Shrub/plant suggestions needed

tyofidleness


Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 22:31

Can anyone suggest a list of smallish plants and shrubs for an apartment garden. Just enough for a border, which is irrigated, and also some for pots on a patio. We are only there a few times a year and so only minimal maintenance is possible.



thanks

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 22:34

Why not go for some herbs, which are cheap, low maintenance and in some cases keep the dreaded mosquito away.

CarrieRBag



Joined: 23/12/2008
Posts: 1374

Message Posted:
13/11/2009 10:16

I guess it could be the cactus family. They have some lovely varieties here. Thing is, you either love em or you hate them. Good luck

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
13/11/2009 11:24

I agree CarrieRBag,

there are plenty of succulents and cacti available - but bear in mind that even these do need SOME water!

I wouldn't recommend putting anything at all in pots, they dry out so quickly in the hot weather, and require regular attention - I've just taken one of my few surviving plants from its pot and transplanted into the garden - well, given it a decent burial, anyway

Generally speaking, plants that have light, bluey-greeny-grey foliage (like Salvias, for instance) will survive with a minimum of watering

Plenty of mulch, or gravel, or even pavers on top of the soil will help to conserve the moisture beneath - of course you must ensure that the water CAN get down there in the first place

Choose planting spots that will benefit from some shade where possible, try to plant to the North of any fixed object, rock, shed, larger plant, whatever - it keeps the soil around the roots a little cooler, even if the rest of the plant pokes its head out into the sun!

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
13/11/2009 11:48

I would go for Herbs, not only keeps the Mozes's off, but great to pick for the food

MrsSnakes



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 1100

Message Posted:
13/11/2009 12:38

which herb in particular keeps the mozzies away please?

LostFound


Joined: 03/08/2009
Posts: 387

Message Posted:
13/11/2009 13:20

CarrieRBag



How did you think of this name CarrieRBag? Do you know what it means in Turkish?





Re Flowers

I wish Patricia Jordan of Cyprus Garden who has a column in the Cyprus Today would give a list of things that grow and dont grow and when to plant etc etc. it would be most helpful. Her web site is http://www.gardenclubofcyprus.com. so Im going to have a look there. She mentioned recently in the paper that Delphiniums do not grow here....thats after I planted some seeds and they seem to have sprung up?

LostFound


Joined: 03/08/2009
Posts: 387

Message Posted:
13/11/2009 15:33

Ive just learnt Patricia lives on the south side so that explains why I have never seen her at our flower shows.

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
13/11/2009 15:55

Forget plants in pots, as someone has said, if you're not here all the time. They need regular watering in the UK. Just imagine what the situation is in Cyprus. Cacti & succulents are the best bet & they stay neat & tidy & don't need pruning. Geraniums also don't need much water either & rarely die once they are established. They just need cutting back once a year in the autumn.

adagirl


Joined: 01/06/2009
Posts: 371

Message Posted:
14/11/2009 12:56

Message 7:



Delphinium seeds will of course germinate here, but growing them on to flowering size in the Cyprus summer heat will prove a lot more difficult. You could try using the natural shade of trees with a thick mulch, or in pots under a pergoda, but they may not do very well as they like cool roots. I love them, especially the "blues" as blue is my favourite flower colour. If you are succesful - please let me know!! Good luck!!

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
14/11/2009 15:22

Message 10.

Actually they aren't Delphinium but they're Larkspur which is an annual. I also have them all over the garden. I let them die & they self seed everywhere. One of the best flowers for Cyprus.

adagirl


Joined: 01/06/2009
Posts: 371

Message Posted:
14/11/2009 16:44

Delphinium (genus) and Larkspur (common name) are the same thing, and I am surprised as I was told that they won't grow nicely here. Perhaps I should try!!

come_on_aylin


Joined: 14/06/2008
Posts: 908

Message Posted:
14/11/2009 20:13

Adagirl,

I threw some Larkspur seeds in a few years ago and they grow everywhere now, my neighbour's garden, cracks in the pavement, etc. They flower in April/May then die back producing plenty of seeds for next year.

I can also recommend lavender for keeping the mossies away and not needing much water and they seem to self seed too.

tyofidleness


Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
16/11/2009 00:14

Thanks all for the good advice. Guess I'll just have to stick something decorative but not alive in the pots!



ty