A year ago this border in the garden really annoyed me every time I walked past. It's at the other end of the veg patch gardens, next to the driveway, and was slowly filling up with rubble, litter, animal poo, toys, weeds and leaf litter. The large Viburnum x bodnantense shrubs at either end were overlooked in favour of the detritus underneath. Finally I could stand it no more. I gave up a weekend to clear it all out, dig the soil over, and think about planting it up. A year on, this is the state of progress.
Much more attractive than litter and animal poo! I like the way you've matched the colour of the aquilegia flowers to the foliage - very stylish
ReplyDeleteAha! You noticed, thank you! I took my cue from the colour of the viburnum blossom in winter, then picked up the pink heuchera (Berry Smoothie) and it went on from there!
DeleteLooking good Caro! Your hard work and weekend sacrifice is paying off now :)
ReplyDeleteIn more ways than one, guys! people have stopped chucking their litter in this corner; everyone knows that I tend the gardens in my spare time out of my own pocket so I like to think that this is a small measure of respect for me and pride in where they live. 😇
DeleteThe red foliages look so stunning!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Endah. The border is best seen in the afternoon rather than bright early morning sunshine but I couldn't resist!
DeleteYou've made a beautiful tapestry, I'm sure everyone will enjoy looking at it now.
ReplyDeleteI hope so Pauline, it certainly cheers me up no end whenever I walk past!
DeleteThat looks really good, you must be well pleased with it. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Flighty. It's a work in progress but, yes, I am pleased with the way it's shaping up. I've put in plants that will gradually spread out or self seed but I'd love to get some snowdrops in there for winter!
Deletevery pretty. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I may even show the other two-thirds in another post! :)
DeleteNow that combination looks most attractive Caro. Glad to read that the litter problem has waned as a consequence. Is that sweet woodruff creeping about?
ReplyDeleteThank you Anna, that's a real compliment coming from you! Yes, well spotted - that IS sweet woodruff! I had a tiny clump of it from the city farm and read that it spread quite nicely. I love it's star shaped flowers and the way it's creeping around the other plants to hide the soil (and, probably, slugs!).
DeleteLovely colour combinations.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. It makes a change from all the green of the veg patch!! (Except not so much this year as I planted those vibrant tulips under the fruit trees!!) Nice to spread the colour around a bit, keeps the other tenants happy to know that I'm not taking over the gardens for potatoes and beans!
DeleteThat's a wonderful combination of poo and litter defying plants, I particularly like the way the heuchera echoes the colour of the aquelegia.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janet - and yes the colour combo is no accident! I was lucky to find 3 heucheras going begging after the Which? trials had finished and they happened to be perfect to blend into this spot. I then bought the pink aquilegia to tie in with the theme but there are a few blue/purple ones creeping in as well!
DeleteProves all your design work is paying off, and with freebie plants too, most impressive!
DeleteDefinitely worth the hard work, I think you have to think long term when you're doing these kind of jobs. I love the different heucheras, all different colours but they all compliment each other so well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jo. I never really considered heucheras before but now think they're an excellent plant for a border. I've even been eyeing up more at plant sales!
DeleteLooks fabulous, Caro. Loving the colours and just shows how much a little effort and care can make. Have a lovely weekend. x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lou. I had a picture in my mind of how I wanted it to be; this is getting there, even without a budget to spend. Amazing what can be done with seeds, free plants and some bargain supermarket buys!
DeleteWell that has got to be a whole lot better than all the rubbish - love that little aquilegia, so pretty.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, Elaine! and I know that I'll have that aquilegia for a while to come! (or its offspring!)
DeleteAhhhh, how lovely to restore a little patch of land used as a dumping ground and turn it into a little haven. It looks so pretty.xxx
ReplyDeleteThis area is so tricky with its deep summer shade and dry soil but people have commented how nice it all looks so that makes it worth the effort! Basically, I love gardening so am glad of having another challenge to meet!
DeleteGosh, you really have made a picture in what you say was an annoying patch - it's so delicate and colourful now!
ReplyDeleteAquilegia is one of my favourites - because you never quite know where it's going to turn up the following year!
Emma :-)
Thanks, Emma - and I discovered the truth about aquilegias after my sister gave me a few from her garden. I now have them coming up all over the place - including in the cracks in the pavement! And aren't they tough to dig out!!
DeleteThe contrast between the two years must be incredible. I love the contrast in colours and leaf textures. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah. Even clearing the debris ready to plant made a difference! Cx
Delete