Tough Plants for Tough Places: Invincible Plants for Every Situation

Most gardens have challenging conditions, such as damp, sunny corridors, awkward slopes, and waterlogged plots. Tough Plants for Tough Places is a directory of nearly 100 plants that can thrive in these conditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Pimpernel Press Ltd

Most gardens lack smooth, flat lawns and borders of rich, easily dug soil. We must endure damp, sunless corridors between houses, awkward slopes, or plots shaded by trees or neighboring buildings. Equally challenging to plant are seaside gardens exposed to gale-force winds and salt spray; waterlogged plots, where drainage is poor; and dry ground exposed to the scorching sun day after day, without the slightest shade. In short, few gardens benefit from perfect conditions. What you need for these sites are tough plants that will not only shrug off all the worst conditions in your garden but will actually thrive in them.

Tough Plants for Tough Places is a comprehensive directory featuring nearly 100 plants that have evolved to thrive in specific hostile conditions. These plants are virtually invincible in the environments they have adapted to, making them ideal for challenging garden spaces.

Damp, sunless corridors between houses can be challenging to create a lush and inviting garden. However, there are several tough plants that can thrive in these conditions. For example, ferns, mosses, and ivy are excellent choices for these areas, as they require minimal maintenance and can withstand dampness and low light levels.

Awkward slopes and plots shaded by trees or neighboring buildings can also pose challenges for gardening. However, there are several tough plants that can handle these conditions. For example, groundcovers such as periwinkle and vinca can help to cover bare spots and provide a lush, green backdrop for other plants.

Seaside gardens exposed to gale-force winds and salt spray can be particularly challenging. However, there are several tough plants that can thrive in these conditions. For example, lavender, rosemary, and thyme are all salt-tolerant plants that can add fragrance and color to your garden.

Waterlogged plots, where drainage is poor, can be a breeding ground for pests and diseases. However, there are several tough plants that can handle these conditions. For example, watercress, bamboo, and iris are all moisture-loving plants that can help to improve drainage and prevent soil erosion.

Dry ground exposed to the scorching sun day after day, without the slightest shade, can be a daunting challenge for gardening. However, there are several tough plants that can thrive in these conditions. For example, cacti, succulents, and yucca are all drought-tolerant plants that require minimal water and can add texture and interest to your garden.

In conclusion, few gardens benefit from perfect conditions. However, with the right selection of tough plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden in even the most challenging spaces. Tough Plants for Tough Places is a valuable resource for anyone looking to create a garden that can withstand the worst conditions.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 177 x 238 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914902017
Edition number: 30,000 words, colour illustrations throughout