Congrats on your upcoming wedding. I can't answer all of your questions, but a few thoughts. Moss on top of your containers would be nice, here in the pacific northwest we have a native moss which is green and lush. You can put it on the day of or day before the wedding or put it on when youn plant. Irish moss would be pretty also. I'm not sure you are giving enough info, what sort of plants are you thinking? Annuals, sedums, very small shrubs....you mentioned alpine looking. To me, it makes me think of a bonsai look, a twisted knareled looking bush with leaves on the top. If you are doing annuals, the sky is the limit and your nurseryman would be the place to start. Getting them done now would be best and yes, leave them in an area of good light and some warmth or they will sit and not to a thing. Don't worry if you don't get the bloom you want. You can always buy flowers and attractivly add a blossom here and there. Roses, carnations, orchads, Alstrameria, dasies, are a few that would work well for this. Get a hold of some water picks,usually from a florist, and cut the stem short, put it in these tiny vials of water and push into the soil, attractivly. Another great florist trick is to get some dead twigs, they usually use curly willow, and have an airy artful wisp of that coming up out of the center. You see, do not stress over the planters if they are not perfect, because you can 'kicking it up a notch' when the time comes. You might even be able to puch tapers into them and have a soft glow of light as well. The law of table center pieces is to keep them low enough for conversation to go on over the tops. Canles and twigs don't typically cause a problem with people talking. If I am thinking alpine, I'm looking for 'less is better' Rocks, dead wood, sparse looking plants. Recreate what you see when you are out on your hikes. I hope that helps. Good luck, Smiles, D...

PP46 February 2004 ï The State of Queensland (Department of Natural Resources and Mines) 2004 QNRM01263 Produced by: Land Protection Author: Land Protection p e s t s e r i e s Camphor laurel Cinnamomum camphora (Lauraceae) DECLARED Camphor laurel is an attractive shade tree, but can be very destructive. This large, introduced tree aggressively replaces native vegetation. Camphor laurel invades pastures and disturbed riparian systems and is a troublesome weed on dairy farms throughout south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. Camphor laurel is a declared Class 3 weed, its control is recommended. Class 3 plants cannot be sold in Queensland. 2 Description Camphor laurel is a large evergreen tree, growing up to 20 m tall. The leaves have a glossy, waxy appearance and smell of camphor when crushed. In spring, it produces lush, bright green foliage and masses of small white flowers. The spherical fruits are 10 mm across, green at first changing to black when ripe. The problem Camphor laurel was introduced into Australia from Asia in 1822. It has been promoted and planted as a garden ornamental throughout Queensland. Although the visual beauty of camphor laurel trees cannot be denied, the long-term consequences of its spread may result in the loss of native wildlife and agricultural productivity over large areas of southeastern Queensland. Camphor laurel is considered a pest for agricultural, environmental and urban reasons: Agricultural Camphor laurel can invade and smother pastures. Its control is a constant expense for many graziers. Camphor laurel tends to germinate most frequently under fences and powerlines (wherever birds rest and deposit the seed). As a result, camphor laurel can push over fences and disrupt power facilities. Environmental Camphor laurel is capable of replacing native trees. Along the waterways of South-East Queensland, camphor laurels are replacing the native blue gums, one of the favourite food trees of the koala. This means our koala populations may be reduced. Urban Old camphor laurel trees develop a massive root system which may block drains and crack concrete structures. The average suburban backyard is far too small to accommodate a mature camphor laurel without problems. Removal of a mature camphor laurel tree from a backyard can cost hundreds of dollars. Distribution Camphor laurel is native to Taiwan, Japan and some parts of China. Since it was introduced in 1822 it has spread right along eastern Australia from the Atherton Tablelands south to Victoria. It is particularly common along watercourses and on soil types which once supported rainforest. In south-east Queensland, camphor laurel has the potential to develop dense infestations similar to older infestations which exist in Northern New South Wales. A large camphor laurel tree may produce over 100 000 seeds every year. The seeds are readily spread by a few species of birds.

Your garden looks great!! What is the samll tree in the rear, perhpas a crape myrtle? My mom did English cottage gardens. She used Betty Prior, Dainty Bess, Nevada and China Doll in her gardens. She did keep the other bigger plants away from them. She used the creeping Cranesbills (geranium) underneath them. Was very very pretty. Cranesbills also look good in pots under roses. These web site sell cranesbill, look under geraniums http://www.woodbridgenursery.com.au/ http://www.nurseriesonline.com.au/nutshell/Ordering%20Instructions.html At Nutshell, if you call him, he will be glad to make recommendations for your climate. His plants come dormant in the next few winter months and you can usually divide each one into three plants, so they are a very good deal. Deb

Hi Bryony. Would Marlorena's climate be the most similar to yours then? She has so many lovely obelisks... I would definitely look at her photos on other threads and try some that you like the look of. I think the most important thing about a feature rose is that it is particularly generous with blooming and disease free.... but that could depend more on your climate than the rose. For me, we have really high heat for several months. Very different from your climate. I lucked out in that Falstaff is one of the few that doesn't seem to crisp in high heat and it blooms a lot for me, but for others in colder climates it doesn't bloom that well. I played it safe by also putting Iceberg with it since Iceberg is always in bloom here and handles heat quite well. Can you go by a rose garden to see which roses do really well in your area? Aren't there quite a few rose gardens that have obelisks in England? If not... I would use Marlorena's obelisk photos from other posts as inspiration since her conditions may be similar to yours. Please post photos once everything is growing!