borders and bedding

Question 1

how is the annual border created?

Answer 1

with direct sown hardy annuals;

eg; Calendula officinalis
Limnanthes douglasii
Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Miss Jekyll (Love-in-a-mist)

Question 2

name some plants for a winter interest border

Answer 2

Cheiranthus cheiri - wallflower
Myosotosis - forget-me-not
Bellis perennis -ornamental daisy
Brassica oleracea (ornamental cabbage)

Question 3

name some plants used to create a tropical effect for an outdoor display in the summer

Answer 3

New Zealand flax - Phormium species
Chlorophytum elatum ‘Variegatum’

neither can be left outside in autumn

Question 4

why are dot plants used? name 2 examples

Answer 4

they are colourful and eye-catching.
they are used to highlight low plants and give variation in height, or as a centre piece.

eg: Cleome spinosa (the spider plant)
Ricinus communis (the castor oil plant)-the russian spy killer

Question 5

why are edging plants used? Name some examples

Answer 5

they finish off the edges or sides in seasonal displays and are dependant on the season.

eg:
Lobelia erinus
Dwarf pansies
Myosotosis - forget-me-not

Question 6

what can you add to summer and autumn displays to create more interest?

Answer 6

bulbs eg; tulips.

Question 7

when should you plants bulbs and corms into a seasonal bedding border and why?

Answer 7

plant them after the actual plants are in otherwise you may cut into the bulbs/corms and damage them - always remove them in late May after flowering has finished

Question 8

name some herbaceous perennials suitable for ground cover

Answer 8

Nepeta
Hebepinguifolia
Hylotelephium spectablie
Hellebores