HOT WALLS
Whether it’s a west-facing metal fence
that heats up to scalding temperatures,
or a black-rendered wall that resembles
Vesuvius by three o’clock on a sunny
afternoon, some structures raise
temperatures too high for many plants.
Climbing roses may be ideal for a sunny
wall in England, but they can cook in
our climate in the wrong spot.What to plant
Look for tough, strappy leaves that
can stand the scalding sun. Oleander,
photinia, pomegranate, olives and igs
all revel in the heat and can protect
smaller nearby plants. Bearded irises,
low-growing grevilleas, cordylines,
ornamental grasses and Mediterranean
plants such as rosemary and thyme
will ill out a bed, while petunias and
daisies bring colour.TIP Cool a wall by attaching a reed
screen, or smother it by planting
creeping ig or bougainvillea to bring
the temperature back to bearable. In
colder areas, walls provide a protective
microclimate that can keep marginal
plants growing well throughout the
year. hey also protect against frost.Bougainvillea thrives in harsh
heat and softens a wall.Olive trees handle a drought.
LEFT Rosemary. RIGHT Daisies.Leave space between foundations
and garden beds where possible.130 JULY 2018 Australian Handyman
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