The limestone raised bed

The Limestone Raised Bed

Large raised beds can be used to create privacy while still highlighting flowers. The plants in this limestone raised bed rely on rain and are not watered at all, emphasising the principle of right plant, right place.

It's important to think about environmental conditions when choosing your plants because it will only get drier as climate change continues to have an impact.

In this bed:

• Cardoons add height and fill space with elephant ear-like leaves. I like to dry the long flower stalk to hang lights around at Christmas time.
• Echinops are excellent flowers for texture, and the bees love them.
• Hollyhocks add scale and height. The tall stems create privacy. Pair them with other shrubs to disguise the bottom leaves, which are prone to rust.
• Buddlejas create a privacy hedge so you're not looking at cars through the window.

Cynara cardunculus

Cardoon

Scale

Echinops bannaticus

Blue Globe Thistle

Texture

Alcea rosea 'Nigra'

Hollyhock 'Nigra'

Vertical

Buddleja

Buddleja 'Sugar Plum'

Privacy