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Bush suggestions please

12 replies

Alexandpea · 25/05/2015 09:28

Hello, I'm in need of suggestions for a large attractive bush/ shrub that can help to disguise an unsightly small shed. I have young DC so nothing poisonous or prickly.

I'm a novice gardener so ideally need something that doesn't need to much nurturing. Flowers and scent would be nice but not essential.
Many thanks!

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traviata · 25/05/2015 22:09

how big do you want it to grow? how tall/ how wide?

are you in a fairly warm part of the UK, or somewhere a little colder?

are you looking for something that will have leaves all year?

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traviata · 25/05/2015 22:10

forgot...will it be in the shade at all, or full sun all day?

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HarrietSchulenberg · 25/05/2015 22:16

I am not a great gardner but whenever I have space to fill I plant something edible. Or something that smells good.
As a result I have a lot of rhubarb and lavender Grin .

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IDismyname · 25/05/2015 22:21

I'd suggest either something like a camelia or rhododendron which can grow pretty big. Check your solid type as I think they like acidic soil.
Alternatively grow something up a trellis like a clematis. I find the Crocus website really helpful. You can filter your choices until you end up with a small selection of plants to choose from.

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PlainHunting · 26/05/2015 07:49

I have a perennial sweet pea growing up my shed - a much more substantial plant than the annual sweet pea you typically see in garden centres. It covers the shed with green foliage and pink flowers, and takes no effort at all to grow (comes back of its own accord each year). They don't have much scent though (there may be other varieties that do?).

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PlainHunting · 26/05/2015 07:51

Lathyrus latifolius to give it its proper name.

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Alexandpea · 26/05/2015 17:04

Thanks so much for the suggestions.

In answer to some of the questions - we're in Dorset and the location is quite sunny. I'm looking for it to grow quite big to cover shed as much as possible.
Thanks again.

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funnyperson · 26/05/2015 17:10

A fig tree (I saw a brilliant one fan trained against a sunny wall in Dorset recently)
An apple tree A plum tree or damson tree or morello cherry tree (espaliered to the wall)
A rose (Mme Alfred Carriere has edible flowers)
Honeysuckle
A rose and a clematis

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funnyperson · 26/05/2015 17:11

You need to paint the shed with preservative before putting up the vine eyes and wire to train your climber on. You probably knew this but I thought I would say anyway.

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Finola1step · 26/05/2015 17:14

Honeysuckle or Jasmine?

Have a look at what grows well in your neighbour's gardens. If it grows well in the area. It will probably grow well in your garden.

My local area is full of amazing rhododendrons so they must like the local soil and conditions.

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GandalfsOtherHat · 26/05/2015 17:21

Mock orange
Buddleia
Ribes
Train an Akebia Quinata (evergreen)

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Alexandpea · 28/05/2015 21:19

Thank you - I love the idea of a plumb tree possibly with jasmine too for the scent. Is there any variety you could recommend?

Thanks also for the reminder about the shed funny - it hadn't occured to me Blush as we're completely new to having a garden!

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