You may be restricted by space in a small garden but not by choice; for there are many plants that are compact, low maintenance and yet still as interesting as their larger cousins. You can still have Rhodos, however, dwarf varieties may be more appropriate: Rhododendrum ‘Impeditum’ which is only 6- 12” makes it perfect for the small garden or in containers. It has gorgeous blue-violet blooms on evergreen blue green foliage. ‘Patty Bee’ is a stunning evergreen variety with very full blooms of pale yellow flowers and is slightly taller at 12-18”. Depending on your space, you may have room for these three foot varieties: ‘Teddy Bear’ which has showy pink flowers which fade to white and glossy dark foliage with teddy bear brown indumentum on the underside or ‘Ramapo’ with its lovely light violet purple flowers. Rhodos are easy to grow, attract butterflies, supposedly are deer resistant, good for the border, rock garden and woodland garden. Prune after flowering. Heather may be a natural choice for the small garden because of its compact size and the newer varieties have colorful
foliage which extends the interest in the garden. Calluna (Heather) ‘Spring Cream’ and ‘Spring Torch’ have dark evergreen stems which are tipped with red orange growth that fades to a brilliant primrose yellow and later mauve or white flowers follow. Like all heathers give it good drainage and full sun and prune back after flowering. Bees love heather but deer leave it alone.
Although most Pieris are around 5 feet, we have several dwarf varieties. One of my favourites is the sweet Pieris japonica ‘Little Heath’. It is compact at 2-3ft; has variegated leaves which are dark green edged in white and the new growth is red; and the flowers white. The evergreen Pieris are low maintenance,
deer resistant and prefer sun to partial shade.
There are endless amounts of spring flowers to fill your small garden such as Tulips, Narcissus, Pansies, Primulas and Violas but don’t forget the dwarf Iris. All Irises like full sun to part shade, are deer and rabbit resistant, attract hummingbirds, and are good for cut flowers. Three charming varieties are Dwarf Iris ‘Smart’ which is a stunning lavender\purple;‘What again’ which is a pale yellow with blue/violet rebloomer, and ‘Orange Tiger’ which is a bold orange which really stands out in the garden. They do not bloom for long but their beauty is breathtaking. But what If your garden is in the shade? You may already have Hostas, Astilbes and Dicenta (Bleeding Hearts), but you might want to try something different.
The Arum italicum ‘pictum’ (Lords and Ladies) loves the full shade to part shade and has gorgeous white veining in the arrow shaped leaf and heads of striking red berries in the fall. They are Deer resistant and love the cold weather as they poke their heads up between fallen leaves in the garden in early spring. Another darling of the garden is Pulmonaria ‘Little Star’. It has adorable freckled leaves with clusters of miniature nodding flower heads which start out pink and turn cobalt blue as they mature. This plant attracts hummingbirds to your garden and the variegation of the leaves really brightens up a dark area.
Ferns don’t have to be boring. Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ (Japanese painted fern)has blue/green fronds with wonderful silver\grey\red tinges is a real stunner. This variegated fern is easy to grow and performs well an any rich evenly moist soil and is Deer and Rabbit resistant. It is perfect for the woodland garden, containers and great with Hostas and Astilbes.
If your garden is small, it can still be magnificent. There are many great choices for small spaces and containers. Bring in your ideas and we can help you build your garden dream.
Happy Gardening.
foliage which extends the interest in the garden. Calluna (Heather) ‘Spring Cream’ and ‘Spring Torch’ have dark evergreen stems which are tipped with red orange growth that fades to a brilliant primrose yellow and later mauve or white flowers follow. Like all heathers give it good drainage and full sun and prune back after flowering. Bees love heather but deer leave it alone.
Although most Pieris are around 5 feet, we have several dwarf varieties. One of my favourites is the sweet Pieris japonica ‘Little Heath’. It is compact at 2-3ft; has variegated leaves which are dark green edged in white and the new growth is red; and the flowers white. The evergreen Pieris are low maintenance,
deer resistant and prefer sun to partial shade.
There are endless amounts of spring flowers to fill your small garden such as Tulips, Narcissus, Pansies, Primulas and Violas but don’t forget the dwarf Iris. All Irises like full sun to part shade, are deer and rabbit resistant, attract hummingbirds, and are good for cut flowers. Three charming varieties are Dwarf Iris ‘Smart’ which is a stunning lavender\purple;‘What again’ which is a pale yellow with blue/violet rebloomer, and ‘Orange Tiger’ which is a bold orange which really stands out in the garden. They do not bloom for long but their beauty is breathtaking. But what If your garden is in the shade? You may already have Hostas, Astilbes and Dicenta (Bleeding Hearts), but you might want to try something different.
The Arum italicum ‘pictum’ (Lords and Ladies) loves the full shade to part shade and has gorgeous white veining in the arrow shaped leaf and heads of striking red berries in the fall. They are Deer resistant and love the cold weather as they poke their heads up between fallen leaves in the garden in early spring. Another darling of the garden is Pulmonaria ‘Little Star’. It has adorable freckled leaves with clusters of miniature nodding flower heads which start out pink and turn cobalt blue as they mature. This plant attracts hummingbirds to your garden and the variegation of the leaves really brightens up a dark area.
Ferns don’t have to be boring. Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ (Japanese painted fern)has blue/green fronds with wonderful silver\grey\red tinges is a real stunner. This variegated fern is easy to grow and performs well an any rich evenly moist soil and is Deer and Rabbit resistant. It is perfect for the woodland garden, containers and great with Hostas and Astilbes.
If your garden is small, it can still be magnificent. There are many great choices for small spaces and containers. Bring in your ideas and we can help you build your garden dream.
Happy Gardening.
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