Hi I have absoluely no idea about plants and was wanting advice on what to plant at the base of an arch, with the view to it climbing the full way over. I would preferably like something that requires little attention and is perennial. Please help!!
How about a Chilean Potato Tree? Proper name Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' It is evergreen and gets loads of pretty blue flowers right thro' summer. It is very vigorous and can grow to twenty feet! After flowering cut well back. We have a clematis growing thro' it too. Is happy in sun or light shade.You could put one at each side of your arch, but you would have to be a bit ruthless with the pruning.
If you are having problems with weed, I would suggest putting in some barley straw. Most aquatic centres have it. Regarding your fish, as you said it does sound like they are spawning. 'Size does'nt matter' :)
I'm growing a Campsis, it needs little attention other than a bit of tieing as it grows and just light pruning, if at all to keep it within bounds.
The large tubular orangre or yellow flowers are a real eye catcher.
It will do best in a warm sunny spot. Good Luck. Tbird+
I have a variety called 'Purple Rain' in my garden. Although it blossoms for only a short time in late Summer (wonderful scent!), the foliage is very attractive, and it tends to stick close by the support it is climbing - doesn't send wild probing shoots off in all directions like some climbers do.