episode 181 | show notes & advice
episode description
Arthur Parkinson’s urban garden is, like many in more built up areas, somewhat overlooked by neighbours, and perhaps the most natural solution to this is with the help of some gorgeous climbers.
In this podcast episode, Sarah & Arthur focus on the varieties of clematis, honeysuckle, and other climbers which look stunning combined with the likes of hazel, corten, or even rebar.
In this episode, discover
- How Arthur almost-accidentally discovered the way to use coppiced hazel to train clematis upwards
- A number of favourite varieties as better alternatives to hornbeams for creating privacy and separation
- Sarah & Arthur’s selection of climbers beyond the beloved clematis, namely the likes of thunbergias and Ipomoea lobata
links and references
Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Pots
Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers
Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Veg
Sarah Raven's Garden Cookbook | Sarah Raven
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website
Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Episode 181 advice sheet
The issue with hornbeams, and why clematis wins hands-down (1:55)
When trying to create separation between you and other houses, one might be tempted to plant the thickest hedge possible - Arthur warns against this, having had prior experience with hornbeams.
The coverage from them might be thick, but they can create so much shade that other flowers in your garden may suffer, while the coverage from clematis allows more flowers to thrive in dappled shade.
Top varieties to train up coppiced hazel (4:15)
Among the favourite varieties of clematis, Sarah’s pick is the incredibly claret-coloured ‘Madame Julia Correvon’, a majestic old favourite that’s likely to reach over 7ft at its peak.
Training clematis up hazel rods is a discovery that Arthur made almost by accident, and presents a great way to guide clematis, creating a more curated coverage for your space.
Other favourite climbers, and how to combine them (14:40)
Beyond the clematis family, some of the annual climbers are such statement-makers for those of you looking for a plant that’ll give you privacy and catch your eyes in equal measure.
Ipomoea Lobata is the Spanish flag-like annual climber which grows so quickly, and cascades its flowers like a phoenix’s wings - it’s also great for growing through dahlias, the best pairings of which we’ve seen with the likes of favourite ‘Night Silence’, and new variety ‘Adam’s Choice’.
