Wealden Times | WT186 | August 2017 | Wedding supplement inside

Garden
many spectacular flowers that will keep going until the first frosts.
Lush leaves
Plants that come from warm and humid places grow big floppy
leaves because they don’t have to conserve water. In general, plants
with big, lush leaves will not appreciate scorching, dry conditions
and will quickly frazzle if planted in poor, free-draining soil and
exposed to harsh sunlight. Many of them would be instantly killed
by the faintest touch of frost too, but there are some large leaved
plants that are able to withstand the worst of our weather without
much help. The castor oil plant, Fatsia japonica, with its big,
shiny, palm-shaped leaves will manage well in a shady corner. If
you have really damp soil, try Rheum palmatum (an ornamental
rhubarb), Rodgersia, or Ligularia for the lush, leafy look. If you
are looking for a sun-worshipper, then an architectural cardoon, or
artichoke will provide large-leaved impact. And for something that
puts up with almost any conditions, try a plume poppy (Macleaya
cordata) with big, beautifully sculpted leaves; but beware – mine
pops up (is this why they’re called poppies?) all over the place.
Exotic climbers and creepers
Vines are an essential part of a tropical theme, adding height
to the heat and helping to create a mini jungle. Climbers
can be trained on walls or fences to provide a backdrop, but
they can also work well when grown up supports or obelisks
within the border. If you want a really jungly look, they can
be left to scramble about through the borders, using the
other plants for support, or as trailing ground cover. Choose
perennials like Passion flowers (Passiflora), the Trumpet vine
(Campsis), or the deliciously scented Chocolate vine, Akebia
quinata. Some fast growing, tender climbers are grown as
annuals and once planted out (after the frosts have passed)
will race up their supports and flower by late summer.
Top left: Dahlias Top right: Canna Middle & bottom: Colourful, lush borders like these need plenty of water to keep them looking good
133 wealdentimes.co.uk