9TH JUNE 2023
"STOP the Poppies! Horticulturist Reveals Why They Don't Belong in Herbaceous Borders."
Why We Don't Usually Keep Poppies in Herbaceous Borders
As a horticulturist, I am often asked about the best ways to reintroduce biodiversity and ecosystems into gardens that have been neglected or left unmanaged for many years. And one of the common things that I hear is about poppies - specifically, why they shouldn't be kept in herbaceous borders.
What do you think?
Reintroduce natural wildlife back into your garden, it's time to start planting wildflowers.
Poppies are beautiful flowers, no doubt about it. Whether you're talking about the Himalayan or Californian varieties, these flowers can add a vibrant splash of colour to any garden. But they also come with a big downside - they produce a massive amount of seed. And when you're managing a large estate or private property, it can be very difficult to keep up with the amount of seedlings that can sprout up from those seeds.
That's why I always advise my clients to limit poppies to areas like wildflower Meadows or wild spaces, where they can grow and spread freely without having to monitored or cause further problems. And when it comes to restoring herbaceous borders that have been neglected for many years, poppies are typically removed from the border altogether during the initial stages of restoration.
The reason for this is simple: when you're restoring a garden, your first priority is to assess the grounds, remove any rubbish or debris, and strip the garden back to its basic structure. This process can involve removing any troublesome large shrubs and trees including dead, diseased or damaged, which can create large open spaces in the garden. This is usually an invitation for the perennial weeds so show up. which have more than likely had a dormant root system below the large overbearing shrubs and trees.
Once the soil is worked and perennial weeds are removed this is where poppies might take hold and dominate the landscape.
In fact, keeping poppies within borders can be beneficial for the first few years of restoration. During this time, the focus should be on identifying what plants work best, improving soil quality, and removing any debris or clutter from the garden.
Reintroducing biodiversity and ecosystems into herbaceous borders is crucial in restoring the natural balance of a garden.
Introducing wildflowers that heavily seed can be an excellent way to encourage good soil structure, achieve good ground coverage, and attract pollinators, bees, and natural wildlife back into your garden.
It's important to note that for the first few years, it can be difficult to get the flow going, but by planting wildflowers, you'll start seeing a natural beauty that thrives in your garden. Additionally, the wildflowers help avoid the need for watering and weeding, which can save time and energy.
If you're working with a barren piece of land which the one seen in the reel, once was, then it's time to think outside of the box. At first, it might seem like there's nothing useful growing there, but by carefully looking at the plants and digging through the soil, you might discover some hidden gems.
However, once we got started, we discovered that the rest of the area was a mixture of weeds and invasive perennial plants, including ground elder, bindweed, dandelions, cow parsley, and more. Over the course of three years, we diligently worked on the soil, digging out the necessary rootstock to remove the invasive weeds.
If you're looking to reintroduce natural wildlife back into your garden, then it's time to start thinking about planting wildflowers. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also attract bees, butterflies, and other insects that help pollinate and spread the natural beauty of the flowers.
So, whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your garden, wildflowers are a great place to start. With patience and diligence, you can transform a barren piece of land into a vibrant and thriving garden that attracts wildlife and delights the senses
When it comes to restoring a garden, it's important to be mindful of the chemicals you use. While spraying chemicals may seem like a quick fix, it can actually harm the ecosystem and extend your recovery time. Instead, opt for natural methods that involve adding nutrients back into the soil.
Before you begin restoring your garden, take note of the plants that are currently present. Weeds, Ivy, and large overgrown shrubs may be leaching nutrients from the soil. Re-establishing the nutrient levels is crucial to ensuring the health of any new plants you introduce to your herbaceous border.
To restore your garden naturally, add organic matter like leaf mold and compost to the soil. Moving the soil around is also a great way to reintroduce nutrients into the ecosystem. This process may take some time, but it's well worth the effort to maintain a healthy and balanced garden.
Not only is using natural methods beneficial for the environment, but it also means you have a better understanding of what goes into your soil. By avoiding chemicals, you're doing your part in preserving the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Take the time to learn about the border you're restoring, and consider incorporating sustainable horticulture practices to maintain a healthy garden for years to come.
Of course, there are some situations where it might make sense to keep poppies in a herbaceous border. If you're managing a small garden or have plenty of time to devote to keeping up with the maintenance, you might be able to keep them under control. But in most cases, it's best to stay on the side of caution and keep poppies in areas where they can grow and thrive without causing problems for other plants and ecosystems.
In the end, it's all about balance. A well-designed garden should incorporate a wide range of plant species, including both annual and perennial varieties. But it's important to be mindful of the potential risks that come with introducing certain plants into a garden, and to take steps to manage those risks effectively. By being proactive and careful, we can create gardens that are both beautiful and sustainable for years to come.