Shrub gardens

28 Dec '05 12:06 pm

Can anyone list me some shrubs that would grow no more than 5m maximum in height, that are a range of different colours (evergreens/yellow/red etc) and would survive alright out by the sea in stony ground?

I've been thinking about what sort of garden I'll put out at the house and a shrub garden seems appropriate. Around the house I'll have some flowers, but out in the lawn I'll have trees/shrubs to add colour, plus it'll be easy to care for (no weeding needed).

I have no idea what trees are called that I could use, so if someone can list some names then I can go into a plant shop and hunt them out.

28 Dec '05 1:00 pm

Rebekah

What sort of climate are we talking about? Because if warm, in the South of Spain there are plenty of jasmines in all cities, also beside the sea, but the weather is mild and warm even in winter. No taller than 5 metres, generally two or three. White, and a wonderful and sweet aroma.

Bougainvillaeas could be another possibility. The colours range from deep purple to vibrant red, and can get as tall as you make them to be, say for instance covering a 3m high fence.

Best wishes

Cris

29 Dec '05 3:29 am

Dear Rebekah! All the plants I mentioned for you in your question about "growing plants in a stonry dry ground" --except the cacti and the succulents-- in the "General Chat" section of the Forum, are actually shrubs, climbers, or trees! It all depends on the right pruning, according to what you want them to become. In this case, I advise you to search seriously in your plants books for the correct instructions.

As you can see, another Mediterranean gardener of the Forum, Christina, proposed again to you the White Jasmin and the Bougainvilleas! You see??

Good luck!

P.S.

Right now, Rebekah, you need this very book: "The Tree and Shrub Expert", by Dr. D.G.Hessayon. Trust me!

29 Dec '05 5:47 am

THanks for that. I'll go get a couple of books out today. Very Happy

1 Jan '06 6:58 am

How about shrubs like hebes and viburnum..

Wander around the neighbours and peep over their fences, Wink

see what is growing in their gardens.
Plant the things which look best Very Happy

1 Jan '06 12:17 pm

Thank you.

I went and got out the book "Trees and Shrubs for Foliage" by Glyn Church.

There is a huge list of plants in there which I quite like, such as Liquidambar, Ginko Biloba, and soo many more with such technical names!

Within the next few weeks I'll go to the shop and hunt around for some cheap trees.

6 Jan '06 6:23 am

Those are really big trees Rebekah Very Happy

Have a look at this link for some ideas if you are still stuck.
It has some good suggestions for coastal and other stuff as well Wink

6 Jan '06 6:49 pm

Cheers for the link Pumpkin. Its very helpful Cool

I also need to keep in mind that these trees must be cattle/sheep friendly, should a stray nose make it over the fence. I noticed that on your provided link Pumpkin, that the hedge plants they suggest will make cows abort their calves.

7 Jan '06 6:10 am

EEK!

Macrocarpa huh? No rhododendrons for goats either...

The shrubs below in that link may be of more use to you Very Happy

I saw a cute lower hedge yesterday at a friends place and it was using a corokia, if you want to go native, and also the grisilina (I just know that is spelt wrong) makes a lovely bright green hedge.

yikes! There are so many fantastic shrubs, I feel a moosey nursery expedition coming on... Cool

7 Jan '06 10:56 pm

Dear Pumkin!

This wonderful "bestgardening.com" link, IS really fan-ta-stic! So many more things to learn! So beautifully organized!

A huge thank you!!

Shrub gardens

Shrub gardens

They are all shrubs!

Your fan-ta-stic link!!