I can't wait for spring...
Feb 25th 2004, 3:59 pm
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,082
I can't wait for spring...
This year I am going to have the best garden fro miles. I've got seeds in trays germinating as I type... and I'm doing my homework.
What I'm trying to achieve this year is a messy, flowery cottage garden. The front of my house is long so I'm hoping to fill it in well with taller plants at the back etc so I can see them from the window when I'm indoors too. (flowery scent can waft in)
Does anyone have any seeds to share? Something typically English maybe. -- I'm not getting very far with my daisy experiment and do need ideas on how to get them to grow all over the grass (I must be mad)
What do you get excited about?
What I'm trying to achieve this year is a messy, flowery cottage garden. The front of my house is long so I'm hoping to fill it in well with taller plants at the back etc so I can see them from the window when I'm indoors too. (flowery scent can waft in)
Does anyone have any seeds to share? Something typically English maybe. -- I'm not getting very far with my daisy experiment and do need ideas on how to get them to grow all over the grass (I must be mad)
What do you get excited about?
What makes a garden "English"?
Alexander Pope, the famous English poet and essayist expressed his feeling about the direction of English gardening back in 1713 like this: "amiable simplicity of unadorned nature." At that time, gardens tended to be quite formal. All clipped hedges and perfect symmetry-which is all very well if you have a gardening staff to do it all. The French and Dutch influence was clearly at the fore front then, but that was all about to change.
To me, perhaps the most appealing of English garden layout is the Cottage Garden. This is a very easy to do design that essentially is several different kinds of plants, but the backbone of it seems to be hollyhocks, delphiniums, and foxgloves. Add to that a few roses, clematis, lupin, daylilies, aquilegia, dianthus, and poppies. That could easily be enough, but to make it really gush with color all season long it is essential to add a few annuals. Pansies, cosmos, violas, zinnia, sunflowers, morning glory, annual poppies, and whatever else appeals to you. It's not really an exact science, but the idea of a Cottage Garden is to make it as colorful as possible all season long. It should start with Spring blooming bulbs, and end with colorful fall foliage. The site should be sunny, but have a bit of shade for some accent plants like impatiens. The color scheme is your personal preference. I have mine set up so it sort of travels the color wheel. One month it's white and blue, then travels over to purples and reds, yellows and orange, and ends with a big splash of everything in September from the various annuals that I incorporate into the garden.
Also, I would recommend investing in a piece or two of garden statuary. It gives a focal point that can really inspire the entire layout.
Just remember: it's supposed to be fun! Don't get bogged down trying to duplicate a professional gardeners design. By all means visit other gardens to see what appeals to you and what does not. Once you have that information, get out there and dig! - Arthur
Alexander Pope, the famous English poet and essayist expressed his feeling about the direction of English gardening back in 1713 like this: "amiable simplicity of unadorned nature." At that time, gardens tended to be quite formal. All clipped hedges and perfect symmetry-which is all very well if you have a gardening staff to do it all. The French and Dutch influence was clearly at the fore front then, but that was all about to change.
To me, perhaps the most appealing of English garden layout is the Cottage Garden. This is a very easy to do design that essentially is several different kinds of plants, but the backbone of it seems to be hollyhocks, delphiniums, and foxgloves. Add to that a few roses, clematis, lupin, daylilies, aquilegia, dianthus, and poppies. That could easily be enough, but to make it really gush with color all season long it is essential to add a few annuals. Pansies, cosmos, violas, zinnia, sunflowers, morning glory, annual poppies, and whatever else appeals to you. It's not really an exact science, but the idea of a Cottage Garden is to make it as colorful as possible all season long. It should start with Spring blooming bulbs, and end with colorful fall foliage. The site should be sunny, but have a bit of shade for some accent plants like impatiens. The color scheme is your personal preference. I have mine set up so it sort of travels the color wheel. One month it's white and blue, then travels over to purples and reds, yellows and orange, and ends with a big splash of everything in September from the various annuals that I incorporate into the garden.
Also, I would recommend investing in a piece or two of garden statuary. It gives a focal point that can really inspire the entire layout.
Just remember: it's supposed to be fun! Don't get bogged down trying to duplicate a professional gardeners design. By all means visit other gardens to see what appeals to you and what does not. Once you have that information, get out there and dig! - Arthur
Feb 25th 2004, 4:01 pm
#2
@matthewb76
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Missouri
Posts: 21,886
Re: I can't wait for spring...
Originally posted by BrigieDarling
Does anyone have any seeds to share? Something typically English maybe.
Does anyone have any seeds to share? Something typically English maybe.
Originally posted by BrigieDarling
What do you get excited about?
What do you get excited about?
Feb 25th 2004, 11:58 pm
#3
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,082
Re: I can't wait for spring...
Originally posted by manc1976
You are asking for trouble here.
Yep...........asking for trouble here.
You are asking for trouble here.
Yep...........asking for trouble here.
Feb 26th 2004, 12:02 am
#4
Rock Goddess
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 1,429
I'm jealous. i would so like to have a garden, but alas, I live in an apartment and to top that I am crap at gardening. I have a fantasy of being good with plants, as my Mum has a natural talent with all things green, but it was not passed on in the genetic pool. I think when we buy a new house with a garden we shall have to get Ground Force involved. I thought they might like the angle...ex-pat Brit moves to the USA and needs a garden to remind her of home. Any bloody excuse to get Charlie Dimmock round for tea. 
Feb 26th 2004, 12:17 am
#5
At last in Josh's arms =)
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Mobile, AL - originally Paris, France
Posts: 348
Re: I can't wait for spring...
Originally posted by BrigieDarling
What do you get excited about?
What do you get excited about?
Feb 26th 2004, 2:07 am
#6
Get em out by Friday
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,493
When you say "typically English" are we talking Surrey typical or Mile End typical? If it's the later, then just pave over the entire garden, pop in a couple of lamposts, spread some dog turds around the place and hey presto! The burnt out car is optional, but recomended for complete authenticity
Feb 26th 2004, 2:14 am
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,296
Re: I can't wait for spring...
Originally posted by BrigieDarling
This year I am going to have the best garden fro miles. I've got seeds in trays germinating as I type... and I'm doing my homework.
What I'm trying to achieve this year is a messy, flowery cottage garden. The front of my house is long so I'm hoping to fill it in well with taller plants at the back etc so I can see them from the window when I'm indoors too. (flowery scent can waft in)
Does anyone have any seeds to share? Something typically English maybe. -- I'm not getting very far with my daisy experiment and do need ideas on how to get them to grow all over the grass (I must be mad)
What do you get excited about?
This year I am going to have the best garden fro miles. I've got seeds in trays germinating as I type... and I'm doing my homework.
What I'm trying to achieve this year is a messy, flowery cottage garden. The front of my house is long so I'm hoping to fill it in well with taller plants at the back etc so I can see them from the window when I'm indoors too. (flowery scent can waft in)
Does anyone have any seeds to share? Something typically English maybe. -- I'm not getting very far with my daisy experiment and do need ideas on how to get them to grow all over the grass (I must be mad)
What do you get excited about?
I'm still trying to grow daffodils in Florida....
Feb 26th 2004, 11:52 am
#8
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Harbor Springs, Michigan *again*
Posts: 2,340
Taffyles I'm not sure youre going to get daffodils to grow in Florida, they require 'frosting' which kick starts their life cycle so unless the ground gets cold down there you'll probably find they are reluctant to show. Sorry to be the harbinger of bad news n all. You could try planting some in a smallish pot and 'force' it by placing it in your fridge for a month or so, it might work and anythings worth a try to see those lovely yellow trumpets 
Bridgie, I tried growing plants on from seed last year and I mostly got plants that looked very weak all year. It may be an idea to start with a few (quite a few) good size perennial plants which you can divide in a couple of years time. Dont forget shrubs too, they are expensive over here but buddlejia (the butterfly bush) does a great job of bringing in all sorts of wildlife.
Last year I was lucky enough to get my plants from the same supplier as my work so I paid wholesale prices, this year I'm trying out Gurneys seed & nursery co ... www.gurneys.com they seem to have a good selection and came very well recommended to me.
Good luck with your Enlgish country garden
Jan
Bridgie, I tried growing plants on from seed last year and I mostly got plants that looked very weak all year. It may be an idea to start with a few (quite a few) good size perennial plants which you can divide in a couple of years time. Dont forget shrubs too, they are expensive over here but buddlejia (the butterfly bush) does a great job of bringing in all sorts of wildlife.
Last year I was lucky enough to get my plants from the same supplier as my work so I paid wholesale prices, this year I'm trying out Gurneys seed & nursery co ... www.gurneys.com they seem to have a good selection and came very well recommended to me.
Good luck with your Enlgish country garden
Jan
Feb 26th 2004, 12:51 pm
#9
I'm as thick as a plank!
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 360
The Japanese Beetles and I spend all summer tending my potentillas, roses, lavenders, and salveas.
Anyone got a cure for them, and please don't say those plastic traps, because they just attract more of the little buggers.
thanks much,
Percy!
Anyone got a cure for them, and please don't say those plastic traps, because they just attract more of the little buggers.
thanks much,
Percy!
Feb 26th 2004, 1:00 pm
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Harbor Springs, Michigan *again*
Posts: 2,340
only real 'cure' for them is to pick them off by hand, I've tried just about every spray and they still come back ... I'll ask around a bit and see what I can find out.
Percy aka Jan
Percy aka Jan
Feb 26th 2004, 1:12 pm
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,296
Originally posted by jan_michigan
Taffyles I'm not sure youre going to get daffodils to grow in Florida, they require 'frosting' which kick starts their life cycle so unless the ground gets cold down there you'll probably find they are reluctant to show. Sorry to be the harbinger of bad news n all. You could try planting some in a smallish pot and 'force' it by placing it in your fridge for a month or so, it might work and anythings worth a try to see those lovely yellow trumpets
Jan
Taffyles I'm not sure youre going to get daffodils to grow in Florida, they require 'frosting' which kick starts their life cycle so unless the ground gets cold down there you'll probably find they are reluctant to show. Sorry to be the harbinger of bad news n all. You could try planting some in a smallish pot and 'force' it by placing it in your fridge for a month or so, it might work and anythings worth a try to see those lovely yellow trumpets
Jan
I've been told it is possible to grow them here with great care- you have to put the bulbs in the freezer for a month, then plant in the shade and water with ice cubes- so far all I've produced are spindly green shoots- but I'll keep at it. Walmart sold pots of croci and daffs here one year- they were completely overgrown in a week! One day....
Feb 26th 2004, 1:34 pm
#12
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: I can't wait for spring...
Originally posted by Taffyles
I'm still trying to grow daffodils in Florida....
I'm still trying to grow daffodils in Florida....
Feb 26th 2004, 2:03 pm
#13
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Harbor Springs, Michigan *again*
Posts: 2,340
Up here we get daffodils but they last for 3 weeks or less, considering they should be peeking through right now and we still have 4ft snow on the ground theyre aweful late.
Jan
Jan
Feb 26th 2004, 2:38 pm
#14
Just around the next bend
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Missouri
Posts: 2,276
Originally posted by jan_michigan
Taffyles I'm not sure youre going to get daffodils to grow in Florida, they require 'frosting' which kick starts their life cycle so unless the ground gets cold down there you'll probably find they are reluctant to show. Sorry to be the harbinger of bad news n all. You could try planting some in a smallish pot and 'force' it by placing it in your fridge for a month or so, it might work and anythings worth a try to see those lovely yellow trumpets
Jan
Taffyles I'm not sure youre going to get daffodils to grow in Florida, they require 'frosting' which kick starts their life cycle so unless the ground gets cold down there you'll probably find they are reluctant to show. Sorry to be the harbinger of bad news n all. You could try planting some in a smallish pot and 'force' it by placing it in your fridge for a month or so, it might work and anythings worth a try to see those lovely yellow trumpets
Jan
The fridge treatment definitely works. For Florida, bulb nurseries recommend refrigerating 6 to 8 weeks before planting. Some recommend even longer, 12-16 weeks. It fools them into believing they have overwintered in a frosty climate. Just keep them in a paper bag or perforated plastic bag inside the fridge, but keep away from fruit, which can emit ethylene gas which can prompt premature blooming. Paperwhites don't generally require refrigeration, although they do not produce large yellow trumpets, however they have their own charm including a magnificent scent.
Debbie
