\u00a9 Richard Bloom<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nWhen I was thinking about this container, I had envisaged a dark, sleek, tubular pot that would emphasise the elegant vertical stems of the Solomon\u2019s seal<\/a>. I had originally discounted this black, plastic pipe connector as it has no base, but to get around this, I\u2019ve used a less attractive, practical container, slightly smaller than the pipe connector, which I\u2019ve simply dropped inside. The inner pot could be dropped into any attractive surround, and a vintage umbrella stand would be another stylish, vertical option. By keeping the colour of the plants and container monotone, the focus is on the texture and form of the individual leaves such as the fronds of Athyrium niponicum<\/em>.<\/p>\n
Cultivation and care<\/h2>\nAll of the plants here are shade-loving woodlanders that cope well with partial shade. To replicate the woodland conditions, I added lots of leaf mould to the compost, which also improves moisture retention.<\/li>\n
Pots placed close to buildings may be in a rain shadow and are therefore susceptible to drying out, so keep an eye on watering.<\/li>\n
Adding sulphate of potash to the compost will increase plants\u2019 resistance to drought. A home-made comfrey feed is an organic option.<\/li>\n
I used grey, slate chips to trap in moisture and complete the sleek aesthetic.<\/li>\n
The planting requires little upkeep, but cut off any shrivelled fronds of the athyrium and deadhead the polygonatum and actaea after flowering.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Plants<\/h2>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
\u00a9\u00a0Richard Bloom<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\n
From left to right<\/strong><\/p>\n
Actaea simplex Atropurpurea<\/em> Group \u2018Black Negligee\u2019<\/strong> A herbaceous perennial<\/a> with finely divided, near-black stems. Scented, creamy-white, bottle-brush flowers in late summer and early autumn. Great for bees. 1.5m.<\/p>\n
Polygonatum verticillatum<\/em> \u2018Rubrum\u2019<\/strong> Commonly known as whorled Solomon\u2019s seal, this upright perennial has narrow leaves arranged in whorls around strong stems. In spring, tiny flowers that are grey when young, ageing to dusky pink, hang below the leaves. 1m.<\/p>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> \u00a9 Richard Bloomer<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\n
Left<\/strong><\/p>\n
Athyrium niponicum f. metallicum<\/strong><\/em> A deciduous fern<\/a> with delicate, steely grey fronds and a reddish-purple midrib. Requires little maintenance and is resistant to pests and diseases. 50cm.<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n
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