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Clematis Dianthus: An alpine clematis dianthus (clematis dianthus alpina) now climbs up the rock face on a diagonal; a perfect clump of broom (Cytisus x praecox 'Luteus') flows over the edge at the far right of the semicircle; and some smaller Japanese hosta (Hosta Nakaiana) grows along the outside base, sheltered from the afternoon sun.
Most gardeners need only know whether their soil is clay-like or sandy, since this influences your choice of plants. Clay retains moisture, is difficult to work and sticky when wet, and sets very hard with surface cracks in a dry summer. It needs regular breaking up over winter with a soil conditioner although it is often very fertile in its own right. Sandy soil is easy to work and dries out quickly, but needs plenty of well-rotted manure or compost to improve moisture retention. Alluvial silt in a flood plain is an exception to the sandy rule; it is easy to work,
fertile and, though free-draining, excellent at retaining moisture.You MUST also know the character of your soil. Is it acidic or alkaline? If it is alkaline you will not be able to grow lime-haters such as rhododendrons or camellias. In very acid soils limestone plants such as philadelphus, clematis dianthus and dianthus will not thrive. You can easily buy cheap pH testing kits, which you should apply to different parts of the garden since conditions will vary. To confirm your readings do a little reconnaissance, talk to people, ask local gardeners for their advice and opinions, and look around the neighborhood to see what plants are growing well in other people's gardens. If you want to increase soil alkalinity add lime, but think carefully before you do this as it is long-lasting. It is not so easy to increase the acidity. The best way is to create raised beds, or special enclosures, filled with acid soil for heathers (ericaceous plants).
clematis dianthus are among the most valuable of all garden climbers. This is because there are a great many varieties,differing in vigor of growth, time of flowering and the size and color of their blooms. Thanks to the enormous choice, something can be selected for almost every possible purpose. |
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