Hi @jane-wilkinson
What a wonderful update, and thank you so much for sharing this!
The effort that has gone into this over a bank holiday weekend is clear, and you should feel really proud of what you've achieved. Getting the calculations spot on is no small thing either; that's one of the parts of the process that trips most beginners up, and the fact that it all came together is a real sign that you're applying the course thinking properly.
What You've Done Really Well
The symmetrical layout of six pots with a considered mix of hebe varieties showing different colours and tones shows you're already thinking about contrast and seasonal interest rather than just filling pots randomly. I like the veening light effect too, great for seeing your way to the front door.
Using John Innes No.2 with added grit for drainage is exactly the right compost choice for hebes in containers and will give them the free draining conditions they need to thrive.
Taking it to the Next Level
To really elevate the scheme from neat and considered to something that feels more designed and layered, I'd encourage you to think about introducing some low planting between and around the pots rather than leaving the gravel surface completely bare. This is the detail that separates a good scheme from a great one and it doesn't require much.
Thyme planted directly into the gravel is a brilliant starting point. It asks for almost nothing, it spreads happily between paving and gravel, it releases a wonderful fragrance when you brush past it, and it flowers in soft pinks and purples that would complement your hebe tones beautifully.
Chamomile is another excellent choice for exactly the same reason, with its feathery foliage and small daisy flowers adding a softer, more naturalistic quality to what is currently a very hard surface. Both are drought-tolerant, low-growing, and will never swamp the pots or compete with the hebes. They simply weave between everything and make the whole scheme feel more alive and considered.
🛒 Buy Creeping Thyme from Amazon UK and 🛒 Buy Chamomile plants from Amazon UK
You might also consider a few small Erigeron karvinskianus tucked into any gaps at the edges. It self-seeds gently, produces those charming small daisy flowers from spring right through to autumn, and has a wonderfully effortless quality that makes a formal layout feel warmer and less rigid.
Yellow Belt Status
I am delighted to confirm that yellow belt Garden Ninja status has absolutely been earned here. The hard work, the careful plant selection, the drainage thinking, and the willingness to share your progress and ask for feedback are all exactly the right instincts. Keep going with the back section and do share photos when it's complete.
Happy Gardening!
Lee Garden Ninja
Hi @jane-wilkinson
What a wonderful update, and thank you so much for sharing this!
The effort that has gone into this over a bank holiday weekend is clear, and you should feel really proud of what you've achieved. Getting the calculations spot on is no small thing either; that's one of the parts of the process that trips most beginners up, and the fact that it all came together is a real sign that you're applying the course thinking properly.
What You've Done Really Well
The symmetrical layout of six pots with a considered mix of hebe varieties showing different colours and tones shows you're already thinking about contrast and seasonal interest rather than just filling pots randomly. I like the veening light effect too, great for seeing your way to the front door.
Using John Innes No.2 with added grit for drainage is exactly the right compost choice for hebes in containers and will give them the free draining conditions they need to thrive.
Taking it to the Next Level
To really elevate the scheme from neat and considered to something that feels more designed and layered, I'd encourage you to think about introducing some low planting between and around the pots rather than leaving the gravel surface completely bare. This is the detail that separates a good scheme from a great one and it doesn't require much.
Thyme planted directly into the gravel is a brilliant starting point. It asks for almost nothing, it spreads happily between paving and gravel, it releases a wonderful fragrance when you brush past it, and it flowers in soft pinks and purples that would complement your hebe tones beautifully.
Chamomile is another excellent choice for exactly the same reason, with its feathery foliage and small daisy flowers adding a softer, more naturalistic quality to what is currently a very hard surface. Both are drought-tolerant, low-growing, and will never swamp the pots or compete with the hebes. They simply weave between everything and make the whole scheme feel more alive and considered.
🛒 Buy Creeping Thyme from Amazon UK and 🛒 Buy Chamomile plants from Amazon UK
You might also consider a few small Erigeron karvinskianus tucked into any gaps at the edges. It self-seeds gently, produces those charming small daisy flowers from spring right through to autumn, and has a wonderfully effortless quality that makes a formal layout feel warmer and less rigid.
Yellow Belt Status
I am delighted to confirm that yellow belt Garden Ninja status has absolutely been earned here. The hard work, the careful plant selection, the drainage thinking, and the willingness to share your progress and ask for feedback are all exactly the right instincts. Keep going with the back section and do share photos when it's complete.
Happy Gardening!
Lee Garden Ninja
Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
