posted
I'm building a pavillion and plan on building a 3ft rock wall around the exterior. On one side of the pavillion i would like to build some flower boxes using the same rock. Can anybody reccomend the ideal dimmensions (as fas as depth and height) for a flower box? They will be built on the ground and i can make them as high as i want (of course u need to keep in mind that they will be up against the 3 ft rock wall). I don't want it to look funny. The boxes will be like a raised flower bed. I have the option of digging down deeper into my "wretched" clay soil if i need more depth and replace the the clay with prepared soil. Hope i made sense... Marketman25@aol.com
* * * * Bob Plants: 640 | From: in my garden | Registered: Jan 2003
| Seeded: 152.163.197.212
posted
I would think that a depth of one foot, starting from ground level would look in good proportions against the wall and would provide more than adequate depth for most annuals and perennial flowers. At this depth, I don't think there would be any need to disturb the native soil, just backfill with a well draining, high quality planting mix. For flower boxes and container gardens, I like a mix of equal parts bagged topsoil, mushroom compost and soil conditioner.
Width, I'd go at least a foot also, more depending on your personal preference.
posted
Thanks for the advice for flower boxes. Now i need to decides what to put in them. My instincts tell me to go with something permanent (like ferns or perrenials) because i like maintenance free, but then i might get bored looking at the same thing all the time! marketman25@aol.com
* * * * Bob Plants: 640 | From: in my garden | Registered: Jan 2003
| Seeded: 64.12.96.70
posted
If low maintenance and variety through the seasons is a priority, bulbs intermingled with permanent plants would be great. You'd get constantly changing color, and little maintenance. Using crocus, narcissus, and asiatic lilies, and daylilies would give you blooms in three different seasons.
Mixing evergreens in with whatever you choose will give you winter structure. Rosemary is one of my favorites for raised beds and boxes.
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