Decisions! Decisions! Selecting plants to edge a garden area or path can be
just as frustrating as accessorizing a room or an outfit. We want the
overall picture to look pulled together with our choices. I like to divide
plants for this purpose into two divisions: compact and spreaders. These
plants grow in the 3 foot and under height range.
Compact plants are just that. They will grow within a defined space only
getting slightly larger over the following years. If the area needs a strong
barrier, consider a low growing shrub or grass such as Hameln Grass, Spiraea
Magic Carpet, Cotoneaster Coral Beauty, Hypericum Blue Velvet or one of the
Nandinas as they will work hard year round to keep the garden defined.
Spreaders and drapers will creep into the garden mixing with the other
plants or spill over the edge of the garden bed. They will work well in any
garden, but can really show their talents when planted along the edge of a
multi level garden.
Again, this is going to be a key spot to introduce additional colors and
textures. If the primary color of the garden is green (for example), edge
the bed with Lime Ricky or Peach Flambé Heucheras or Black Mondo Grass for
contrast. If the garden is alive with lots of color, then going low key
would be effective with something like one of the grasses, liriope (solid),
thyme or Nandina Dwarf Harbor.
Here's a listing of plants that I have complied for these 2 divisions:
Compact plants for borders and edging:
• Grass Elijah Blue (sun)
• Grass Hameln (sun)
• Chives (sun to light shade)
• Heucheras (sun to shade-depending on variety)
• Aster (sun)
• Hostas (shade)
• Ferns-such as Autumn Brilliance (shade)
• Spiraea Magic Carpet (sun to light shade)
• Spiraea Gold Mound (sun to light shade)
• Lavender (sun)
• City Line Hydrangeas (limited sun to shade)
• Liriope (sun to shade)
• Armeria Dusseldorf Pride (sun to shade)
• Veronica Royal Candles (sun to shade)
• Cotoneaster Coral Beauty (sun to shade)
• Barberry Crimson Pygmy (sun to shade)
• Hypericum Blue Velvet (sun)
• Nandina Dwarf Firepower (light to full shade)
• Nandina Dwarf Harbor (light to full shade)
• Daylilies (sun to light shade)
• Sedum Autumn Fire (sun)
• Grass Black Mondo (sun to shade)
• Grass Black Moudry (sun)
• Grass Acorus Minimus (sun)
• Grass Acorus Gramineus Ogon (sun)
• Hibiscus Lil' Kim (sun to shade)
Spreaders and Drapers:
• Mazus Reptans Purple (sun)
• Wooly Thyme (sun to shade)
• Red Creeping Thyme (sun to shade)
• Creeping Phlox (sun to light shade)
• Creeping Rosemary (sun to light shade)
• Yarrow (sun to light shade)
• Elfin Thyme (sun to shade)
• Hypericum Calycinum (sun to light shade-but needs sun to flower)
Don't feel limited to these plants though. Be creative with plants. That's
part of the fun and learning experience of gardening.
Don't forget to visit our Monthly Member's Value Page, Member's Only Spring
Bonus Plants, and Landscaping Ideas Slideshow. We have some great items
featured on both the Monthly Member's Value Page and our Homepage so be sure
to check them out.
Also, I have added new pictures to our Landscape Ideas Album on our Facebook
page. Check them out for landscaping and gardening tips.
Until next week…….Cheryl
