The Garden Planner

Here are a few tips (in bullet-point form) for planting, including suggestions for container plants, large shrubs, perrenials climbing plants, trees and more!

• Seek specialist local advice on the suitability of plants for your area from a good quality garden centre or nursery, particularly members of the Horticultural Trades Association.

• Try and work with just two or three complementing or contrasting colours. Remember that you can introduce colour through foliage and leaves as well as flowers.

• Arrange larger shrubs, trees and climbers towards the rear of a border. Then come down in height towards the front, using smaller shrubs and perennials.

• For a natural effect arrange plants in drifts made up of odd numbers, such as three’s, five’s or seven’s. Then an occasional single specimen can add an interesting focal point.

• You can also contrast the plants in your border through their form and shape, for example by mixing ornamental grasses with round leaved shrubs.

• Container plants can be moved around the garden to maintain interest. Consider using more delicate varieties of perennials, shrubs and even trees, which can then be brought indoors over winter.

• If your garden is to be used by small children please take care to avoid using potentially harmful plants which may be poisonous, cause skin irritation, or have thorns.

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