of openness beyond the garden removes any feeling of claustrophobia. A well- kept lawn creates an impression of space, while a bench positioned close to the screen forms a focal point.

LONG AND NARROW

Create the impression of a shorter garden by dividing it into several units, each with a unique feel. In a small garden, a free- standing trellis, perhaps combined with a leaf-drenched arch, takes up less space than a dense hedge. Create mystery by varying the position of a linking path, making it impossible to see the back of the garden from the house.

SOIL PROBLEMS

Soils vary in their nature; most are neutral and neither acid nor alkaline. Others are well drained, some waterlogged. Occasionally they are hot and dry. Plants that prefer specific soils are indicated in the plant directory (see here–here).

• Acid soils: these are soils with a pH below about 6.5. Acidity can be corrected by dusting the surface with hydrated lime or ground limestone in winter, after digging. However, some plants – such as Rhododendrons and Azaleas – demand acid soils.

• Alkaline (chalky) soils: these have a pH above 7.0. Chalky soils can be corrected by used acidic fertilizers such as sulphate of ammonia, plus applications of peat. Many plants grow well in chalky soils.

• Neutral soils: these are soils with a pH of 7.0, although most plants grow well in a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.

Shady or sunny?

A garden’s aspect is not usually the first consideration when moving to a new house. Whether it is fully exposed to sunlight or shaded by trees or neighboring buildings can be a lottery that brings both problems and opportunities. There are plants that delight in full sun, while others prefer to grow in shade. The light or shade preferences of many plants are detailed in the plant directory (see here–here).

The degree and nature of light and shade in a garden varies from one part of a day to another.

• Full sun: many plants thrive in full sun, especially if regularly watered. Those native to hot countries and with hot-climate adaptations such as silvery, hairy or aromatic leaves are first choices, but even these need help when getting established. Regular watering and yearly mulching are two moisture-saving tasks.

• Light shade: most plants thrive in a combination of dappled light and full sun. Unless there is a large, overhead canopy of leaves from a tree (which also deprives other plants of moisture and nutrients) the brightest time is during the middle part of a day.

• Heavy shade: most decorative garden plants do not grow well or exhibit attractive qualities when in deep shade.

Unless the shade comes from a building, thin out an overhead canopy created by trees.

Exposed and windswept sites

Newly planted as well as established plants are often damaged by cold, searing winds. Hedges filter the wind and can be used to make gardens more congenial for tender plants. Walls create barriers and encourage swirling eddies on the lee side, as well as buffeting on the windward face.

Coastal gardens

Salt-laden wind is present along coastal strips as well as a few miles or kilometers inland. Some plants tolerate these conditions, while others have their leaves damaged. Coastal plants for forming attractive hedges in warm areas include Fuchsia magellanica (Hardy Fuchsia) and Tamarix ramosissima (Tamarisk; also known as Tamarix pentandra).