Border control

organic matter). Do a pH test using a meter or a small test kit – both are inexpensive and available from garden centres – to tell if your soil is alkaline, neutral or acid.

Decide on a style for your border to suit your house or your personal tastes. A traditional mixed border includes small ornamental trees, shrubs, roses, evergreens, perennial flowers and bulbs.

A herbaceous border is mostly perennials and bulbs, while a cottage garden border is made up of largely self-seeding annuals, biennials and spreading perennials plus some bulbs, roses and flowering herbs.

Contemporary styles make use of striking ornamental grasses, sedges and bamboos with a few architectural trees or shrubs, or you might go for a wildlife border with native shrubs and wildflowers.

Make a short list of plants that original outline, so that you then don’t have to redraw the basic plan every time.

Instead of trying to do a planting plan for a whole border all at once, choose groups of three plants at a time – one tall upright shape, one medium-sized domed or bushy shape, and one low, wide-spreading shape will go well together. By alternating several trios, you fill a border with interest.

In tiny gardens you can plant one at a time, grouping three or five plants of each type to striking effect. Don’t be tempted to buy plants this early, wait for spring when things are starting to grow. Meanwhile, start your preparation.

As soon as the weather permits, dig out unwanted plants, roots and so on. Remove any weeds and stones and work in lots of wellrotted organic matter so you’re ready to replant in spring. With luck, your new plan will put on a good show in its first year.