hi all , ok i have a garden that could do with some ideas throwing at it , and im having a brain freeze ! my front garden is double fronted both halves mainly laid to grass but edged with approx 2' of border , there are plants already in but it looks a bit haphazard so any ideas on how to plant the borders so i have year round colour but fairly low maintanence as my back garden has plenty to do ! plants already in place are : 2 Rhododendrons 6 hebes forsithia 2 hydrangea and a few unknowns any ideas ? thank you in advance ! any ideas greatly appreciated :0)
To look in scale a 2' wide border should have plants about 3' tall or less in height. Abelia combines well with forsythia and fuchsias look well with hydrangeas - and abelias. But if this is a 2' wide strip you will have to choose quite dwarf kinds for them not to appear to be exploding out of it.
Maybe consider... Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward' (SUMMER WINE ninebark) The flaking cinnamon colored bark adds winter interest. Burgundy colored foliage with flowers is nice during the growing season. Vase shape dwarf growth habit. We had some along a neighbors fence near our driveway and they were very easy to maintain in the tight space. http://www.flickr.com/photos/japanesemaplegarden/6001487861/in/set-72157627216800757/ Pieris japonica 'Variegata' Slow growing evergreen with nice variegated foliage and white flowers in spring. http://www.flickr.com/photos/japanesemaplegarden/6870073292/in/set-72157632146151331 buxus sempervirens 'variegata' Very slow growing and easy to grow. Takes on more of a yellow color in winter. (left of Buddha in the photo) http://www.flickr.com/photos/japanesemaplegarden/8238219664/in/set-72157632146151331 Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' (Black Mondo Grass) evergreen and black in color, always gets attention in our garden. http://www.flickr.com/photos/japanesemaplegarden/8239274543/in/set-72157632146151331 chamaecyparis obtusa nana lutea or 'Aurea Nana' Nice yellow foliage and very easy to maintain. Very slow growing. See photo below.
One other thing to consider. We lend a book in our library to friends that are stuck in figuring out ideas on planting combinations. It's called Foliage by Nancy J. Ondra. I have yet to find someone that does not find this book helpful. It has great combinations and beautiful photography. Maybe consider checking it out at your local library or bookstore to inspire you with new ideas.
The photo with post #3 has a Japanese Maple in the foreground (with the yellow chamaecyparis). It's called Acer palmatum 'Red Filigree Lace'. It's very slow growing (even considered very slow in comparison to other Japanese maples) and has a very delicate appearance. It also holds it's deep color very well even in some shade. Some of the links in #3 has Japanese maples in them too. If you were referring to one of those, just let me know the plant the link is associated with in the above post and I will let you know what maples are featured in that photo.
