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SALT WINDS AND EXPOSED GARDEN HELP!

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Hi there - I live in a very exposed coast guard cottage which is constantly battered by salty winds. I am trying to find bushy shrubs that I can grow in some exposed gaps to shelter the garden more. Does anyone know which sturdy and preferably evergreen/flowering shrub might be helpful?
I am also keen to grow a pretty vine/creeper up my east/south facing wall but this too gets the hard elements - I think the soil is rather sandy too...any suggestions? Thanks for your help!




Answers

 

Viburnum tinus is a good one. That flowers for such a long period, it's rare for it NOT to have a bloom or two! Olearia macrodonta is another flowering evergreen.

Otherwise, look at Eleagnus - there are some lovely variegated forms - although - no flowers, also Euonymus japonicus.

I'm a bit stuck on the climber - but Jasminum nudiflorum (Winter Jasmine) can be trained up to about 6'. Clematis macropetala might be all right too. Look at 'Francis Rivis' which is a particularly good one. The evergreen Clematis wouldn't like the wind I'm afraid.

Hydrangea seemanii (evergreen) or H. petiolaris (deciduous) should also be fine. Both need to get established, then they clamber happily.

I hope that helps.

1 Feb, 2012

 

The only one I know specifically recommended for salty areas is Hippophae ( sea buckthorn) The berries stay on the bush fromSeptember to February.

1 Feb, 2012

 

Ulex (gorse) would do well there, as well as the Hippophae mentioned by Anchorman above. Wisteria doesn't mind salt spray either.

1 Feb, 2012

 

Some Hebes do very well in salt winds. The larger leaved Veronica hebe even does well in Orkney, and you don't get windier than that!

1 Feb, 2012

 

Tamarisk is evergreen and flowers pink in spring though not bushy it does deflect the wind. It is also a seaside fav and will do fine. Cotoneaster seems to do well by the sea same with Laurel (as long as the Laurels roots are sheltered).

1 Feb, 2012

 

Yes I've seen tamarisk growing actually at the edge of the beach in the sand near Bognor, though it may be less exposed than where you are - you haven't given your location. I was going to suggest gorse as well, though in a cliff top position it may not usually grow very tall, though there is some round here that has reached five feet. Its the devil to trim and nasty to move when it spreads but it does burn magnificently even green! The sea buckthorn doesn't get very tall where its very exposed but anything's worth a try.I have seen a splendid display of rosa rugosa on the cliffs but it does prefer a heavier soil.
Might be worth a try though.

1 Feb, 2012

 

Thanks so much everyone - this has been more useful than the 2 hours I spent scanning the web for useful tips! In response to Steragram; we actually have rosa rugosa growing well in the garden! So I think I will plant more of this - its so pretty too.
All advise much appreciated and will be used.
More questions will follow, Im such a gardening novice!
THANK YOU!

1 Feb, 2012

 

:)) Happy gardening. Hope you are now addicted to GOY like the rest of us!

1 Feb, 2012

How do I say thanks?

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