Contents
Border, framing, edging – any of these names is suitable for a clear boundary between two elements in landscape design, made using plants or improvised materials.
It is not necessary to delimit the path and the flower bed, mark the zone or draw a geometric line with tall plants. It is enough to apply border perennials to get the desired result, as in the photo.
However, it is possible to achieve the attractiveness and functionality of an element if certain rules are followed. Indeed, in addition to beauty and unusualness, a perennial border should be practical and easy to care for.
This can be achieved by following the recommendations of landscape designers:
- plants are chosen in a contrasting range in relation to the rest of the shades of the area that is framed;
- when defining borders, be sure to take into account the ability of border perennials to grow up and expand (leave space);
- plant border perennials closer to each other, you can get out of the situation by two-row placement of plants;
- pick up unpretentious border perennials that look the same in any weather;
- stick to the classic frame parameters (height 40 cm, height 50 cm);
- opt for slow-growing border perennials;
- Choose fast-recovering plants that can take shape after being damaged near the edge of paths or by a lawn mower.
Low-growing plants will help not only to decorate borders for flower beds, but also to create a multi-tiered composition. Plants are divided into annuals and perennials. Curb perennials include those in which only the aerial part dies at the end of the season. The root system persists until spring and gives new shoots without additional warming. The life span of curb perennials is quite long. They bloom earlier than annuals and delight longer with their attractive appearance.
Getting to know the group of border perennials
The biggest advantage of this type of plant is undemanding care. If they are planted correctly, then they do not need frequent watering and constant attention. The main concern should be given to the requirements of plants for lighting. Some love light, and some prefer shade. By creating the best conditions for the plant, you ensure a long-term decoration on the site in advance. Curb perennials hide uneven soil better than other species and protect other plantings from ubiquitous weeds. In addition to lighting requirements, they differ in the height of adult plants by:
- Low-growing. The height does not exceed 30 cm.
- Middle-aged. The sizes of these species vary from 30 to 85 cm.
- Tall. Reach a height in adulthood up to 180 cm.
In addition, there are climbing and ground cover border perennials.
All these species should be planted in areas that are cleared of weeds.
How can you combine border perennials? Fences from a mixture of various types look great. The only condition that must be met will be the selection of plants with the same requirements for soil moisture, the amount of light, and coexistence with other “neighbors”. It is good if these are unpretentious, weather-resistant species.
It depends on the preferences of the owner and compatibility with other decorative elements. Originality will add some deviation from the generally accepted rules. You can simultaneously decorate the border with perennials of different heights and different shades.
undersized perennials well suited for decorating a border along garden paths, along the edges of flower beds and ridges.
Middle-aged participate in longline compositions, are used for planting as a separate element in vegetable fences.
tall perennials useful when decorating the front garden with a border, for dividing the site into zones. Suitable for planting in the center of longline compositions.
Curly used to decorate the perimeter of garden arbors, terraces, residential buildings. Curly perennials look great on barrage structures, giving them a neat and attractive look.
Ground cover perennials:
- cope with weeds remarkably;
- protect the fertile soil layer from being washed away by rains or blown away by winds;
- improve soil fertility;
- act as a natural mulch;
- well hide surface defects;
- bloom throughout the season;
- grow rapidly, creating a bright rug in the right area.
For border perennials, top dressing will be required taking into account the needs of each plant, careful loosening of the soil, regular removal of diseased and withered individuals.
Choosing plants for borders
Annual plants are very diverse, but their life span is very short. Therefore, by opting for border perennials, you will increase the service life and ensure a clear line of your fence. Photographs of plants can help in a quality choice. With their help, you will immediately decide which type is suitable for the intended border. Among the low-growing border perennials, it is worth highlighting:
Bells of the Carpathians
The height of an adult plant is 40 cm, the flowers are blue-violet with a diameter of 25 cm. It blooms from June to mid-September. It tolerates sunny areas and partial shade. Demanding on fertility and drainage of the soil. Heavy soils with excessive moisture and poor drainage may not survive. With good soil preparation, it winters without problems, watering is necessary during prolonged drought and elevated air temperatures. To prolong flowering time, be sure to regularly remove dried inflorescences. After flowering is over, the shoots are cut to 1/3 of the length. Top dressing is carried out in early spring with nitrogen fertilizers and complex mineral fertilizers during the formation of buds. Border perennial propagated by cuttings (summer), seeds, division of bushes (spring or autumn). In addition to a full-fledged border, it can be used to decorate bright spots in a fence or on a cut.
Schnitt-onion
Bulbous border perennial with a very high reproduction rate. One bulb turns into a large bunch of chives by autumn. The originality of the plant lies in its nutritional value. Perfectly adapts to climatic conditions and performs decorative and nutritious functions at the same time. Absolutely undemanding to care, cold-resistant. Propagated by seeds, which are sown in April in rows at some distance from each other. Love watering! Otherwise, the border perennial grows poorly and loses its attractiveness early. Feathers give bright color in good light. These are the basic conditions for the cultivation of chives. May fall apart a little if a large gap is left between plants.
Arabis (rezuha)
It can not only serve as a border perennial, but is also an excellent honey plant. This should be taken into account by summer residents who have bee colonies. Refers to ground cover rhizomatous perennial plants. Shoots take root easily when in contact with the ground. There are about a hundred species of arabis. Depending on the variety and species, the border perennial has a different degree of winter hardiness. The most detrimental to the plant is waterlogging of the soil or stagnant water. Systematic pruning is required to improve flowering and random distribution of arabis throughout the site. The cut parts are used for vegetative propagation.
Carnation greyish-blue (caesius)
Blooms during the summer months. Light-loving drought-resistant border flowers up to 15 cm high. The name was given because of the shade of the leaves, and the flowers of the carnation are bright purple. Does not require shelter for the winter. Forms dense pads of leaves that beautifully frame the desired area.
To create a border, plants of different heights and areas are suitable. Take a look at:
elegant dicentro,
blue hoste,
shade-tolerant astilbe
and chic border roses.
The combination of perennials
How can you combine border perennials? The most popular varieties:
solid color border
Suitable plants of the same color, but different or the same height. This is at the request of the site owner. The tone can be harmonious or contrasting with other plants.
motley border
It is very easy to make a striped fence or pick up border perennials that match in color.
Conclusion
In any case, when planning the design lines, you can give free rein to your creative imagination. A photo of ready-made combinations can lead to a completely unique idea that will decorate your garden.