Hedge plants and 'falling plants'
Jennifer Nielsen
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I have recently had to terrace this hill between my tennis court and back courtyard. I want to hide the sleeper walls and was thinking of painting them grey (same charcoal colour as the house trim) and putting hedges in front of them and plants that spill over on top. I have a preference for edibles, but I think i will have to intersperse with other plants to make it beautiful.
It faces west and gets a little morning sun, but not alot. I live in a temperate climate in south east Queensland in Australia.
Help!!
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Jennifer Nielsen
8 years agoRelated Discussions
What plants to plant?
Comments (12)Where is north in this photo? It looks to me as though the area in question is fairly shaded so a lot of the above options wont work if the area is on the southern side of the home, especially because of the winter shade. The space gets afternoon sun - in summer or winter? There are shadows from trees - are these deciduous or evergreen? Clay can vary enormously from being plasticine like to clay with rocks or stones in it. This will have an enormous bearing on the plants that you can use, precluding plants like westringias that require very good drainage. A plant that is as tough as old boots that will grow in both sun and shade [with some sunlight during the day] is Buxus microphylla var japonica varieties, while Aucuba japonica [Gold dust plant] or even some of the native lomandra grasses would work well. The first two can be grown as a hedge with the latter choosing a variety that you like [ there are so many], but have the plants all the same - don't mix them up. These will all grow in some shade, will grow in clay as well if it isn't too poorly drained. It does appear as though the area is sloping ever so slightly away from the house which is good. But I would steer clear of paving - unless its needed for access etc, it will look patchy and pointless - use plants instead to make your picture - its far more sustainable. Alison...See MoreGarden bed — what to plant?
Comments (15)Perhaps check with your local council to see if they have a plant list. Many councils here in NSW do this to assist homeowners with choosing native Australian plants and some introduced plants that grow well and are in keeping with the area. Of course it depends on the look of your house and whether your landscaping plan will compliment that, or whether you want a manicured look, or a natural look, cottage garden look (e.g flowers and hedges) or a beachy look (e.g. if you have a pool) and so on. Fruit trees sometimes need a different aspect to other trees, so separating food trees from general foliage is something to consider. Oleanders are off the list in many parts of NSW too. We recently put a fence in similar to yours but it has been painted black as our house is modern. We've been advised on lomandra, banksia and grevilias and lili pillys for a native garden as we already have lemon scented gums and ironbarks on the property. If you consider the building style of your home, and the trees common to the area you're in, sometimes that can give some inspiration...See MoreDark Hedge Plants
Comments (3)Hi Rayan, Acmena smithii ‘fire screen’ from Warner’s is a dense Lilly pilly it’s quite dark and new foliage is copper, euonymus green rocket is quite dark, good old viburnum Tinus makes a fabulous hedge , looks great if tiered with buxus, I grow lots of viburnum species as hedges and they are one of the best looking hedge plants ever...See MoreHelp! Plant/hedge suggestions for a small pathway
Comments (9)Unfortunately it can take a lot longer than 20 years for damage to become evident. And every bit of root left behind if removed, will grow, as the plant also grows from root cuttings. The movement is insidious, but by the time its evident, with above ground roots, the damage has been done. As a professional, I have seen many instances of this occurring. Do a Google search. A good source will confirm my comments. Figs are fine in pots, off the ground. I note that Diggers have them in their garden as a screen - and they look fantastic. They also sell them. Grown a long way from buildings, because the root reach is considerable, and from septic systems, they could be OK. But I personally, as a Horticulturist with significant plant knowledge, would never put them in the ground in my own garden, or for clients. I'm offering this advice to avoid problems for people in the future. This knowledge comes with over 40 years of hands-on and professional gardening experience. Figs should not be put in the ground near structures, garden walls, concrete paths etc....See MoreJennifer Nielsen
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