As February flings its usual mix of weather at us and the first signs of spring appear, I have been cutting back perennials and grasses in borders.
It’s interesting to see a garden laid bare in winter and a long border in a front garden I was working in last week is a good example of how important evergreens are in the mix. A low, drystone wall separates the border from the pavement beyond – a hot spot in summer.
It replaced a high leylandii hedge that the property was hidden behind for many years until the current owners had it removed and opened up the space. It created quite a change and, if there’s one thing you discover when working in a front garden, passers by often comment on what you’re doing. All positive ones, thankfully!
The border was planted in the summer of 2022 and suffered some losses last winter when the mild, wet autumn changed overnight and sodden plants froze to their core. Losses were a Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’, Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ and Phormium ‘Licorice & Lime’. Noticeably, plants native to New Zealand really suffered last winter.
I decided not to risk losing another Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ but did replace the ‘Tom Thumb’ as they are usually the hardiest and conditions last winter were extreme. I replaced the Phormium ‘Licorice & Lime’ with Phormium ‘Surfer Bronze’, a miniature type with narrow twisted leaves that is supposed to be hardier. So far, so good!
Other evergreens repeated within the border are Libertia grandiflora, Heuchera ‘Carnival Cocomint’ and Cistus x obtusifolius ‘Thrive’.
Despite the aspect and drystone wall, not all the sun lovers have done well. Some of the thyme plants that tumble over the edge are OK, others look like they are struggling. A prostrate rosemary on the corner of the wall was replaced after the harsh winter but has suffered wind rock this year. Wet and windy weather is what we have to plan for now it seems.
Spring bulbs are starting to push their way through the soil in the border and, as the summer view shows, Allium christophii adds to the bulb mix in May/June. Other plants in the photo (early June) are Salvia ‘Caradonna Pink Inspiration’, Salvia x superba ‘Merleau Blue’, Thymus ‘Silver Posie’, Miscanthus ‘Shorty’ and Lavender angustifolia.
It’s that time of year when summer feels a long way off, but spring really is just around the corner.
