Border Planting

It is always better to plan your planting scheme than to buy plants on impulse. A planting plan helps to achieve a balanced and interesting long-term result, and as the plants grow individual items can be added to the design as needed. No two gardens are the same, but most do incorporate at least one or more of the various established planting features.

Borders

Whether a border takes the form of an island, or is backed by a wall or hedge, it is important to choose its plants with care to obtain a good balance of height and colour. Planning is best done on paper in the form of a simple sketch; many nurseries and garden designers offer this service.

Attractive displays can be achieved by selecting plants of similar colours; this can apply to both flowers and foliage. The theme can be developed according to seasonal performance times. White, silver, grey, yellow and gold borders offer scope for the use of unusual foliage colouring and variegated leaves, while solid pink, red, blue or purple flower colours can create a dramatic effect.

It is sometimes suggested that border planting is a laborious method of cultivation, but if due care is given to preparing the ground and eradicating weeds and pests, only limited maintenance will be required once the bored is established.

Perennial Border

Also called a herbaceous border, this is a border of perennial plants grouped according to a scheme which shows them to their best advantage and makes allowance for individual heights and spreads, colours and textures. The choice of border perennials is now almost endless; suitable evergreen conifers can also be incorporated, for winter effect, while bulbs will will provide additional attraction in spring.

Mixed Border

This type of border will contain a mixture of many different types of garden plants, and may include shrubs, shrub roses, conifers and selected small trees as as well as garden plants. This type of planting allows the widest scope for achieving year-round interest and including the broadest range of different plants.

Spot Planting and Infilling

Both of these terms refer to plantings which add colour and interest to a particular area of the garden, normally on a short-term basis. The plants are 'spot planted' in sites where seasonal 'lifts' are needed. Annuals and bulbs lend themselves particularly well to this use; similarly, biennialis and perennials can be used to colour a shrub border and suppress weeds while th shrubs establish themselves.

Solo and Mass Planting

Solo planting is the siting of a single plant to create a focal point, either in isolation or as part of a grouping. Mass planting is the use of a single variety, or limited number of varieties, in large numbers to achieve a broader and often more spectacular effect than can be obtained with a small group or feature planting. Most garden plants lend themselves well to mass planting.

Isolation Planting

Many perennials, ferns, grasses and alpines are best planted individually or isolated in small groups; planting in isolation allows the full effect of shape and form to be seen. If grouped, numbers should be determined by the plant's size and the area that can be allocated to this type of planting. It is advisable to leave a clear margin of 1ft (30cm) around the base of the planting, to be enlarged as growth develops. The area can be covered with a layer of sedge peat, shingle or stones to keep down weeds.

Water Features

Many gardeners are fortunate enough to have a pond or stream within the garden area; others may have a garden bordering a river or lake. All make beautiful garden features, though planting them well can be difficult. Natural water features should be exploited to the full, as many plants benefit from the extra moisture. As a rule, moisture loving plants require adequate drainage and an open soil texture which allows their fleshy roots to penetrate easily. Bold plantings of a few varieties provide the best display.

Rock Gardens

A well-constructed rock garden in an open, sunny position presents the ideal situation for growing alpines. A rock garden should imitate nature; if possible, the construction should follow the natural contour of a slope or bank. Alternatively, soil and stones can be built to a maximum of 3ft (1m) high. Moisture-retention and free drainage are necessary.

Edging

A number of plants lend themselves to use as edging for paths, borders and feature plantings, often making attractive displays before the plants behind come into flower. Spacing should be at 25 per cent less than the plant's full spread.

Container Plantings

Container-growing is an ideal way to give dull areas of the garden a lift of colour and create beautiful temporary displays both in the open garden or in confined spaces. The vast majority of garden plants can be grown in containers, provided with a good potting medium and regular watering and feeding. Garden centres usually stock a wide range of tubs, hanging baskets and other containers. An additional bonus is that less hardy plants can be started in containers under cover and then moved out of the greenhouse when all fear of spring frost has passed.