Asparagus Bed
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The asparagus bed runs along the east side of the house and then past the Orangery Bed, next to what will be the 'main road'. It is only 9 m2 in area and is lower than the orangery bed, separated by a dwarf sleeper wall. We found asparagus growing there, up against the house wall, in 2015 and discovered that its flowers were a major bee attractor so it is not eaten :
The northern end of the bed enjoys sun from early morning until lunchtime when it falls under the shadow of the house. The southern end is somewhat shaded by the cherry tree. The soil has some pea shingle from the drive so is free-draining and is relatively dry.
Other than the asparagus, a single fuchsia is the only plant retained in the bed [most of the rest were weeds!]. A trellis has been put up the house wall for a star jasmine [Trachelospermum jasminoides] to eventually climb. For the rest, the bed is currently used for annuals other than a spare geranium transplanted from the original West Drive Bed.
Full details of the plants can be found in the Asparagus Bed plant list and the context of this area within the garden can be found on the Plan and Areas page.
