Garden Centre

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Planning new borders

Our rear border needs a complete replant and I’ve got a real yen for a white border. I’m thinking about it, rather than doing anything about it, just because I’m still not recovered enough from surgery to dig anything out, and Himself is watching me warily, wondering how much work this is going to involve.



So I made a list of the pros and cons which I’m planning to share with him in a few weeks time.

Advantages of a white border

1. I want one (well, as I’m the one who does most of the domestic gardening, it’s important that the garden is a place I love and want to spend time).
2. The bottom border needs a complete overhaul, and if we’re going to take out a large number of plants that shadow the greenhouse, why not replant with something that would be impressive and lovely?
3. White at the bottom of the garden would add light and colour to an area that’s a bit dark and grim at present.


Disadvantages of a white border

1. It will be expensive to replant completely.
2. White flowers can look a manky (rotten and dull) when they fade
3. Somebody is going to have to dig out some very well established shrubs to make this work.

I know what Himself will say – why don’t we take it slowly, replant one thing at a time … etc. Which is a sensible, practical approach. But it won’t result in a white border! I know this because I know us, and unless I make a definite plan and get ruthless, there will always be some plant or other than needs a home, or just needs heeling in for a while and it will end up in the ‘transitional’ white border which will therefore remain just as: multicoloured!

So if you can think of any other good arguments for a white border, please let me know! If I hand over my list just before my birthday and say I’d like to start the border as my gift … what husband could resist that?

Labels: garden borders, replanting borders, white border

The All Seasons Gardener at 4:04 AM

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