Green Giant Gardens has launched!

Well I am now up and running as Green Giant Gardens. After getting a solictor involved with the sweetcorn giant I've been given the all clear to use the name so I'm away.My first job has been to plant up the front of a house around their new drive. The main area to plant is a 8 x 2m half moon, south east facing with light shade from some beach trees accross the road. The soil was very poor, so I've dug in topsoil and manure. Its all ready to plant up, just waiting for the first flush of weeds to confirm there's nothing nasty growing in there. There are two nice 3m tall acers in the border but nothing else. The owners want fairly low maintenance shrubs and perrenials that look good all year, with some flower spikes and scent. They would like a cotemporary look in greens, whites, blues and maybe a little yellow.I have a few ideas, but was hoping to find planting plans from skilled designers available online, but there seems to be very little out there. I've also scoured the library at Pershore College with little success.Are planting plans and border designs something thats generally not available, or am I just looking in the wrong places?I've attached a picture of the area to be planted. The sad looking phormiums are now gone.

Hello Giant
Even though this border has a southerly aspect, I would imagine when the two trees come into leaf there will be a fair amount of shade cast. Try to go for bomb proof plants that are hard to kill.
What plant where by Roy Lancaster is a book I often return to
A few plants I would recommend.
Actaea simplex (atropurpurea group, tall and elegant )
Ajuga (good low ground cover, blue flower spikes in spring, a few to choose from)
Arum italicum Marmoratum ( dies down in summer but fresh as a daisy through winter)
Brunnera macrophylla ‘jack frost’ (beautiful leaves, blue forget me not flowers)
Euonymus fortunei ‘emerald gaiety’ ( indestructible)
Euphorbia palustris ( looks good with blue hardy geraniums )
Hellebores ( many nice whites )
White fox gloves
Some grasses might be good, there are some nice green and white Carex, ‘ice dance’ is one that comes to mind
Good luck

Replies

Kieran Ray March 3, 2010 at 9:04pm

A lot of work goes into planting plans and other designs so with out paying for one I doubt it.

I have a book called 'the bed and boarder planner' by John Walker. ISBN 1-85391-752-4
It's Really handy as there are 4 leaves in it a different height for each section so you can mix and match to see what works together well.
Kirsty Blair March 3, 2010 at 9:54pm

I have a variety of books to refer to, 'perfect plant,perfect place' being my fav. Get books that work for you, do your research - have a mix of flowering times/good evergreen structure/look at the finished heights and place accordingly! Make sure you've asked your clients what they like and dislike before you choose - colours as well as plants.

As long as you know the aspect and soil condition/ph - go and talk to your plant supplier, they should be able to help you too.

Have a look at retail suppliers online - they tend to offer suggestions on things that go together.

A few suggestions - hope it helps.
kirsty
Carol Wallace March 4, 2010 at 12:04am

Congratulations, Nathan! And also on getting through the legal snarls so you could use the name you wanted. A book I recommend on garden planning is "The Well Designed Mixed Garden" by Tracy DiSabato-Aust. Quite readable and full of down to earth practical advice. I notice someone else recommended "Right Plant Right Place" which is also invaluable. Best of luck to you!
Lawncare-4u.co.uk March 4, 2010 at 1:18am

not the Jolly green giant !?
Gareth March 4, 2010 at 5:15am

Hello Giant
Even though this border has a southerly aspect, I would imagine when the two trees come into leaf there will be a fair amount of shade cast. Try to go for bomb proof plants that are hard to kill.
What plant where by Roy Lancaster is a book I often return to
A few plants I would recommend.
Actaea simplex (atropurpurea group, tall and elegant )
Ajuga (good low ground cover, blue flower spikes in spring, a few to choose from)
Arum italicum Marmoratum ( dies down in summer but fresh as a daisy through winter)
Brunnera macrophylla ‘jack frost’ (beautiful leaves, blue forget me not flowers)
Euonymus fortunei ‘emerald gaiety’ ( indestructible)
Euphorbia palustris ( looks good with blue hardy geraniums )
Hellebores ( many nice whites )
White fox gloves
Some grasses might be good, there are some nice green and white Carex, ‘ice dance’ is one that comes to mind
Good luck
PRO

Green Giant Gardens March 4, 2010 at 7:36am

Thanks for everyones' words of advise. The Jolly Green Giant was destined to land me in all kinds of legal hassle, so Green Giant Gardens it is. Doing a bit of work for a solictor has got that sorted for me. Thanks for the advise on books and plants.