Gardening Experts Required

Steve1953



Joined: 04/12/2008
Posts: 298

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 20:43

Any budding GQT experts out there? I have a ground floor apartment in Lapta that has 4 x 15 inch square holes about 8 inch deep (concrete below this I think). Also an area about 5 feet x 3 feet x 8 inch deep - some of these holes are south facing - any ideas on plants - what will survive and reasonable garden centres?



Also have a friend with privet hedge in UK - anybody know what can exist at the side of this - I know this hedge emits poison into the soil via its roots and leaves.

Any help would be useful,Steve

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 20:54

steve,

i'm not an expert but why not try growning herbs?

lots of them will grow in poor soil areas and the plus side is you could use them in the kitchen as well.

Blackpoolfan


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 1568

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 17:18

STEVE,

How about plastic flowers last ages dont need water,ask my wife!

Steve1953



Joined: 04/12/2008
Posts: 298

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 19:35

Blackpool Fan:Do they get greenfly?

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 19:53

Hi Steve1953,



fire starter is right, plant some lavender and rosemary. They both do well in Cyprus and don't need a lot of water. For hedging try Oleander, very pretty cut back once a year and don't need a lot of water. Try some flowering cacti again very little water. Hope this helps.



The Butlers wife.

Skogsy


Joined: 15/05/2008
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 20:01

Steve1953

Raise the surrounds of your holes by a foot or so with some kind of ornamental edging. Stick a couple of lemon/orange trees in. Preferably the grafted variety. If there is concrete below investigate how deep it is with a drill and masonary bit. If not too deep knock through for drainage and root growth space.

And Firestarters's herbs are a great idea.

Pretty and functional.

Good luck.



Sir Skogs

bridie


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 308

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 20:18

Bay Trees.

Skogsy


Joined: 15/05/2008
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 20:24

Buy Trees........ Sorry Bridie.



Anyway, Steve1953 I did forget. Don’t plant mint directly into the ground. It is very invasive. Keep it potted.

Another tip. When you have dug your planting holes, line the very bottom with cardboard or layers of paper. Totally degradable and they help keep the moisture around the root area. Top the hole off with another layer of cardboard/paper and finish with either a layer of soil or decorative stone chippings.



Sir Skogs

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 21:51

the leaves and flowers of oleander are poisonus and especially when burnt.

great for hedging as a deterant but no good if you have kids or pets.