Revamping a Border (Part 2)

14 comments

Back in May, I described how I replanted a border in the garden in readiness for our Open Garden in mid August. After lots of hard work in preparation, the plants went in

By early June, it had made lots of growth and the first colour started to appear

A week later, it was getting into its stride

By the end of the month, the taller plants were filling in

By mid July, and the driest summer on record (we had practically no rain in June, just one period of drizzle), things quietened down. This is not unusual for southern England where the second half of July is considered a barren period in the garden if you rely on shrubs and perennials

But by the end of the month, colour started to creep back

If you refer back to Part 1, you will see I put aside some heleniums to replant. These should have been in flower for mid August when the garden is open. Well, here is the result

After temperatures up to 32C and practically no rain for two months, nothing in this border was watered except for a couple of geums that received a can of water twice in July. There is a little tweeking for next year, but this has worked out pretty much as I’d hoped. I hope it’s appreciated when the garden is open tomorrow.

18 Aug, 2018
11 likes

Comments

Pb123

That's a great result for a first season border - especially with the weather we've had! I'm sure you'll get loads of lovely comments tomorrow: good luck.
By the way I can't really see - what are the tall yellow flowers at the back?

18 Aug, 2018

Andrewr

It's silphium perfoiatum. It was planted twenty years ago and has now formed a sizable colony. It was left in place when the border was revamped as it puts on a good display which seems to get better and better each year. Although the stems are said to be self supporting, I find you need to give them support to keep them totally upright

18 Aug, 2018

Dianebulley

Thats very good advice for new members. Take the list to the GC next year. Always helpful.

18 Aug, 2018

Eirlys

l
Looks great. Your plants have done well to overcome the lack of water and extreme heat.

(Thanks for asking your question, Pb123. I was wondering that. Very effective background plant.)

18 Aug, 2018

Sunnydais

Could you say where you got the seeds from for the lovely yellow background plant, I can't find any UK based ones. It all looks beautiful and I love the photos being so helpful.

18 Aug, 2018

Steragram

Best wishes for Sunday!

18 Aug, 2018

Siris

Hope your garden opening is successful.

18 Aug, 2018

Andrewr

Sunnydais - I don't have a supplier for seeds, but Larch Cottage and Great Dixter have plants for sale on their websites

18 Aug, 2018

Seaburngirl

good luck today, I am sure you will have a lovely turn out. The border looks wonderful despite the lack of water.

19 Aug, 2018

Sunnydais

Thank you and have a great day!

19 Aug, 2018

Lincslass

The border looks fantastic Andrew, wishing you well for today, too far for me I'm afraid, I hope the day stays dry for you and the visitors appreciate your lovely garden...

19 Aug, 2018

Callie1914

Good luck today Andrew,your border looks lovely.

19 Aug, 2018

Pb123

How did the open day go? I expect you're collapsed in a heap recovering today!

20 Aug, 2018

Andrewr

I've just posted a blog about the Open Garden with photos

20 Aug, 2018

Add a comment