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Ask a Gardening QuestionGarden Design: Garden Design QuestionsPrairie Border gone wrong!

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Prairie Border gone wrong!

#1 · 21st March 2022, 11:15 am

Hello,

I need some help with adding structure to my prairie border. I planted it after watching your video. It looks great in late summer, autumn and adds interest in winter. But right now in spring it’s really not working.
We have a wide shallow garden, so I planted the prairie border closer to the house to break up the view from the bifold doors so we don’t see the whole garden in one go. I chose prairie style because of 3 reasons. 1. I love it. 2. It’s great for wildlife. And 3. It screens the kids climbing frame whilst still being able to see them!
I am worried that due to its position a tree would look out of place? Thought maybe turning it into a mound/rockery but with the same plants? I’m at a loss really.
sorry for the long waffling question!

I have included photos of the view from inside and another outside.

Any help or ideas appreciated!

Uploaded files:

#2 · 23rd March 2022, 7:17 am

Hi Winging it

I love the name you’ve picked! Brilliant.

Many thanks for your kind words about my video on creating a prairie border.

From looking at your pic you’re just missing a key layer which you’ve identified as the tree or shrub layer. Which even in a prairie border is sometimes essential.

Why not have a look at a well bagged multi-stem tree or shrub. A Cornus kousa would look lovely to the left or right of the border vor a symmetry allowing you to see through the border but provide interest. Even the winter structure will look good with the multistem form.

Let us know how you get on!

If you need more help why not book an online consultation with me. They are really helpful for people needing answers to garden drama without full design.