Looking for pointers.
Looking for pointers.
Hello,
First of all thanks for all the info you guys have compiled here, I have been lurking for a while now.
As a newbie to the world of exotics this forum has seemed to be the go to place to get hints and tips for my experiments and research as to what I can grow.
I am based in Bristol and am about to start a fairly large project in my garden including a fair amount of Landscaping. I am designing the garden and obviously I want to fill it with exotic plants and create somewhat of an illusion of the tropics. This being my first attempt at this I experimented last year with some easier plants like Musa Basjoo, Cannas and a couple of palms (Phoenix Canariensis) with great results.
So... I am going to start putting together a list of plants that I intend to fill my garden with in the spring/summer all going well with the construction. I was wondering if you guys could give me some suggestions or tips as to what I should go for or avoid. The garden is fairly big and sloping currently and I am baring the plants in mind when I come to landscaping it hopefully creating a few different micro climates.
any help would be awesome.. Cheers
P.s. Since Playing with Basjoos I have become obsessed with huge leaves the bigger the better, any gems you know of?
First of all thanks for all the info you guys have compiled here, I have been lurking for a while now.
As a newbie to the world of exotics this forum has seemed to be the go to place to get hints and tips for my experiments and research as to what I can grow.
I am based in Bristol and am about to start a fairly large project in my garden including a fair amount of Landscaping. I am designing the garden and obviously I want to fill it with exotic plants and create somewhat of an illusion of the tropics. This being my first attempt at this I experimented last year with some easier plants like Musa Basjoo, Cannas and a couple of palms (Phoenix Canariensis) with great results.
So... I am going to start putting together a list of plants that I intend to fill my garden with in the spring/summer all going well with the construction. I was wondering if you guys could give me some suggestions or tips as to what I should go for or avoid. The garden is fairly big and sloping currently and I am baring the plants in mind when I come to landscaping it hopefully creating a few different micro climates.
any help would be awesome.. Cheers
P.s. Since Playing with Basjoos I have become obsessed with huge leaves the bigger the better, any gems you know of?
Re: Looking for pointers.
Welcome.
Some huge leaf plants:
Petasites japonicus giganteus aka Japanese butterbur
Rheum palmatum var. tanguticum
Gunnera manicata - with time!
Giant hogweed - it has issues...
Tetrapanax
canna musafolia
Ligularia 'Zepter'
Fatsia
Some huge leaf plants:
Petasites japonicus giganteus aka Japanese butterbur
Rheum palmatum var. tanguticum
Gunnera manicata - with time!
Giant hogweed - it has issues...
Tetrapanax
canna musafolia
Ligularia 'Zepter'
Fatsia
Re: Looking for pointers.
Welcome to the forum Doc!
There must be loads of big leave Plants, I only grew two a Basjoo and an Ensete.
The Ensete, least mine did grow big leaves if a trifle short in height. I am hoping to uncover a monster come the Spring.
There must be loads of big leave Plants, I only grew two a Basjoo and an Ensete.
The Ensete, least mine did grow big leaves if a trifle short in height. I am hoping to uncover a monster come the Spring.
Re: Looking for pointers.
Thanks
Tetrapanax is a definite, I had seen them around but never knew what they where called cheers Blairs.
Tetrapanax is a definite, I had seen them around but never knew what they where called cheers Blairs.
Re: Looking for pointers.
Cheers Kata!
The colour on that Ensete is brilliant, that would look great mixed in with the greens of basjoo and alike. Did that come up in one season outdoors?
The colour on that Ensete is brilliant, that would look great mixed in with the greens of basjoo and alike. Did that come up in one season outdoors?
Re: Looking for pointers.
Obsessed with huge leaves the bigger the better huh? Welcome to the asylum Doc
Re: Looking for pointers.
Hi Doc
phormiums can have leaves over 6ft long, but not too wide. You've got to add the strappys and spikeys in with your large leaf fetish
Don't forget to add the photos of your progress, we like photos
phormiums can have leaves over 6ft long, but not too wide. You've got to add the strappys and spikeys in with your large leaf fetish
Don't forget to add the photos of your progress, we like photos
Re: Looking for pointers.
I bought one off Dave (boss here) and lost it Doc,
I then bought another.
It grew from this.
It was £7.50 with postage from ebay.
I then bought another.
It grew from this.
It was £7.50 with postage from ebay.
Re: Looking for pointers.
Hmm...I agree and forgot the Ferns,
I got into them last year about mid - summer.
That cost about £50 inc p.p but the more you buy the more you get in log size. They also come minus the leaves, just water (everyday) and watch the magic unfold.
I got into them last year about mid - summer.
That cost about £50 inc p.p but the more you buy the more you get in log size. They also come minus the leaves, just water (everyday) and watch the magic unfold.
Re: Looking for pointers.
Thanks for all the replies guys!
.
.
I recon I can find a space for a Dicksonia or two. I also like the look of shuttle cock ferns. I will have to read up on the best spot for them.fern Rob wrote:Welcome you need to plant a Dicksonia antarctica or two.
I agree with you on that flounder, phormiums look great to add volume to borders and I am looking at getting a few more palms to get that mix in texture.flounder wrote: phormiums can have leaves over 6ft long, but not too wide. You've got to add the strappys and spikeys in with your large leaf fetish
Re: Looking for pointers.
Welcome to the forum!
Pan Global plants isn't too far from you for some more unusual gems:
http://www.panglobalplants.com/
Pan Global plants isn't too far from you for some more unusual gems:
http://www.panglobalplants.com/
Re: Looking for pointers.
What landscaping have you done? I am concentrating in landscaping this year so any pics would be welcome! So far my idea is to facade all my raised beds in decking boards or render them and to add edging to lawns. I extended the patio area last year, moved several borders completely and have just created another border from a steep path. I also need to add plants to borders from pots.
Re: Looking for pointers.
If you look after them then a slightly shaded area would be fine.Doc86 wrote:Thanks for all the replies guys!
.I recon I can find a space for a Dicksonia or two. I also like the look of shuttle cock ferns. I will have to read up on the best spot for them.fern Rob wrote:Welcome you need to plant a Dicksonia antarctica or two.
I agree with you on that flounder, phormiums look great to add volume to borders and I am looking at getting a few more palms to get that mix in texture.flounder wrote: phormiums can have leaves over 6ft long, but not too wide. You've got to add the strappys and spikeys in with your large leaf fetish
Re: Looking for pointers.
Welcome to HTUK, Doc
A few bamboos grouped together will gave you some immediate height and if carefully sited can create all kinds of effects. For example, a backdrop and shelter for summer bedding of large leaved beauties.
A few bamboos grouped together will gave you some immediate height and if carefully sited can create all kinds of effects. For example, a backdrop and shelter for summer bedding of large leaved beauties.