It would be hard to find a person who doesn’t like plants and flowers and who doesn't have a favourite. Plants and flowers have a way of cheering us up and reminding us of people and past events.
In the UK, we are known as a ‘nation of garden lovers’ and if we are lucky enough to own one or have access to one, they are often our ‘pride and joy’. Of course, there’s a reason why some outdoor plants become more popular than others. They might be low maintenance or hardy to the British climate. Perhaps they are easy to grow and fill the garden with fragrance and colour. Or maybe they simply look lovely and complement other plants nearby.
When it comes to colour, I think there is a connection between colours we like to wear and what suits us. I am always drawn to very strong colours, I love red!
But shapes are interesting too. When I design a garden, I always try and deliver something for each season. Years ago I think gardens in the winter were quite dull, but there are so many choices now that a garden can be beautiful all year round! Not only do I think about the type of flower to use, but the shape too is important.
Some plants are just a no-no for me
One I think of off the top of my head is Bergenia, they just remind me of cabbages, have an odd way of growing and the dead leaves go black. Cistus is another one I’m not drawn to as when you lift them up they generally have a tonne of dead leaves underneath that make a mess. The chameleon plant is another one I don’t like as the smell makes me feel sick!
I guess I’m drawn to a neat-looking garden! I like shrubs that can be nicely shaped.
Hostas are a big favourite for me, I love that they die back to nothing and return the following year! They make a border look so full and then so empty.
I think as well, that our current weather and climate has a bearing on what we will be planting in the future. I avoided petunias in my baskets this year as they don`t do well in the rain. My non-stop begonias as the name suggests are still doing superbly. I keep notes to remind me of what has worked, and what hasn’t and I keep plant labels as a reference.
This year I planted a Virginia creeper, which if I’m honest, hasn’t grown as well over my pergola as I had hoped. Hopefully, it will do better next year. It turns a beautiful shade of red in the autumn before losing its leaves.
Sunflowers
The sunflower is usually the first flowering plant to spring to mind when thinking of popular plants for sunny areas. They are really easy to grow, gorgeous to look at and even bear edible seeds. Sunflowers make an eyecatching focal point in any garden and their tall stems make them an excellent choice for growing along a fence or wall, adding height and interest to flower beds and borders. Kids love them too!
Shasta daisies
Flowering from summer through to autumn, Shasta daisies are easy to grow and extremely robust making them very popular with gardeners. Their iconic white petals and bright yellow centres suit any style of garden and they also make excellent cut flowers for indoors. When they are planted in full sunny areas, Shasta daisies are reliable, and hardy and produce a gorgeous show of striking flowers every year.
Fruit Trees
A fruit tree is a great way to add shape, height and interest to a south-facing part of the garden. The favourite fruits to grow in the UK include apples, pears and plums, which all thrive, providing a high yield year after year. Apple trees are particularly low-maintenance and will grow in almost any condition, which makes them a common sight and very popular in gardens up and down the country.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops are flowering plants that really flourish in shaded conditions. It loves heavy, moist soils and is robust enough to push through even frozen ground. Small white flowers appear in late winter and last through to spring, often seen blooming underneath trees and hedges.
English Ivy
English Ivy is native to the UK and grows easily in the British climate. It’s instantly recognisable and a common sight in many gardens. Ivy thrives in the shade and its climbing habit makes it ideal for training up fences and walls. As an evergreen, it provides greenery throughout the year.
Foxglove
Our native foxglove is a woodland plant that thrives in dappled or partial shade. There are many cultivars and varieties that flower in different colours and have different shaped blooms. Most thrive in partial shade but some require more sun. Their unique shape and colours make them a firm favourite.
Winter aconites
Aconites grow into clumps, eventually bearing masses of bright yellow flowers in late January and February. They thrive in damp shade so are perfect for growing in a damp, shady border or woodland garden.
The biggest garden mistake we see is overplanting and not taking into consideration how big the plant will get, so always read the label! It’s sad to go to an overgrown garden where if half the plants had not been put in, there wouldn’t be a problem. Also, not caring for your plants properly and allowing them to grow too big can also cause problems.
Finally, please remember, that just because a plant is popular doesn’t mean it’s well-suited to the particular outdoor space you want to fill and can grow anywhere. Consider the space you have, how much sun and rainfall it gets, and what you want it to look like throughout the year.
How CJ Garden Services can help with your garden
At CJ Garden Services we work with clients who need assistance and advice regarding which plants and flowers to add to their gardens and where they will thrive the best.