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Border, framing, edging - any of these names is suitable for a clear boundary between two elements in landscape design, made using plants or materials at hand.
It is not necessary to delimit a path and a flower bed, mark an area 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, you can achieve the attractiveness and functionality of an element by following certain rules. Indeed, in addition to beauty and unusualness, the 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 determining the boundaries, be sure to take into account the ability of border perennials to grow up and expand (leave a margin of space);
- plant border perennials denser to each other, you can get out of the position by two-row placement of plants;
- pick up unpretentious border perennials that look the same in any weather;
- adhere to the classic parameters of the frames (height 40 cm, height 50 cm);
- opt for slow-growing curb perennials;
- Look for fast-healing plants that can get the shape they want from damage near the edge of the paths or with a lawnmower.
Low-growing plants will help not only to arrange borders for flower beds, but also create a multi-tiered composition. Plants are divided into annuals and perennials. Border perennials include those in which only the aboveground part perishes at the end of the season. The root system lasts until spring and gives new shoots without additional insulation. The lifespan of border perennials is quite long. They bloom earlier than annuals and delight longer with their attractive appearance.
Getting to know a group of border perennials more closely
The greatest advantage of this type of plant is considered to be undemanding to care. When planted correctly, they don't need frequent watering and constant attention. The main concern should be given to the lighting requirements of the plants. Some love the light and some prefer shade... By creating the best conditions for the plant, you provide long-term decoration on the site in advance. Curb perennials hide the unevenness of the soil better than other species and protect the rest of the plantings from the ubiquitous weeds... In addition to the requirements for illumination, they differ in the height of adult plants by:
- Undersized... Height does not exceed 30 cm.
- Medium-sized... The sizes of these species vary from 30 to 85 cm.
- Tall... Reach adult heights up to 180 cm.
In addition, there are curly and ground cover perennials.
All these species need to be planted in areas that are free of weeds.
How can you combine border perennials? Fences from a mixture of various types look great. The only condition that must be met is 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 the rest of the decor. Some deviation from the generally accepted rules will add originality. You can simultaneously decorate the border with perennials of different heights and different shades.
Stunted perennials well suited for decorating a border along garden paths, along the edges of flower beds and ridges.
Medium-sized participate in tiered compositions, are used for planting as a separate element in vegetable fences.
Tall perennials useful in registration front garden border, to divide the site into zones. Suitable for planting in the center of tiered compositions.
Curly used to decorate the perimeter of garden pavilions, terraces, residential buildings. Curly perennials look great on barrage structures, giving them a neat and attractive look.
Ground cover border perennials:
- they cope wonderfully with weeds;
- protect the fertile soil layer from being washed away by rains or blown away by winds;
- improve soil fertility;
- play the role of natural mulch;
- hide surface defects well;
- bloom throughout the season;
- grow quickly, creating a bright rug in the desired area.
For border perennials, fertilizing will be required taking into account the needs of each plant, careful loosening of the soil, regular removal of sick and dried individuals.
Choosing plants for borders
Annual plants are very diverse, but their period of life is very short. Therefore, by opting for curb perennials, you will increase the service life and provide a clear line of your fence. Photos of plants can help in a high-quality choice. With their help, you will immediately determine which type is suitable for the conceived border. Among the undersized curb perennials, the following should be distinguished:
Carpathian bell
The height of an adult plant is 40 cm, flowers are blue-violet with a diameter of 25 cm. It blooms from June to mid-September. It tolerates sunny areas and partial shade well. Demanding on soil fertility and drainage. Heavy soils with excessive moisture and poor drainage, plants may not survive. With good soil preparation, it winters without problems, watering is necessary during prolonged drought and high air temperatures. To prolong flowering time, be sure to regularly remove dried buds. 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 period of bud formation. Border perennial propagates by cuttings (summer), seeds, dividing bushes (spring or autumn). In addition to a full-fledged border, it can be used to decorate bright spots in a fence or for a cut.
Chives
Bulbous border perennial with a very high reproduction rate. One onion 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 nutritional functions at the same time. Absolutely not picky about care, cold-resistant. Propagated by seeds, which are sown in April in rows at some distance from each other. Loves watering! Otherwise, the border perennial grows poorly and loses its attractiveness early. Feathers give a bright color in good lighting. These are the basic conditions for chives farming. May fall apart a little if a large gap is left between the plants.
Arabis (rezuha)
It can not only perform the function of a curb perennial, but is also excellent honey plant... This should be taken into account by summer residents who have bee colonies. Refers to ground cover rhizome perennial plants.Shoots root easily upon contact with the ground. There are about a hundred species of arabis. Depending on the variety and species, the border perennial has varying degrees of winter hardiness. The most destructive for a plant is waterlogging of the soil or stagnant water. Systematic pruning is required in order to improve flowering and haphazard distribution of Arabis throughout the site. The cut parts are used for vegetative propagation.
Carnation grayish blue (cesius)
Blooms in the summer months... Photophilous drought tolerant 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 leaf pads that beautifully frame the desired area.
Plants of different heights and areas are suitable for creating a border. Take a closer look at:
elegant dicenter,
blue host,
shade-tolerant astilbe
and gorgeous border roses.
Combination of perennials
How can you combine border perennials? The most popular varieties:
Solid color border
Plants of the same color, but different or the same height, will do. This is at the request of the owner of the site. The tone can be harmonious or contrasting with the rest of the plants.
Variegated 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 shaping lines, you can give free rein to your creative imagination. A photo of ready-made combinations can push you into a completely unique idea that will decorate your garden.
