PROBLEMS SOLVED
Plant evergreens and grasses in this part-shady border, says Ian Hodgson. But give them more space to shine
Q How can I inject a bit more winter interest in this border?
Stylish hazel fencing is a smart way to mark out your boundaries: if only the neighbours here hadn’t planted a hornbeam hedge so close behind it! It’s quite attractive to see the golden autumn leaves poking through; in time they’ll create a pretty backdrop for the plants in this border. However, it’s not a good idea to have a plant growing through a fence because the branches will rub against it and could bring it down in time.
In the meantime, by far the best solution here is to make the border deeper – at least 1.2m wide. You could then move plants away from the fence and lay a stepping stone path, allowing for hedge-trimming activities to be carried out behind.
In terms of planting I’d make the most of the part-shady conditions with amix of evergreens for shape and colour. The existing Nandina domestica is a good choice because it turns a lovely purple-red in winter (H&S; 1.5m), but some statement plants would improve its architecture. Go for fastigiate evergreens such as Irish yew, Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’ (H: 8m in 20 years) or, ideal for this tight space, slender Cupressus sempervirens ‘Totem Pole’ (H: 8m). These will create height and rhythm.
Inspirational ideas to try
Greens & Blues Pale colours
Mood board
1 Topiary shapes look good all through winter
2 Nandina domestica provides lovely vibrant colour
3 Use snowy white Himalayan birch trunks to draw the eye
4 Plant a mass of bleached grasses for added drama and texture
At the far end, pop in a Himalayan birch as a focal point. Aclassic choice for winter interest, its ghostly white bark draws the eye and the leaves provide a shimmering gold autumn display, too.
Topiary balls add structure at ground level – here I’ve chosen neatly clipped Hebe topiaria rather than box, with smaller rounds of Euonymus fortunei ‘
