Planning groups in a border for Sale



How to Plan a Group Planting in a Border For most people, a typical border is a grouping of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and bulbs together in a long bed with the boundary fence or hedge as a backdrop. There are variations such as islands beds where the plants are visible on all sides and double borders with a path down the middle, although these are usually for larger gardens. The aim of a border is to display groups of plants so they combine well together either in harmony or by contrasting colour and form. Borders can be planned to build up to a peak in one season, usually summer, or to have something on offer in each season. Before planting up a border it is worth doing some plant research and planning. Start with the more permanent plants like shrubs, you will probably have a few favourites in mind. How much space will they need in 5-10 years time? Will they thrive in the soil, will they get enough sun? Use this checklist to make sure each season is covered. Spring - flowering shrubs and spring bulbs. Summer - herbaceous perennials. Autumn – late-flowering perennials, berried shrubs and shrubs with autumn colour. Winter - evergreens.

Graph paper; pens; tape measure; a selection of shrubs, perennials and bulbs; spade; trowel; mulch such as bark chips; watering can or seep hose; general fertiliser such as Growmore or blood, fish and bone.

It is worth measuring the area of the border and drawing a plan on graph paper. A rough sketch is fine but do make it to scale, work in either metric or imperial but not a mixture. Mark where the shady or sunny spots are and any existing features. You will now have an idea how much space you have for plants.

Start with the shrubs taking into account how much they will spread in 5-10 years. Aim to include both colourful evergreens and deciduous shrubs with either fine flowers or stunning autumn foliage. In general, shrubs tend to go at the back and in the middle of the border, herbaceous perennials at the middle and in front. An island bed is an exception as the taller plants are in the middle with lower plants either side of them. After choosing the shrubs, turn your attention to perennials. Those with flowers add a seasonal highlight but try to choose at least some with interesting foliage as this lasts longer. Spring bulbs add early interest to a border, despite their size they are best towards the back or middle of a border so their dying foliage is hidden by emerging perennials.

Border plants will be in position for many years so it is best to clear any perennial weeds well before planting and to dig the soil over.

Autumn is a good time to plant up a border as long as the plants are hardy. Spring is also fine but leave it too late and you will have a lot of watering to do over the summer. Place plants in position while they are still in their pots, so you can check spacings. Most shrubs will be single specimens but many perennials are planted in groups of three or more plants that grow together to form a drift or clump. Water plants well before planting. Spring bulbs can be planted as dry bulbs in autumn (tulips can be planted up until the beginning of December) or as potted plants in spring. When planting a border start at the back, planting the large plants first then move to the middle then the front.

After planting, level the ground out as much as you can and cover the ground between plants with a 5 cm deep layer of bark chips. Water plants until they are established. The first spring after planting, sprinkle a general fertiliser such as Growmore or blood fish and bone on the soil, water in if the weather is dry. Where there are large gaps between shrubs, you can put some temporary plants such as bedding plants or annuals.

First sketch out your planting groups on paper

Start with large plants at the back of a border

Group perennials so they make clumps or drifts

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