SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Light: Full sun to partial shade. Topiary (Bay Laurel) tolerates partial shade but grows most densely in full sun. Border plants prefer full sun (6+ hours daily) but tolerate light shade. Avoid deep shade.
Soil: Well-drained, moderate fertility. Bay Laurel requires excellent drainage—avoid waterlogged positions. Border plants tolerate wide range but need good drainage. Amend heavy clay with grit/compost before planting.
Space: Minimum 2m width for Starter, 2.5m for Standard, 3.5m for Impactful. Allow 70-80cm clearance from container edge to door frame (see Placement Guide).
POSITIONING LAYOUT:
Step 1: Position Topiary Lollipops
Place containers 120-150cm apart (center to center) depending on entrance width. Elevated canopies should align at eye level (approximately 140-150cm from ground including container). Ensure containers sit on stable level surface.
Step 2: Plant Lavender
Position in clusters of 2-3 plants, spacing 60-80cm in front of topiary containers. Within clusters, space individual plants 35-40cm apart. Creates foreground interest without obscuring lollipop stems.
Step 3: Plant Stachys (Lamb's Ear)
Use as edging along front of planting area or around topiary container bases. Space 30-40cm apart. Creates soft silver border defining composition's edge.
Step 4: Plant Salvia
Position in mid-ground between Lavender clusters and topiary. Space 45-50cm apart. Upright habit fills vertical space between low Lavender and elevated topiary canopies.
Step 5: Plant Allium Bulbs
Plant bulbs 15-20cm deep in clusters of 2-3 behind or beside topiary (October-November for May-June flowering). Tall stems will rise through composition creating punctuation marks in spring.
Step 6: Plant Nepeta
Fill remaining gaps in mid-ground. Space 50-60cm apart. Billowing habit softens hard edges of paving and containers as it matures.
DETAILED LAYOUT PLANS:
For comprehensive positioning diagrams showing exact plant placement for your entrance dimensions and variant-specific layouts, see our Bundle Planting Guide.
[View Bundle Planting Guide →]
ESTABLISHMENT CARE (First 6 Months):
Topiary: Water 2-3× weekly during first summer, feed once in spring. Bay Laurel in containers needs consistent moisture. See Complete Care Guide for full maintenance.
Border Plants: Water 2-3× weekly first growing season until established. Mulch 5cm around plants (keep clear of stems). No feeding required in Year 1—planting compost contains nutrients.
By 6 months: Starter plants rooted and growing steadily (30-40% mature size). Standard plants established with noticeable presence (50-70% mature). Impactful plants quickly established, near-mature appearance (70-90%).
