Plant Combinations for an Abundant Garden. A. & G. Bridgewater

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      Walls smothered in flowering climbers, such as Roses, Clematis and Honeysuckle, create color as well as informality.

       FENCING CHECKS

      You may have inherited an attractive small garden and initially decided not to make radical changes, but if you have children and dogs it is worth checking fences.

      • Fencing posts broken at ground level can be repaired by cutting off the base and fitting a spike-ended, metal, post-base. Alternatively, bolt a concrete or wooden post to sound wood and re-concrete into the ground.

      • A wide variety of materials and styles are available for fencing. For a more formal setting, use cast iron. For a casual, Western look, choose split rail fencing. If the fence is more than just decorative, as in keeping in pets, opt for appropriately sized fencing.

       Problems with clay

      Increasingly, high temperatures combined with limited summer rain causes clay to shrink radically. Where foundations of buildings are deep, this creates few problems but, when paving slabs on a patio or path have only a thin concrete base, eventually they deform and buckle. First-aid treatment is to lift and re-cement individual slabs. For a longer-term solution, you will need to lift all the slabs and provide a thicker base for the complete patio or path.

       DISPOSING OF RUBBISH

      There are several solutions for disposal:

      • Rent a rollaway bin – check that the company is insured, that they know about your city’s codes about placement of the rollaway, and that the size they deliver is appropriate for your needs.

      • Builder’s bags – these are increasingly used to deliver building materials, as well as collecting rubbish. They are about a yard/meter square and deep. Check with your local builder’s merchant.

      • Local authority – may provide a trash- collection service.

       Structural elements to consider

      • Decking: raised or at ground level.

      • Edgings: wide range, including concrete and wood.

      • Paths: surfaces and durability.

      • Patios, courtyards and terraces: wide choice.

      • Pergolas, trellises and arches: for small gardens.

      • Porches and entrances: decorative features.

      • Sheds and greenhouses: practical features.

      • Steps: practical yet attractive.

      • Walls and fences: garden perimeters.

       THINK ABOUT THE PLANTS

      Don’t separate the selection of plants from getting the infrastructure right.

      • If you like relaxed plants such as bamboos, ferns and ornamental grasses, you will want an informal garden to complement them.

      • For clinical and regimented displays of summer- flowering bedding plants, you will need a formal garden.

       MAKING THE MOST OF BALCONIES

      These are more sheltered than a roof garden, and with a base that is firm and secure. However, a sun-facing position will rapidly dry compost.

      • If the balcony does not have a roof, fit a collapsible sunshade.

      • Where a balcony has a roof, but strong, late-evening sunlight still causes dazzle, you can fit a sun shade to the balcony’s upper edge.

      • Always make sure that water cannot drip on people or balconies below. Wherever possible, stand pots in large, plastic saucers.

       Infrastructure for roof gardens

       Persistent and buffeting wind combined with strong sunlight make roof gardens difficult but exciting places for gardening. Additionally, consider the following constructional questions.

      • Permission may be required from the building’s owner, as well as from local authorities. Also, check the thoughts of neighbors – it may not impress them.

      • The weight of the flooring needs to be light but strong – check with a structural engineer if in doubt.

      • The weight of pots and other containers – when full of soil and after being watered – may be excessive.

      • Don’t damage felt roofs.

      • Make sure excess water is adequately drained.

      • A sturdy screen is usually needed to filter strong wind. Make sure СКАЧАТЬ