COMPANION PLANTS - (The favourite ones in my garden)

Companion or complimentary plants, however you put it; I do not mind a bed of all roses, but I prefer some complimentary plants as a contrast. I have found with our very moist conditions that some that I would love to have, really do not work. I also find with the way our roses are set out, like, quite close together, then there is not much point interspersing them with other plants. Because of our conditions, (a greatly treed lot), our roses tend to get to be on the tall side. so we find our companion plants are best as border plants. Though, I really would like to dabble with more delphiniums and try them in between roses that may have a little extra space. They just may be tall enough to work with the roses. I love delphiniums. Up to now, my favourite border companion plants are Campanulas without question. Oops, I seem to be telling a lie right off the bat, because the taller Campanulas are in a perennial border in front of some climbing roses, but I guess the idea still works. First we have Campanula Medium Calycanthema, (campana - meaning bell). commonly called Canterbury Bells - This variety are often called "cup and saucers", because they do have saucers, and some are bells without the saucers. The one pictured here is Canterbury Bells Cup and Saucers. Others in that seed packet were double pink and white. They are biennials and each year, I do get some more surprises.

Here is a log arrangement of rosa Abraham Darby with two types of Campanulas, Canterbury Bells in the upright centre then campanula glomeratas at the lower edges.

Below one of my true favourites, Campanula Glomerata "superba".

Here is a stand of it, I try and grow as much as I can.

I use it in many arrangements, as seen below here, too!

No name for this Campanula, below yet, I will check to see if there is a tag tomorrow. I think it could be Campanula Lactiflora! I can not find it on the net. It is another favourite, but in the perennial border. It reminds me of phlox and it is quite as tall, but it is so fluffy and airy.

Like all of the taller ones, it does need staking (UNFORTUNATELY) I say that in capitals, because, staking is a huge part of our gardening, do I like doing this, NOT!!!! I should point out that this is a newish plant, so it will get a lot wider, if I can stop myself from dividing it while it is still young.:)

Beautiful!!

No name here either, sorry! I have a lot of this, it is one of the earliest bloomers, I need to go out in the daylight and check the name. I will come back for sure, if I can find a tag. It is a great one for sure

Ahh, Campanula, Dickson's gold. I have split it up already, once, I am saying this, because the border I use a lot of these companion plants in, is only two year's old. I think with this one, the foliage, is the star. It gets pretty bright gold, even at this time of the year, it seems hardy and the foliage out beats any other perennial!

.......and the beautiful white sister to Campanula Glomerata. Love this. Hoping to divide this year.

Not sure of the name of this Campanula, but it is certain seems to be a little more "blue" Than the rest. Again, it comes at a different time than the others. This is what I like about the campanulas. There is always some "blue" in bloom.

This campanula is a true beauty, Campanula Persicifolia, "Chettle Charm". I absolutely love the delicate colouring of this campanula. Another tall one, which needs staking, but a wonderful statement in the garden.

Picture below of some campanulas, not even photographed here, are the campanula carpaticas, "White and Blue clips" They are a big part of our rose border. The picture below was taken two seasons ago, when that rose border was only in it's second season. They had really spread last year, so this coming season, I will take pics all over again, and hopefully, the impact will be greater. I once had Light Blue Clips which were my ultimate favourite. Unfortunately, they passed away, I hate to think that it may have been neglect on my part, but I am willing to try again. Just cannot find them any more! Sniff!!