Mumsnet Talk

I've two borders that are almost completely empty ready for new planting. One is shady in a corner so I was thinking woodland type (tis 2.5mx2.5m) but I need something tall (2.5m ish) screening at the back of it.

The other one is much more in the sun and is quite long and narrow (6m, 1.2m wide at the ends and 2m wide in the middle but I could make it wider) Again I need a tall screening plant at one end. I'd like it with lots of reds and bold. Soil is sandy.

So, I know roughly what I would like but I'm rather rubbish at then putting a scheme together. If anyone could point me in the right direction I'd be very grateful

I could put a pond in the woodlandy bit couldnt I. Is that hard?

I wouldn't put a pond in a woodland bit unless you're happy to dredge tons of fallen leaves out of it every autumn.

For the first part, the shady,screening bit, I'd put in some Mahonias which are happy pretty much everywhere and grow to about 8 feet.

For the sunny one, you could make it a hot bed, ie full of hot colours. Dh has done a really good, very deep hot bed but am crap at rmembering the names. If you google RHS Rosemoor, hot bed planting in Square Garden it'll probably give yuo a list of plants appropriate for that sunny area.

awww, hadnt thought about leaves. You re quite right. Its under one very large tree that belongs to the neighbours and the leaves really do cumulate there big time. Thank you for injecting some common sense into me!

mahonia looks good - thank you I also thought aucuba might be quite nice.
Will see if I can find the rosemoor list. It sounds ideal.

what about elaeagnus ebbingei for my shady screen?

Eleagnus is a good choice for a screening shrub in shade. Others you could consider:
Viburnum tinus
Viburnum rhytidophyllum
Fatsia japonica
Rhododendron
Camellia

Thank you that's a great list. We do have acidic soil so I know the rhodis and camellia would do well.