SOME border plants loathe being messed around. Once settled in, they like to be left in peace for the next 20 or 40 years. Approach with a digging fork and the dreadful cracking noise of snapping roots will vie with the human shrieks of the mandrake [see box on page 43].
All of which is a balm to the idle gardener, of course. He asks nothing better than to leave the whole of his garden undisturbed year in, year out. But as a moderately fidgety gardener, I am grateful to plants that look after themselves, because they allow me more time to spend on others, such as dahlias and delphiniums, that are demanding in their requirements.
Most plants that resent disturbance have fleshy, deep-delving roots. The oriental poppy is typical. It takes a year or two to settle in, but once settled it is there for keeps. Indeed, should you decide to get rid of it, the chances are that some of its roots will get left behind and will make new plants. These poppies are propagated from root cuttings.
The same applies to Japanese anemones, whose long season, from early August until late October, makes them indispensable border plants. Root cuttings are struck individually in small pots and stock is always purchased as pot-grown plants. Once established, they can even become a little invasive, in a pleasant way.
The acanthus is another such plant. Every time you inadvertently break a piece of its root, it makes a new plant, and yet a new grouping is quite slow to establish. Acanthus spinosus is handsome but prickly. A. Mollis can be shy-flowering, though mine is smothered with its handsome spikes this year. A. longifolius is to be highly commended, both for freedom of flowering and for its foliage.
Thistly things
This story is from the August 22, 2020 edition of Amateur Gardening.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 22, 2020 edition of Amateur Gardening.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters