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Permanent planter

CazzieTCazzieT Posts: 74
in Plants
I'd like to put a rectangular planter, approx 3 ft long, on top of an 8 ft high wall which supports our porch on one side.  The only way I can reach the top of the wall is by ladder from the ground below though I could water plants through the railings in the porch. The planter would be just a few inches below the level of the porch on a 9" wide shelf.  I'd be grateful for any ideas for plants, ideally permanent ones that will be happy to stay put with a bit of occasional feeding and pruning.  Because of its setting, it needs to be easy to maintain so, for example, I wouldn't be able to lift a heavy planter down by ladder!  I wondered about putting separate pots of evergreens/heather and bulbs in the planter rather than just filling the whole thing with compost though that might not be great when they overgrow their space.  I've attached photos though they don't clearly show the setting - basically it's an upside down house with bedrooms at a lower level.  (Don't look at the terrible railings which need painting). Any ideas gratefully received!
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  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576

    I think we need a bit more information.  Which direction does it face?  How much sun does it get?  Does it get rained on or is it sheltered from the rain?  How windy does it get?

    I think I'd want to make sure that any container on the outside of the railings is very firmly secured somehow, to make sure that it can't be blown or knocked off the ledge.  It might be safer on the inside of the railings (as well as easier to access).

    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    May I ask why you would want to put a container on top of the wall? I'm with Jenny on this, safety must be your biggest priority, especially if people are going to walk underneath.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • CazzieTCazzieT Posts: 74
    Thanks for your thoughts but there's little chance of it accidentally falling off and it is not in a position where people walk (except me when I'm trimming the ivy on the wall).  Obviously I wouldn't think of doing anything that was risky. A planter could be the sort that attaches to the railings.  There are already plants in the porch (not shown on the photos) but, from the other side of the railings, the shelf is an obvious place for some attractive plants, it's just how and what I use that is the issue. That corner is fairly well sheltered from the main brunt of the wind as the shelf faces east and the porch itself is shielded by the out of shot garage which protrudes to its right. The shelf is open to the rain.  I'd just like to choose an option that means minimal ladder climbing. 
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    In which case I would choose something that it virtually bombproof like variegated ivies. Will look after themselves and fairly forgiving as well as bright and cheerful.
    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    I suggest using a loam-based compost suitable for permanent plantings, such as a John Innes #3 and avoid multi-purpose compost as that will need changing every year or two.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • CazzieTCazzieT Posts: 74
    Thanks, good idea, and the variegated ivy - just need to think of something that might add a bit of variation too.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Dwarf euonymus?  Evergreen, come in a variety of colours, are slow growers and can easily be kept to the size you want with a simple prune every year or two.  Unfussy plants as a bonus.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • CazzieTCazzieT Posts: 74
    Yes, that sounds great.  Am thinking at the moment for the container of a metal frame with a coco liner as here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruddings-Wood-Window-Rectangular-Containers/dp/B0794YRNQX/ref=pd_day0_hl_86_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0794YRNQX&pd_rd_r=d2cd4429-0f87-11e9-8da4-dde02a0d9623&pd_rd_w=HUtnE&pd_rd_wg=s2UK3&pf_rd_p=b082d07b-aaea-4f40-9ff3-d27463f747d7&pf_rd_r=3YWEXWXZ846TA985WXDB&psc=1&refRID=3YWEXWXZ846TA985WXDB but am unsure as to whether they need frequent renewal.  Anyone any experience of these?  Thanks for all your suggestions.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Thanks for clarifying that Carrie. I too would look at variegated ivies - you can get some really unusual ones now with different shaped leaves which would look good. The dwarf euonymus would be low maintenance as well. Did you want something to trail down the wall?
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • CazzieTCazzieT Posts: 74
    Yes, that would be great too.  Anything attractive that is low maintenance! Though with a metre or so's length to play with,  it limits the number of plants somewhat.
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