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Suggestions welcome for a complete beginner

Hello... I’m looking for some advice and inspiration as I have no idea what I’m doing as a complete beginner. 

I’ve attached a photo of our little planting area outside the front of our house on the driveway. We’ve just dug out all the weeds and removed a tree so we can start again from scratch. The wall needs some attention, so once that’s done we’re looking to create something that looks good (obviously) but is fairly low maintenance (given that our gardening skills are low). 

As you can see at the moment it looks like nothing! Very dull. 

The direction of the photo is south, so it doesn’t get much sun at all, especially in the corner. 

Thoughts so far:

- some creeper or alpine plants amongst some rocks
- lots of things to climb up the wall
- use of the pot recently removed from our chimney

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions for what they would do with this space? Any suggestions for specific plants? I’m totally open to suggestion. 

If if anyone can recommend some photos to look at of what could be done that would be helpful. 

Thanks in advance! 

Matt


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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Everything pansyface says - and also hardy geraniums. They will work well with the spring bulbs, and their emerging foliage will hide the bulb foliage while it dies down.
    The euonymous will grow up the wall if planted close to it - similar to a climber - but doesn't need support. Chaenomeles [ Japanese quince ] will grow there in that aspect, and will sit  'vertically'. Proper climbers would need a support of trellis or wires and vine eyes, so it may be better to keep it simple.
    You could try things like the alpine phloxes for planting at the edge as they will drop over it. They tend to like a reasonable amount of sun so that will really only work in the bit at the front. The perennial candytuft [Iberis] would be fine in the other bits for trailing over the edge though. The geraniums will also do that if planted right at the edge   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Some Vinca Minor (Lesser Perwinkle) or Morning Glory would look nice spilling over the edges.
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Cotoneaster Horizontalis are tough spreading plants that can drape or crawl up the walls. Easy to control and thin out when you need to. Flowers, berries and semi evergreen leaves make them a good all rounder for interest. I think they would suit your brick walls.

    Alchemilla Mollis, Bergenia Cordifolia, and Tradescantia Andersoniana are other plants that can smother the areas in summer. All are not too fussy on soil or aspect. Just rip any plants out if they grow beyond their areas.
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    edited July 2018
    It would be a pity not to use that lovely chimney pot, so here's a suggestion.  Find a plastic plant pot that will just fit in the top without dropping right down.  Fill it with a mix of multi purpose compost and horticultural grit, both of which you should find in any garden centre.  Plant sempervivums and/or trailing succulents.  They need very little water, stay green all year round and some of them have lovely bright flowers. They do like sun , so put the pot near the street where more sunshine will find it.
  • CFCCFC Posts: 71
    Fairygirl said:
    Everything pansyface says - and also hardy geraniums. They will work well with the spring bulbs, and their emerging foliage will hide the bulb foliage while it dies down.
    The euonymous will grow up the wall if planted close to it - similar to a climber - but doesn't need support. Chaenomeles [ Japanese quince ] will grow there in that aspect, and will sit  'vertically'. Proper climbers would need a support of trellis or wires and vine eyes, so it may be better to keep it simple.
    You could try things like the alpine phloxes for planting at the edge as they will drop over it. They tend to like a reasonable amount of sun so that will really only work in the bit at the front. The perennial candytuft [Iberis] would be fine in the other bits for trailing over the edge though. The geraniums will also do that if planted right at the edge   :)
    I vote for Japanese quince! Lovely aromatic fruits to make quince and apple jam. IMO so much nicer than proper quinces.
  • Thanks so much to everyone for your suggestions. Really helpful. I’ve definitely got a lot of Googleing to do today! 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Enjoy Matt! Don't be afraid to come back again if you need more help too  :)
    Prep the ground well before planting [ compost and well rotted manure ] and as you plant each specimen. A general feed of something like blood, Fish and Bone in the planting hole is beneficial too. Water everything in really well, and add a mulch of bark or gravel, which helps retain the moisture, and finishes everything off well. That will set it up for you for a good while. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Thanks, that's good to know. No doubt I'll be back with more questions! 

    I've just had a quick look and some of those look really good. Particularly like the look of the Japanese quince, vinca minor, and the cotoneaster horizontalis. I might try and go with more evergreen things so that it looks good all year round (or am I being a bit too optimistic there?). 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    The vinca and cotoneaster are evergreen, and so are euonymus.  I think something with variegation would look good to brighten up the shady part.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    edited July 2018
    I think one of each plant is more than enough since they will grow up and outwards. I agree with JennyJ, variegated foliage may help to add contrast and brighten up the area. Cotoneaster has a lovely variegated version and can be trained to move across your walls. If you choose to put in Vinca minor, I suggest only planting one. They will grow away and root themselves as they go along. The Japanese Quince will really brighten up the early spring time and may even produce fruit. 

    I think you can make that area look good all year round. Take a look at Liriope muscari. There are blue and white versions to add colour late into autumn time. The leaves can remain evergreen in protected surroundings like yours.
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