FANCY AND FORMAL
Up the posh factor with these sleek and smart evergreen edging ideas
Euonymus balls Worried about box blight? Fear not, because you can try a different evergreen, and go to town on colour. For example, why not clip
Euonymus fortunei
‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ tightly into glowing, bright yellow balls and surround them with colour (see right) for stunning effect.
Tips to success Care for euonymus is the same as with box, so trim in late summer to shape. Trim once or twice more every growing season to keep it tidy, as it’s quite vigorous. Gradually ball shapes will appear from your handiwork, which can be cut from spring.
Box balls Add a touch of old-world, stately home formality with some little box balls lining your walkway. Not only will they evoke a little grandeur, they look equally at home in any billowing cottage garden, too, as a sharp contrast to soft plant lines.
Tips to success Plant small, potted box plants 30cm (12in) apart, water in well as they’re getting established, mulch with compost and feed with blood, fish and bone. Trim in late summer to start your ball shapes off.
Box parterre If you’re a fan of bright, dense, hotchpotch planting, but like the idea of neatening it all off with a stylish little box hedge, a low-growing parterre is for you. Veg beds, cottage borders and bedding displays will look pleasingly rounded off and structured.
Tips to success Water well, mulch and feed as plants are established. Parterres needn’t be clipped too straight, they can be left loose for a more natural look. Keep it low – 15cm (6in) tall – for accessible, simple path edging.