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Advice please

blodynmenynblodynmenyn Posts: 12
in Garden design
I have a sloping area about 1 metre square under an oak and conifer. The soil is vey poor and stony. Ho can I add  bulk to the soil and layer the ground to allow me to put some ferns and other hardy plants? 

Posts

  • StevedaylillyStevedaylilly Posts: 1,102
    Your main problem is that the soil under the tree’s will become continually dry, although adding manure will help the situation. You need to look at planting plants that will survive in dry soil. I assume also that the area under the tree gets part or dappled shade or some sun depending on its situation. I would attempt to plant as far away from the tree as possible or increase the size of the planting area to give the plants a chance of surviving 
    Dryoptetis Fern once established will do well. Dicentra - bleeding heart will do well in dry shade also lithrope - grape hyacinth will survive in most situation. Euonymus Emerald and Gold a low growing evergreen shrub will do well as well
    You did say that the area slopes but is this significant. You may need to retain the soil around the tree with some simple timber edging 
  • blodynmenynblodynmenyn Posts: 12
    Hi, thanks for your reply, that's really helpful. Yes, I feel the slope is thè main issue, as when I dig the soil it slips away. Timber edging is a good option thank you. I love Bleeding Heart and Euonumus, so will be shopping soon!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Make sure to add some well rotted manure and some good compost too. If the soil's poor, the plants will struggle for a long while to get established. Water really thoroughly after planting, and keep watered regularly for several months so that they don't dry out. 
    I would doubt that dicentra will do very well in such a dry location, but if you can get it going, it might be ok. London Pride will also thrive once established, and provides good ground cover. Saxifraga urbium is it's proper name.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • blodynmenynblodynmenyn Posts: 12
    Thank you, very helpful information !
  • StevedaylillyStevedaylilly Posts: 1,102
    Actually Fairgirl is right as Dicentra prefer moist soil but will drained and will tolerate a shady position 
    sorry for the misinformation 

  • blodynmenynblodynmenyn Posts: 12
    No problem, have one in my raised bed and love it when it flowers, so bushy and colourful 🙂
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