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Gardens
kiln

Advice for boundary

kiln
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago

Hi everyone,

I am looking for some help to make a neighbours boundary more pleasant to the eye.

A small stream separates the properties. We own our side of the stream and neighbour owns their side.

They are wonderful neighbours and are happy for us to do anything we want on their bank.

Neighbours are putting up new fencing and bringing the fence slightly more our way to go between the tree trunks.

I intended putting ground covering plants on the bank but being a complete novice in the garden I don’t know where to start.

The trees are not helping but I don’t see what I can do about those.

Any help would be great received! :)

Many thanks

Kiln






Featured Answer
  • Sonia
    4 years ago

    The conifers seem to be drying out the soil and many plants will struggle to grow there. Conifers do not grow from old wood so they are unlikely to green up again. If budget allows I agree that they would be better removed. Then you can add several bags of compost to improve the soil. There are some plants that will thrive in such an area such as Pachysandra, Vinca and Bergenia, but the RHS website will help you choose the right plants. Are you wanting to encourage wildlife? If so, you can use some of the logs from the chopped down conifers to create log piles in corners for hedgehogs, frogs and toads. Quite an exciting project! 🐸🦋


    PACHYSANDRA


    VINCA MINOR


    BERGENIA (ELEPHANTS EARS)


    Comments (11)

    • rachelmidlands
      4 years ago

      Hi Kiln. Mmmm....this is a difficult one as those trees have been cut back quite drastically and I’m just hoping you know that they will never go green again so you may be faced with having to look at them in this state all the time. Since they’re on your neighbours boundary you could discuss having them chopped down to a stump but it will be their decision.
      As for ground cover I’d wait till the new fencing is in place and there is not a huge amount that will grow in such conditions but having the stream may help a little. Plants that spring to mind are Vinca major (periwinkle), ferns, ivy (you can get some nice variegated ones), London pride (I forget The Latin name) could be worth a try as it likes it under a dry tree canopy and not too invasive. I’m sure there are more that are suited to dry woodland areas. And you can always help things along by improving the soil with compost and manure.

      kiln thanked rachelmidlands
    • kiln
      Original Author
      4 years ago

      Thank you for your suggestions rachelmidlands. I will check out your suggested plants when I can go to a garden centre again!

      really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

      kiln x

    • Jonathan
      4 years ago

      I echo Rachel..... the biggest transformation will be taking out those trees as they will never recover.
      In their place I would be looking for something else tall (assuming neither of your properties could be affected by roots- I believe 8m is thought to be safe). Your local nursery may not have the choice you want and you might have to go online to find a tree specialist.
      Separately you might also think about making the stream more impactful by making it deeper and wider

      kiln thanked Jonathan
    • kiln
      Original Author
      4 years ago

      Many thanks Jonathan and Sonia for your advice.

      I will look into your suggestions on plants. I will also ask our neighbours if they are happy with their trees being removed. They are lovely neighbours but I’m not sure if they would be happy with the trees being removed.

      I will ask the question. Fingers crossed!


      Kiln x

    • Sonia
      4 years ago

      Sorry @kiln didn't realise the trees were on their side so, yes, could be a tricky suggestion. Therefore if your side is where the gravel is, you could add the plants beside the stream. Keep them well watered until they are established.

    • arc3d
      4 years ago

      Hi Kiln,


      If the neighbours don't agree to having them completely removed then how about tidying up just your side? If you cut back all the branches to the trunk I don't think they would look that bad.


      Also if they are happy for you to do anything with the bank then how about a fence of your own? It would take attention away from the trees and give a nice backdrop for the stream...




      kiln thanked arc3d
    • kiln
      Original Author
      4 years ago

      Hi Sonia,


      Thats a brilliant idea!

      The fence does take your eye away from the trees.

      The photo really helped me to see the end result.


      Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and your very helpful advice.


      Kiln x

    • Sonia
      4 years ago

      Hi Kiln, wasn’t me who posted fencing pic, it was arc3d, but I don’t mind taking all the glory! 😂

    • arc3d
      4 years ago

      Lol!

      kiln thanked arc3d
    • kiln
      Original Author
      4 years ago

      Oh dear! So sorry arc3d!


      Let’s put it down to another senior moment! 😂


      Many thanks arc3d for your help. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply.


      Kiln x

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