Planting in the Rec: future plans

From the green telephone box on the paved path to the metal railings at the other end of the tennis courts, we’re working on an informal hedge including flowering shrubs, such as escallonia, myrtle (above) and viburnum tinus.

Viburnum

Escallonia

Much of the preparation and planting has now been done, and a weed-retardant strip with mulch is being put in place.

We’re also considering adding some forsythia, for a yellow burst in early spring. This would need to be pot-grown rather than not be bought as hedging plants.

 

 

Around the electricity sub-station there would be space for:

·       large, tall cotoneasters, with white flowers and excellent berries

·       rubus benenden – a relative of brambles and wild roses but thornless, with beautiful white scented flowers

·       viburnum, both tinus as above plus plicatum or opulis – guelder rose (blossom and berries)

Cotoneaster

Guelder Rose

These shrubs all provide excellent screening and will grow anywhere. (We need to take into account that the soil is very poor and rather dry under the oak tree. Also, we need to plant away from the fences as these are extra dry areas.)

 

In the space between court five and the paved path by the cut down laurel, there is space for viburnums (both kinds) and choisya. The soil will need improving to support these and some of that generated by the hedge planting will give us a good start.

Other plants we might grow in the last section of the evergreen hedge might include:

·       escallonia, which comes in many shades from deep pink to white, with glossy leaves

·       myrtle, an attractive shrub with flowers and fruits

·       viburnum, a very popular park evergreen with flowers in winter and dark berries

·       choisya, which has scented flowers and leaves that grow in whorls

Choisya

None of these are prickly, so all are easy to prune.

We could also plant other smaller flowering shrubs along the path side which are not evergreen.

As always, if anyone has any other ideas we’d love to hear from you!

Simply email friendsofconwayrec@gmail.com