Architectural Plants

Bamboos, ferns, palms and grasses are part of  a huge rise in popularity of architectural plants, which go to make a bold statement in any garden. 

Hardy Bamboos
There are now known to be over 200 species and varieties capable of being grown in the UK. We do not keep as many as 200 but feel we offer a larger selection than most having usually up to 20-25 varieties in stock from small 5 litre pots up to 10-15 feet high specimens in 50 to75 litre pots.

Bamboos are mostly evergreen and adapted to the quite severe climatic conditions of such places as the Himalayas, Korea and Eastern China and so will grow very well here. Bamboos can be used for ground cover with some plants only growing to 1 foot high, for screening and hedging with a large range of plants to choose from, and of course specimen plants for planting in the garden or containers and pots.

Bamboos are shallow rooted and enjoy a soil rich in humus (leaf mould , garden compost , well rotted manure).  In heavy soil conditions, it may be an advantage to create a raised bed or to plant in a mound a few inches above the surrounding levels in order to improve drainage for newly planted plants.

If grown in pots feeding with high nitrogen feed in the growing season is beneficial and regular watering of container grown or newly planted plants in the garden are essential.   

Ferns
Ferns can be evergreen or deciduous (lose their leaves in winter) and cover a wide range of textures, form and colour and can grow from 15cm. high up to the tree ferns, which can reach 15mts. in height. They can be grown in very dark wet areas to stony very dry areas in the garden and will withstand temperatures down to –30c.

Most  ferns are happiest in little hollows, cracks or amongst rocks, trees or other plants and like a free draining humus rich compost, mulching round the plant helps to hold moisture in during the summer months and they are just at  home in a shady area in a pot or container on the patio or terrace, some varieties can be used also in wildlife gardens and most will give year round interest in the garden.

We always carry a range of ferns and are always looking to add one or two new or different varieties to our collection.

Grasses 
Ornamental grasses include a striking array of textures, form, size and colour, coming in evergreen or deciduous with multi season interest and a waving response to winds and breeze giving them a unique appeal in the garden.  Ideal for growing in the borders or patio containers with some varieties liking the dry full sun conditions and others suited to damp and wet conditions.

At Loxley Nurseries we keep a selection, from the small tufted varieties to the large specimen varieties and we are always on the look out for something new and different.

Palms
We have a large selection of palms supplied by Paradise Palms, you can visit their web site for more information: www.paradise-palms.co.uk