Gardening enthusiasts, here's a treat for you! Stratco's resident horticulturist Phil had the pleasure of planting out a retaining wall garden bed and wanted to show the process and share some tips. By incorporating simple yet effective gardening techniques and selecting the right plants, you can transform your outdoor space into a blooming paradise that captivates the senses all year round.
The Foundation: Building A Good Neighbour® Fence And Prepping The Garden Bed
Before you get your hands dirty, it's crucial to set the stage. This project began with the construction of a Good Neighbour® fence using our Wavelok profile, complemented by an Alumawall stackable sleeper system as the retaining wall. Why? To allow the planting of soil up to the plinth height without affecting the fence's integrity. This setup ensures a sturdy foundation and carves out a 500mm wide garden bed, creating a physical and visual boundary for the garden.
Selecting The Right Plants For Your Garden Bed
With the garden bed in place, the next step is choosing the right plants. Since we embarked on this project towards the end of summer, perennials became the focus. These are plants that promise year-round flowering, offering a parade of colours through the seasons.
- Salvias: Available in various colours and sizes, Salvias are versatile and vibrant, sure to inject life into any garden.
- Gauras: Known for their continuous flowering, Gauras attract bees and birds, adding dynamism to your garden.
- Geraniums: 'Rosanne' Geraniums drape beautifully over garden edges, softening the landscape with their delicate blooms.
- Chrysanthemums: For a pop of colour, you can't go past Chrysanthemums. We've chosen orange for its vividness.
- Hibiscus: If your garden allows for it, Hibiscus plants add height and drama with their large, colourful flowers.
For information on available plants at Stratco, head to your local Garden Centre or call 1300 165 165
Planting Strategy For Your Garden Bed
With our plants selected, it's time for the fun part—planting. Here's where you can truly let your individuality shine, as garden beds thrive on informality and spontaneity. However, a bit of planning goes a long way to ensure a harmonious layout:
- Position lower-growing plants like Geraniums and Gauras along the edge of the retaining wall.
- Use Hibiscus and Salvias to add variety in height, creating a captivating visual flow.
- Remember, garden beds and cottage gardens are all about abundance. So, don't shy away from packing plants closely to achieve a lush, overflowing effect.
The Planting Process Of Your Retaining Wall Garden Bed
Planting begins with preparing the soil and ensuring it doesn't exceed the Alumawall plinth height. The beauty of working with perennials lies in their flexibility, allowing for a somewhat freestyle approach while planting. Here's a quick guide:
- Use a small hand tool like a trowel to dig holes, making the process as effortless as possible.
- Gently tease the roots of your plants if they appear compacted. This encourages better growth.
- Position your plant in the hole, backfill with soil, but avoid compacting it too much. Watering will help settle the soil around the roots.
The Finishing Touches
With the garden planted, the final step is to water your new plants. This initial watering is crucial for establishing your garden, helping the plants settle and encouraging deep root growth. Remember, the plants are still young. As they bloom and grow, pruning will help promote bushiness and ensure a dense and vibrant garden.
Retaining walls are a common sight in Australian backyards. Planting a retaining wall garden bed is just one way to transform your fence line into a space that’s alive with colour, texture, and life. It's an invitation to wildlife, a homage to biodiversity, and a testament to the beauty of perennials. With a bit of preparation, the right selection of plants, and care, your garden will flourish, offering a serene and stunning retreat right in your backyard. Happy gardening!
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