Plants
Jul 20th 2005, 7:35 pm
#16
C.G.D.S
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Ireland--->London--->Spain--->Rockport, MA
Posts: 3,353
Re: Plants
Originally Posted by glynis
Brilliant story that one Shoo!!!!
I cannot get plants to grow in my garden in Chiclana, the soil is terrible and it doesn't help that both my cat and dog wait until a plant starts to grow a little and then bite it off, they seem to especially like roses which just happen to be my favourite too!! anyone any ideas for plants that animals will not take advantage of - non poisonous please as I am still quite fond of the little buggers....
I cannot get plants to grow in my garden in Chiclana, the soil is terrible and it doesn't help that both my cat and dog wait until a plant starts to grow a little and then bite it off, they seem to especially like roses which just happen to be my favourite too!! anyone any ideas for plants that animals will not take advantage of - non poisonous please as I am still quite fond of the little buggers....
Jul 21st 2005, 8:45 am
#17
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Philippines
Posts: 386
Re: Plants
You could try underplanting the roses with Lavender or Rosemary which are aromatic plants and may discourage the animals. These mediterranean type plants will survive the bad soil unless you over water. (sink a plastic pipe down to the tap root to avoid the "Feed roots" being waterlogged)
Some of the brightly flowered Bougainvilia are spiny covered and would provide a barrier. These are fast growing but can be maintained like a hedge. To encourage flowering on these it would be prudent to know when to give haircuts.
The Berberis is a drought tolerant shrub which can be pruned fairly hard, it is spiny and there are some delightful deep red varieties of "Thumbergii".
There are some electronic untralsonic devices that are available to keep away small animals as well as a sprinkle thingy that detects the animal and then puts out a water spray. .....love the Mazda commercial on the TV !!!
Some of the brightly flowered Bougainvilia are spiny covered and would provide a barrier. These are fast growing but can be maintained like a hedge. To encourage flowering on these it would be prudent to know when to give haircuts.
The Berberis is a drought tolerant shrub which can be pruned fairly hard, it is spiny and there are some delightful deep red varieties of "Thumbergii".
There are some electronic untralsonic devices that are available to keep away small animals as well as a sprinkle thingy that detects the animal and then puts out a water spray. .....love the Mazda commercial on the TV !!!
Jul 22nd 2005, 4:18 pm
#18
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Chiclana
Posts: 3,327
Re: Plants
Originally Posted by sunnydays
You could try underplanting the roses with Lavender or Rosemary which are aromatic plants and may discourage the animals. These mediterranean type plants will survive the bad soil unless you over water. (sink a plastic pipe down to the tap root to avoid the "Feed roots" being waterlogged)
Some of the brightly flowered Bougainvilia are spiny covered and would provide a barrier. These are fast growing but can be maintained like a hedge. To encourage flowering on these it would be prudent to know when to give haircuts.
The Berberis is a drought tolerant shrub which can be pruned fairly hard, it is spiny and there are some delightful deep red varieties of "Thumbergii".
There are some electronic untralsonic devices that are available to keep away small animals as well as a sprinkle thingy that detects the animal and then puts out a water spray. .....love the Mazda commercial on the TV !!!
Some of the brightly flowered Bougainvilia are spiny covered and would provide a barrier. These are fast growing but can be maintained like a hedge. To encourage flowering on these it would be prudent to know when to give haircuts.
The Berberis is a drought tolerant shrub which can be pruned fairly hard, it is spiny and there are some delightful deep red varieties of "Thumbergii".
There are some electronic untralsonic devices that are available to keep away small animals as well as a sprinkle thingy that detects the animal and then puts out a water spray. .....love the Mazda commercial on the TV !!!
Jul 23rd 2005, 9:38 am
#19
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Philippines
Posts: 386
Re: Plants
[QUOTE=glynis]Thanks for that, will certainly try the rosemary and lavender and berberis. Bouganvillia makes a tasty snack!!!! Also good idea about pipe down to the tap root. Will try Berberis but is it worth doing now or better to wait until the autumn rains. What can we add to the soil to make it less clayey.
Not much rain in Spain Glynis so watering will be an issue until established.
Some folk swear by compost etc to break down the clay, but it takes ages.
There is a product in the garden centres for "opening up" clay soil called something like "Beet all", it is a white powder that you sprinkle on the soil and then water it down underneath. (turns pink) The method is that the powder binds the clay into particles that will then allow the roots and oxygen to penetrate. The price is not cheap, but if you can find a "British Gypsum" supplier nearby, you may be able to buy a Cwt sack of the stuff very cheaply because that is what the powder is. Remember years ago when advice was to bury your old plaster boards into your garden to improve the soil? The Gypsum is a little Alkoline (spelling) so don't overdo it.
....how about a crop of potatoes ??
Not much rain in Spain Glynis so watering will be an issue until established.
Some folk swear by compost etc to break down the clay, but it takes ages.
There is a product in the garden centres for "opening up" clay soil called something like "Beet all", it is a white powder that you sprinkle on the soil and then water it down underneath. (turns pink) The method is that the powder binds the clay into particles that will then allow the roots and oxygen to penetrate. The price is not cheap, but if you can find a "British Gypsum" supplier nearby, you may be able to buy a Cwt sack of the stuff very cheaply because that is what the powder is. Remember years ago when advice was to bury your old plaster boards into your garden to improve the soil? The Gypsum is a little Alkoline (spelling) so don't overdo it.
....how about a crop of potatoes ??
