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Post by debbiem on Jun 6, 2008 10:33:25 GMT 1
OH made me 2 troughs which are quite high up;   They get the wind quite badly(no gags). They used to have some pansies in them which have now come to an end, but the poor pansies had to contend with not only the wind but seagulls perching on/in them waiting for the chicken's scraps and also our cats who like to sit in them on a sunny day! So whatever is going to be planted in them this time has to be tough to deter cats and gulls and not mind being blown about a bit. And it can't be too high because the wind will blown them over. Any ideas? A bit of a tall order I know.  Not a particularly good shot of our courtyard I know. There's a lot more going for it than in that pic, honest! |
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Post by madonplants on Jun 6, 2008 11:01:02 GMT 1
Trailing tomatoes? Interspersed with some baby carrots, though a bit late to sow them now, isn't it? Wouldn't get attacked by the carrot root fly up there, would they? Seriously though, I suppose you want flowers?
How much light do they get?
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Post by debbiem on Jun 6, 2008 11:05:52 GMT 1
Lots of sunshine Keith, but they're also exposed to the elements up there too. Nice idea about the carrots and tomatoes but I think with the coastal winds the tomatoes'll get fried. Now baby carrots though, I didn't think about that. They'll be growing underneath the soil and not get blown about or sat on. Thanks for that idea. |
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Post by madonplants on Jun 6, 2008 11:52:56 GMT 1
Just found this, hope it helps.
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Wind resisters
I live in a high-rise with a balcony and have a few things in pots, but the wind seems to kill everything except the geraniums. Can you recommend some hardy, wind-resistant plants that will brighten up the place?
In such extremely windy conditions you need some bulletproof plants with thick, leathery leaves, which protect them from drying out and can take a bit of a battering without showing too much damage. This does mean you can use some dramatic-shaped plants such as phormiums, cordylines and yuccas, all of which have large, sword-shaped leaves. Also consider dwarf conifers such as Pinus mugo and the low, spreading junipers. Hebes will give windproof flowers to go with your geraniums. The ornamental grasses carex, stipa and calamagrostis will provide swaying movement. Use pots with vertical sides to get maximum stability with minimum weight.
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Post by debbiem on Jun 6, 2008 12:37:54 GMT 1
That is brilliant! Thanks Keith - I now have a few ideas floating about - plants which are in the wrong places and could survive OK up there, you've given me lots to think about. Thanks again! |
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Post by debbiem on Jun 11, 2008 14:04:27 GMT 1
I like the look of those too, The witch, thanks. Just a thought - if I planted some thyme, rosemary and sage up there would they be happy? |
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Post by cheerypeabrain on Jun 13, 2008 15:38:39 GMT 1
What about a few ivies and the tougher hanging basket plants? temporary I know, but it would give you a nice splash of colour....
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Post by debbiem on Jun 16, 2008 9:45:40 GMT 1
Ivy's a great idea Cheery - we've got loads along the walls in the garden but a nice golden one would look great, AND trail in and out of the chicken wire. I've actually put 3 small conifers, blue-green ones called Boulevard, in the trough now and was going to add some purple Tradescanthia too. But yesterday a flipping seagull was standing on one of the conifers with his great big feet.  I don't think it's the best place for them but ivy would take all that and thrive up there. Thanks! |
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Post by Sweetleaf on Jun 16, 2008 13:22:34 GMT 1
House leeks (Sempervivum) would do well up there too, but you might not see much of them till they send up the flower spike, they would eventually multiply and spill over the edges of your troughs though, and that looks very effective. Many of the Sedums are good on roofs too, btw. |
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Post by debbiem on Jun 16, 2008 14:48:22 GMT 1
House leeks (Sempervivum) would do well up there too, but you might not see much of them till they send up the flower spike, they would eventually multiply and spill over the edges of your troughs though, and that looks very effective. Many of the Sedums are good on roofs too, btw. That's a great idea too! I've just arrived back home with some golden ivy which is going in one of the troughs with the Boulevard conifers and that'll wind its way in and out of the chicken wire but the other trough will be on the roof of one of the outbuildings, and some houseleeks spilling over on to the tiles will look lovely! Thanks Sweetleaf. I've just planted 3 small conifers I had in pots into that second trough but there's space enough between them for a sedum or two. |
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Post by Sweetleaf on Jun 16, 2008 15:43:43 GMT 1
House leeks (Sempervivum) would do well up there too, but you might not see much of them till they send up the flower spike, they would eventually multiply and spill over the edges of your troughs though, and that looks very effective. Many of the Sedums are good on roofs too, btw. That's a great idea too! I've just arrived back home with some golden ivy which is going in one of the troughs with the Boulevard conifers and that'll wind its way in and out of the chicken wire but the other trough will be on the roof of one of the outbuildings, and some houseleeks spilling over on to the tiles will look lovely! Thanks Sweetleaf. I've just planted 3 small conifers I had in pots into that second trough but there's space enough between them for a sedum or two. Glad to help Debbie |
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Post by 4pygmies on Jun 19, 2008 7:25:07 GMT 1
You really need plants which tolerate coastal conditions so I would suggest: Hebes, Erigerons, Pinks, Cistus, Hardy Geraniums or the English dwarf Lavenders - you could have a riot of colour in the summer with that selection. In the winter you could plant with species Narcissus etc in pots which you could then remove when they have finished flowering. I think Pelargoniums would like it up there in the summer too. |
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Post by bogmyrtle on Jul 15, 2008 12:15:54 GMT 1
Don't know if it is of interest, or whether they would work, but we have just had Bloms latest catalogue through and they are doing a collection of tulips particularly for windy & exposed areas.
I have had a quick look on their website but can't find the collection, but will list the varieties on here if it is of any use.
We ordered from them at Malvern - just can't remeber what! ;D We just chose the ones we liked.
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Post by debbiem on Jul 15, 2008 12:22:04 GMT 1
Thanks Myrtle, I've filled the troughs for this year but if you have the names to hand I'd love to know for future reference. That's interesting - tulips that don't get blown apart in the wind! |
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Post by bogmyrtle on Jul 18, 2008 8:36:45 GMT 1
Thanks Myrtle, I've filled the troughs for this year but if you have the names to hand I'd love to know for future reference. That's interesting - tulips that don't get blown apart in the wind! According to their catalogue 'A special collection of strong sturdy varieties which will virtually withstand all weathers. Highly recommended for gardens exposed to strong winds'. Christmas Dream Jane Packer Rococo West Point White Dream £24.75 for 10 of each. |
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Post by debbiem on Jul 18, 2008 10:42:30 GMT 1
That's brilliant! Thanks Myrtle.  I wonder what they've put in their make up to make them so sturdy? |
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I don't think it's the best place for them but ivy would take all that and thrive up there.
