Original Query: We had constructed raised flower beds around our patio last year, but have not yet been successful in planting them. Could you suggest what to plant, focusing on a) providing elevation to the area; and b) options that will grow quite fast, filling up the spaces in the beds and possibly providing a pleasant fragrance? The area is partly exposed to full sunlight and partly shaded.
Reply: Your courtyard-themed garden certainly appears to hold vast potential. Firstly, I’d recommend removing any broken trellis from the white section of the wall. Afterwards, paint that wall the same grey shade used elsewhere in your space to amplify the feeling of privacy, add depth, and serve as an appealing backdrop to future planting.
Secondly, it’s crucial to ensure that the soil in your raised beds is of the best possible quality to facilitate the growth of robust, healthy plants down the line. Look for soil that it is dark, aerated, easy to cultivate, and ideally supplemented with well-composted manure to both reinforce it and aid in moisture retention. The finished level of soil should ideally be slightly – approximately 3cm – beneath the timber retaining planks. Based on the photo, it seems as though some spots need topping up. Use high-quality graded topsoil for this purpose, gently pressing it down as you proceed to prevent subsequent subsidence. Finally, cover the surface with some well-rotted manure and a few sprinkles of a slow-release pelleted organic fertiliser, ahead of planting.
Creating a sense of tranquillity and vibrancy in a private courtyard space can be achieved by focusing on ornamental climbers and wall shrubs. By training these against the walls, you optimise the vertical growing space. Prioritise species that offer year-round evergreen enhancements as well as diversity in leaf form. Ideal plants include star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) that, with its jasmine-like white blooms, is perfect for a sunny, sheltered wall; the spring-blooming Clematis “Avalanche”, which thrives in sunlight or light shade given a sheltered location; and the summer-blooming Seemann’s climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea seemannii). Consider incorporating some ornamental wall shrubs and several deciduous clematis. Specific examples are the shade-tolerant Clematis alpina that blooms in spring and late summer flowering Clematis viticella, as well as compact climbing roses such as the claret-blooming, shade tolerant, repeat-flowering Rose “Souvenir du Docteur Jamain”.
It’s important to remember that the currently placed climber in the garden (the blooming plant to the left) is the attractive yet rather aggressive evergreen known as the Chilean potato vine or Solanum crispum “Glasnevin”. This will require an annual spring trim to avoid it overgrowing the space.
Adding quick-growing, ground-cover plants will introduce extra interest. Lavender performs well in sunny, sheltered, well-drained locations where its fragrance can be thoroughly enjoyed, as does thyme and prostrate rosemary. In shady places, utilise structural ferns (Polystichum setiferum), hellebores and ornamental grasses (Carex “Irish Green”). For immediate colour as you wait for these perennials, shrubs and climbers to establish, make use of quick-growing summer blooming annuals like cosmos, marigolds and fragrant sweet pea.