Long narrow raised bed ideas please

3 years ago

My daughter and fiancé are not keen gardeners. Any advice on planting ideas for the long border along the fence will be most welcome. Preferably budget friendly and low maintenance. Border is 11.5 m x 70 cm. It gets morning sun along the whole border then dappled sun through the fence until mid afternoon. Scottish climate.

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Sonia

3 years ago

I would suggest evergreen shrubs. They need little attention apart from watering if it’s dry. This is a good time to put them in as we seem to be getting lots of rain! Tall evergreen shrubs are Viburnum tinus, Choisya ternata Sundance, Photinia Red Robin and Ceanothus. Trachelospermum is a lovely fragrant climber but it will need support. Smaller evergreen shrubs are Skimmia, Hebe and Cistus. All these plants are quite tough, so should cope.

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Comments (12)

Angela Haggart
Original Author
3 years ago
Right side is in shade from early afternoon
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Angela Haggart
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions Sonia. I had thought of some of these but wondered if the bed was too narrow for the bigger shrubs.
Sonia
3 years ago
Yes it is rather a narrow bed. Is the bed bottomless, as in can the roots reach down into the soil below?
rachelmidlands
3 years ago
I think Sonia is right with the shrubs idea as they would be low maintenance except for an annual trim. Have a search for wall shrubs, these can be easily trained against a wall or fence. This blog has some nice suggestions: https://www.janetbligh.co.uk/5-essential-evergreen-shrubs-to-clothe-a-wall-or-fence/
In addition I’m going to add Cotoneaster horizontalis as it copes with tough conditions but won’t take up much root space. The RHS list it as a non native invasive species however so i would take care to keep it in check. The birds adore the berries tho. You could also grow climbers such as clematis (many varieties) or Jasmine for eg. They need a little help to start with, a support either with wires/trellis or through the shrubs but once they get going they just need an annual trim.
Angela Haggart
Original Author
3 years ago
Yes it is
Angela Haggart
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you Rachel. I will have a look at the blog
Ann Jones
3 years ago
Hello Angela, a black bamboo would give height and might give a bit of privacy BUT you would have to check if it is suitable for your area. How about a pretty tree planted in the grass in the back left hand corner, it would need a hole twice the size of the pot with an addition of good quality soil and a strong stake to give it a good start, I would suggest a tall cotoneaster, evergreen, white flowers and red/orange berries for the birds, when it grows it would be a nice touch to put a seat. I agree with all the other shrubs mentioned. Enjoy your project.
ali270
3 years ago
I have all the shrubs mentioned by Sonia in my garden . They are all easy maintenance and respond well to cutting/trimming when needed . They are also fairly quick growers so you don’t need to buy expensive large plants , however make sure you give them a good start by dressing the soil appropriately. Happy gardening?
Poppy Wild
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Look at bamboo for privacy as it can grow tall, but leave it in the pot so it doesn't take over. Just plant in the pot into the bed.

some fruit trees espalier style.
Angela Haggart
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you to everyone for your ideas. My daughter is quite keen on bamboo but not the invasive type. Good idea to plant in pots.
PRO
AGI Landscapes
3 years ago
The problem with large shrubs is the border is not wide enough for them unless you train them as a hedge. All that will happen is the shrubs will grow out over the lawn and you will end up with dead patches that are visible as the border is raised. For a border that size I would use climbers along the fence, but if you like bamboo then Hibanobambusa tranquillans or Pleioblastus chino make great hedges, aviod any of the Sasa species as these will spread out of control.

Long narrow raised bed ideas please

Sonia

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Angela Haggart
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Long narrow raised bed ideas please

Sonia

Comments (12)

Angela HaggartOriginal Author

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Angela HaggartOriginal Author

Sonia

rachelmidlands

Angela HaggartOriginal Author

Angela HaggartOriginal Author

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ali270

Poppy Wild

Angela HaggartOriginal Author

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Angela Haggart
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