TO make the best use of available space, the usual advice is to plant small trees and shrubs and low-growing subjects in ‘mini’ borders. While small plants are ideal for small plots, it is surprising what an improvement can be effected by the strategic placing of a giant or two, if only to give some weight and height while the trees and shrubs are growing. Many giants can be used for this purpose, of which only a few can be mentioned here. Though none needs staking, most have large leaves that may be damaged or broken if grown in exposed situations.
A giant biennial with the in-built ability to fight back is the cotton thistle, Onopordum acanthium, for the long beautifully flounced leaves and stiffly branching flower stems are armed with needle-sharp spines. Easy to grow from seed, the onopordum spends its first year building a magnificent rosette of large silver leaves from which arises the following summer a 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m) stem, well branched with purple thistle flowers. The seeds will germinate freely, so it is best to remove the heads before too many fall. An architectural plant, it is at its best against a dark background.
Bu hikaye Amateur Gardening dergisinin August 27, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Amateur Gardening dergisinin August 27, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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