A narrow strip of land presents an interesting opportunity for gardening. Depending on the amount of sunlight and shadow it receives, you’ll be able to pick and choose the plants that will grow and thrive best in that environment.
If it receives full sun, consider perennials like daylilies or daisies, ornamental grasses, or colorful flowering plants like coneflowers or ornamental kale. If your strip is primarily in shade, you can add some bright foliage plants like hostas, Japanese painted ferns, coleus or heuchera.
Vegetables like carrots and radishes that have a small root structure can be planted right in the row. As long as the soil is suitable, lettuce and chives can also do well. If you’re looking for larger vegetables, plant them in containers that can hang from the railing or be placed on the ground in the strip’s shade.
Herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme can also be ideal for a narrow strip.
Depending on the look you’re going for and space available, small shrubs or mini trees can be a nice addition. Consider dwarf boxwoods, yews, or spreading junipers for some height and color. An outdoor container garden is also a great idea for this kind of space.
Consider plants yearly in containers so that you can switch out any that aren’t thriving.
Lastly, always remember to test the soil and keep it moist, as narrow strips can often have poor drainage. With the right combination of plants and adequate care, a narrow strip of land can be transformed into a beautiful garden.
What is a good plant to use as a border?
A good plant to use as a border is Lavender. Lavender is an evergreen perennial that can be used to create a fragrant, low-maintenance, and eye-catching border. Lavender plants require minimal care, can tolerate most climates, and will survive in almost any kind of soil with very little effort.
They can also provide a great visual barrier against intruders and can be used to provide some privacy. Lavender has beautiful blossoms that come in shades of purple, blue, white, and pink, and it will bloom from late spring to fall.
The strong aroma of lavender can provide a tranquil scent and is know to help reduce stress or make a room or outdoor area more calming.
What shrubs grow tall and thin?
Tall, thin shrubs are often used to create privacy screens, as they can be easily trimmed to the desired size and offer a lower, slim profile. Some of the more popular shrubs that fit this description include:
Boxwoods (Buxus spp. ): These dense, evergreen shrubs are one of the most popular for use as a tall, thin hedge or privacy screen. Boxwoods have small glossy leaves, and come in many varieties, with some growing as tall as 8 or 10 feet, making them ideal for creating a tall, narrow barrier.
Arborvitae (Thuja spp. ): Arborvitae are another evergreen group of shrubs, providing a tall and narrow barrier and excel as privacy screens. They are fast growing, with some reaching heights of 80 feet, and they will require little upkeep in terms of pruning, as they keep their narrow form even without it.
Yews (Taxus spp. ): Yews are a versatile and hardy group of evergreens. While they are also used to create screens, they are great as a tall and thin accent in gardens. Yews may reach heights of 20 feet and be as wide as 10 feet, with a stunning deep green hue of foliage.
Juniper (Juniperus spp. ): Junipers are a large genus of evergreens, with many species and varieties that serve as excellent tall, thin privacy screens. Most junipers have pointed leaves and have beautiful bluish-green, silvery or golden foliage, depending on the variety.
They can reach heights of 15 feet, with a 2- to 4-foot spread, adding a nice, tall and narrow silhouette to a landscape.
How narrow can a flower bed be?
The width of a flower bed can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of flower you intend to plant, the size and shape of the garden, and most importantly, the space allowed. Generally, flower beds are anywhere from six inches to four feet wide.
Narrower flower beds may be possible if you opt for smaller, compact plants; a flower bed just six to 12 inches wide will easily accommodate short, compact flowers such as pansies, marigolds, and impatiens.
Be aware, however, that planting in a narrow flower bed limits the number of plants you can use, as it will not be large enough for larger plants such as roses or peonies. Additionally, narrow flower beds generally require extra care in terms of thinning, weeding, and fertilizing.
For the best results, you may want to consider widening your flower bed to 18-24 inches. This will provide plenty of space for a wider variety of plants, as well as enough room for basal or runner-type plants to spread.
Keep in mind that wider beds will require more soil and maintenance, such as mulching, watering and fertilizing.
How do you plan a narrow garden border?
Planning a narrow garden border can be a great way to add a touch of beauty and visual interest to an outdoor space. Before beginning, it is important to consider the size and placement of the border, as this will need to accommodate the space you are working with.
Here are a few tips on planning a narrow garden border:
1. Select a border design that complements your overall garden design. Try to pick a design that is narrow but with a variety of textures, heights, and colors.
2. Make sure the border is placed in an area that gets adequate sunlight and has good drainage.
3. Once you have selected an appropriate location for the border, measure the dimensions and map them out. Determine the size of the plants you need to fill the area and create a shopping list.
4. Invest in a quality soil mix specially designed for borders. This will ensure that the plants receive good drainage and that the soil remains loose, allowing for healthy and vibrant growth.
5. Lay a weed barrier over the area to prevent weeds from overtaking the border. Place the plants in a well-spaced manner, observing their full size and spacing requirements.
6. Add some decorative elements such as hanging lanterns, decorative stones, and metal screens to enhance the look of your border.
7. Finally, mulch the plants to add protection from heat, cold and drought as well as to maintain moisture levels. Make sure you mulch around the plants to prevent weeds.
With some careful planning and design, a narrow garden border can be a great addition to any outdoor space.
What shape should I make my flower bed?
When it comes to choosing the shape of your flower bed, a lot depends on the look that you are going for, the size of your yard, and the type of plants that you plan on including in the bed. Some of the most popular and classic shapes for flower beds include circular beds, curved beds, square beds, rectangles, and pointed beds.
Circular flower beds are some of the most popular, especially in smaller yards. They look great when placed at the entrance of a yard, along with a few other circular shapes (like small circular shrubs) to create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere.
They also look great when planted with large perennials that will fill the bed with bright, bold colors of the spring and summer months.
Curved flower beds look elegant and are a great choice to showcase different types of plants in an organic, but organized pattern. Curved beds can range from a gentle arc all the way to a bold, winding, serpentine shape and can range from long and narrow, or deep and wide.
The advantage of a curved bed is that plants can be arranged in an eye-pleasing pattern or can pop out of the curve in a dramatic fashion.
Square and rectangular flower beds are great for yards that have a more formal or symmetrical feel. They are usually planted with neat rows of annuals and perennials, but can also be jazzed up with sculptural plants like roses, adding structure and height.
Finally, pointed or triangular flower beds are particularly suited to yards with tight corners or sloped areas. They can look phenomenally lush when planted with a variety of evergreen shrubs, such as boxwoods and hollies, which will stay attractive year round.
Ultimately, the shape of your flower bed should be determined by the look that you are going for and the plants that you plan on including in it. Once you have an idea of the type of plants that you would like to include, then you can choose the shape of your flower bed to accommodate them.
How do you layout a flower bed?
When it comes to creating a flower bed, there are a few steps one should consider in order to create a beautiful, thriving flower bed. First, choose the location for the flower bed. Think about what type of light the flower bed will be receiving throughout the day and the ever-changing seasonal changes.
Make sure to choose an area with well-drained soil that’s free from the roots of nearby trees or buildings.
Once you have selected the location of the flower bed, make sure to prepare the soil. Start by digging up the soil with either a rototiller or a hoe. Make sure to mix in fertilizer as you go to ensure the soil is enriched and complete with the right nutrients for your flowers.
Consider adding organic materials such as compost or peat moss to add texture and nutrients to the soil.
Next, sketch out the shape you’d like the flower bed to take. Flower bed shapes can be just about anything, ranging from circles and ovals to stars and rectangles. Make sure to leave enough space for the individual floral varieties to spread and for easy access for care and maintenance.
Once the bed is sketched out, it’s time to choose the flowers. Be mindful of the type of sun, shade, and water that each type of flower will require. Try to stick with different varieties of the same family of flower when possible.
That way the flowers can work in harmony to help support the fertilizer and soil needs.
Finally, plant the flowers. Start by digging individual holes for each flower that are the appropriate size. Set each flower in its hole and cover it with the dirt you removed and tamp it down with your hands.
Water regularly and fertilize every two weeks or as needed.
Overall, flower bed planning and set up requires careful planning beforehand in order to create a thriving and beautiful flower bed.
How do you plant flowers in a straight line?
Planting flowers in a straight line can be a great way to give your garden an organized aesthetic. First, you’ll need to assess the amount of space you have and what plants you want to use. This will help you determine the size of each flower and the quantity needed.
This is important in ensuring they’re planted in a straight line.
Once the plants have been chosen and the number calculated, it is necessary to mark a central line. This can be done by driving a stake into the ground marking either end of the planting site. Then use a long string on the stakes to create a long straight line as a central line for the plants to be planted along.
Next, you’ll need to dig holes for the plants. To ensure a straight line, measure a consistent distance between each of the holes along the central line. Plant each plant in the designated holes and water them regularly.
If needed, use a stake to keep the flowers from toppling over in the wind. Finally, add a layer of mulch to give the area a finished look and to protect the plants from moisture loss.
How deep should a garden border be UK?
The depth of a garden border in the UK should typically be between 8-12 inches, depending on the type of soil and plants that you are using. If you are using a soil mix, roughly 8-10 inches is a good depth, while heavier soils such as clay may need 12 inches or more to ensure good drainage and roots depth.
If you are planting shrubs then a greater depth is generally preferable to avoid them becoming waterlogged. Borders should also be wider at the bottom than the top, typically tapered for more stability.
This can help to prevent water building up in the area. Additionally, you should consider adding a few inches of mulch to the top of the soil to retain moisture and help feed the plants.
What plants are good for narrow borders?
When it comes to narrow borders, some of the best plants to consider are those with a columnar or upright shape. These types of plants have the ability to provide visual interest while taking up a minimal amount of space.
Some popular options include Italian Cypress, Sky Pencil Holly, Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Evergreen Hollies, Sea Green Junipers, and Threadleaf Cypress. Smaller plants such as Buffalo Grass, Creeping Thyme, Lavender, Juniper, and Sedum are also good choices for borders with limited space.
A combination of these various plants can create an attractive and low-maintenance outdoor area.
What should I plant between sidewalk and fence?
The best option for planting between a sidewalk and fence is to select plants that will provide the desired aesthetic and height, but which won’t cause damage to the fence over time. For example, shrubs and low hedges can look nice and can be trimmed to fit into tight spaces, while trees and vines should be avoided because they can grow to heights that damage the fence.
A few examples of suitable plants include creeping phlox, English ivy, lavender, dwarf Pittosporum, and boxwood. Additionally, for a low maintenance option, ground cover can be a good addition. Examples of this type of plant are bugleweed, myrtle, and ajuga.
If you would like to add some color, annuals can be planted in the spring, such as pansies, lantana and impatiens. Whatever you choose, always remember to plant them at least a foot away from the fence, to avoid it being damaged as the plants grow.
What can I plant next to my wall?
When planting next to a wall, it is important to consider how much sunlight, water, and air moisture the plants will need. Consider choosing plants native to your region, as they will be better adapted to soil and climate conditions.
Shrubs and small trees like azaleas, boxwoods, hollies, and hydrangeas make for wonderful planting choices as they are low-maintenance and can become the focal point around your wall. Vines like ivy, trumpet vine, and jasmine are also good choices and can create a beautiful wallcovering if allowed to grow.
Along with larger plants, consider planting some perennials like daylilies, daisies, and Asian Lilies which will all provide bursts of colour, while not blocking the view of the wall. Covering any bare soil with a layer of mulch will help to stop weeds and retain moisture in the soil.
Finally, if drainage is an issue, choose plants that prefer moist soil. Ferns, hostas, and rhododendrons are some examples of plants that prefer moist soil.
What is a good border plant perennial?
There are a wide variety of perennial plants that can make excellent borders in gardens. Some of the most popular ones include lavender, daylilies, coreopsis, daisies, menthe, hostas, catmint, heliotrope, coneflowers, artemisias, and asters.
Lavender is a great option for borders as it has beautiful, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Daylilies are also a great choice since they are low-maintenance and come in many different colors.
Coreopsis is a good option for providing plenty of color and texture in the garden, and daisies are a classic choice for a cheery look. Menthe, hostas and catmint are all very popular choices for their bright colors, interesting foliage, and hardy structure.
Heliotrope, coneflowers, artemisias, and asters are all excellent choices for an attractive, low-maintenance perennial border.
What can you use as a border in your garden?
Some popular options include brick, stone, railroad ties, plastic edging, wooden stakes, and various types of metal edging.
Brick is a classic option for garden borders. It can be used to separate areas in the garden or to define paths. It is generally a more permanent option and can be quite expensive to buy and labor-intensive to install.
Stone is a great way to create a natural look around the garden. It is generally less expensive than brick, and there are a wide variety of stones available which can provide a unique look to your garden.
One downside, however, is that stones can be difficult to keep in place and may need to be adjusted from time to time.
Railroad ties are a great way to create a sturdy, rugged border. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install and can provide a rustic look to your garden. While they tend to last longer than other materials, they can be quite heavy and require additional support in certain areas.
Plastic edging is also popular for garden borders. It is lightweight and easy to install, and can be cut to the desired length and shape. It is very durable and is often available in various colors.
Wooden stakes are a more traditional option and are very affordable. Stakes are appropriate for smaller borders and can be used to define specific areas in the garden.
Finally, various types of metal edging are also popular for garden borders. Metal edgings can provide a very finished, polished look. However, they tend to be more expensive than other materials and require additional care and maintenance to prevent rusting or corrosion.
What do landscapers use for edging?
Landscapers use a variety of edging materials for defining and separating landscaped areas. These materials include metal edging, plastic edging, wood edging, brick edging, stone edging, and rubber edging.
Metal edging usually consists of galvanized steel strips that are relatively lightweight and easy to install. Plastic edging is generally made from polyethylene and is a much more flexible option than metal edging.
Wood edging is available in different types of wood, such as pine and cedar, and has a more natural aesthetic. Brick edging is great for a classy, traditional look and the brick can be used in a variety of patterns and designs.
Stone edging is an attractive option and is available in a variety of natural stone types and colors. Rubber edging is becoming increasingly popular due its flexible and low-maintenance properties and is often used for playgrounds and garden paths.
Ultimately the choice of edging comes down to personal preference, the budget, and the desired aesthetic effect.