Holly [Ilex] ,Eleagnus, some Viburnums [not all of them are evergreen] Osmanthus, Mahonia, and plain old cherry laurel would all be easier, and give good coverage. Even common old privet, which can be trimmed into a shape as well if desired. The golden one is quite attractive. Rhododendrons if you make the soil suitable and can provide appropriate, non alkaline, watering. Camellias too.
You'd need to put a physical barrier against the wall to prevent any water ingress, and potential damage due to dampness. It would be better to extend it down below soil level too, just to be sure of avoiding the damp proof course etc. Worth lining the sleepers too, as it will help retain some moisture, and help prevent rotting. Raised beds always drain a bit quicker anyway, than beds at ground level.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Many thanks @Loxley for your reply. I was concerned about the open side causing damp. I raised this issue with the landscaper who built our raised beds and he didn't think it would be a problem. The problem is he's built us four raised beds recently and apart from the one you see in the picture, the rest are open from the back( have no sleepers at the back) and attached to brick walls! I'm getting worried now!!
@Loxley and I posted at the same time @Susan1359 re other plants and the damp issue. I think I would be very concerned that a landscaper thinks it's ok to build beds against house walls with no barrier!
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks for your reply @philippasmith2. Yes , I agree with you. Thank you @Fairygirl, sorry I missed your last reply and just seen your reply re damp issue and other plant suggestions. I totally agree with you. Well, he wasn't listening at all and of course I told him I'm new to the gardening, and first time having raised bed etc😔. I have to chase him up and get him to sort them out for me. Thank you again.
Re the pots - methinks the garden centre saw that as an opportunity for some extra sales I hope you can get that resolved re the damp proofing. I think that's very poor - I hope he's not doing that on a regular basis with clients.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I think a Fargesia would be perfect for that bed. There are lots of varieties to choose from. Some are elegant and tall, others sprawl maybe wider outwards than you would want, growth rates vary a lot, those with colourful stems can be expensive and slow-growing (and need direct sun to colour up the stems) so take all that into consideration when choosing your variety. You may need to check several sites to get the full info on any particular one, but a good range here:
I agree, you really need to seal off that open end - damp from the soil will seep into the wall of your house and is a big no-no! Remove all the soil down to ground level at that end, let the wall dry out then make a fourth side to contain the soil. Thinner planks or even a damp-proof membrane stapled into place would do at a push but ideally use more sleepers for a complete look.
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
Many thanks @Nollie for your reply and thanks for all the explanations about sealing off the open end etc. I didn't know any of these. I'd really appreciate your time & help😊 and will definitely follow what you advised.
In his defence - maybe he thought he was saving you money by needing fewer sleepers, but I think i'm being optimistic Have you got lots of plants in that bed, and the others @Susan1359? If so, and they haven't been in long, its not too difficult to take them out and pot up, and as @Nollie says, you'd need to remove any soil/compost anyway, so you can use that for potting up. Good luck with it anyway, and with whatever you choose for your fence
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Yes, I agree with you @Fairygirl😊. That's what I thought - yes, there are quite few plants that need to be taken out -thank you again for all your help😊.
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Rhododendrons if you make the soil suitable and can provide appropriate, non alkaline, watering. Camellias too.
You'd need to put a physical barrier against the wall to prevent any water ingress, and potential damage due to dampness. It would be better to extend it down below soil level too, just to be sure of avoiding the damp proof course etc. Worth lining the sleepers too, as it will help retain some moisture, and help prevent rotting. Raised beds always drain a bit quicker anyway, than beds at ground level.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I think I would be very concerned that a landscaper thinks it's ok to build beds against house walls with no barrier!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I hope you can get that resolved re the damp proofing. I think that's very poor - I hope he's not doing that on a regular basis with clients.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
https://www.bigplantnursery.co.uk/?s=Fargesia&post_type=product
Have you got lots of plants in that bed, and the others @Susan1359?
If so, and they haven't been in long, its not too difficult to take them out and pot up, and as @Nollie says, you'd need to remove any soil/compost anyway, so you can use that for potting up.
Good luck with it anyway, and with whatever you choose for your fence
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...