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Help what can I do with this ugly space?

monleomonleo Posts: 2
in Problem solving
We have this small patch of garden outside our house and I would love to spruce it up a bit. It is neglected and has weeds in. We mow it but feel like it could do with a makeover. I’m thinking of a climber or something too to cover that dull wall. Something colourful and bright. Would love some ideas and how tos. I am a total beginner. Sorry about upside down pic! 

Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190


    Better the right way up. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Whereabouts are you and which way does that wall face and how much sun does it get thru the day?   These, and the type of soil you have, will dictate what kind of plants will thrive and help you cover that wall - otherwise known as a glorious planting opportunity.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • monleomonleo Posts: 2
    Wow, thanks for the swift replies. I’m in North Hants. Not sure about soil, how can you tell? It is in direct sunlight in the afternoon from 2 onwards. 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Lots of options for plants such as roses and clematis in terms of sunlight then.  Here's a link that explains soil types and how to identify them - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=179

    You could also look around and see what grows well in neighbouring gardens to help identify acid or alkaline or neutral soil.

    You'll need to think about supports too.  The easiest and most discreet is galvanised wires placed horizontally at 30cm intervals up the wall using vine eyes to guide them and tensioners at the end to keep them taught.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Cambridgerose12Cambridgerose12 Posts: 1,134
    At ground level, it appears that this area is between the wall and a drive or pathway, which means that in choosing plants to go around your climbers, you'll want to go for things that are fairly drought-resistant and not too tall--if they are tall, then wind bouncing off the flat wall behind will flatten them to the ground quickly. As others have said, knowing your soil type and pH is important. 

    Much also depends on the effect you want--whether colourful or restful, textured or easy-care. With part shade, part sun you have a wide range of options open to you. You could go for smaller, lower grasses like Pennisetum 'Hameln' or Festuca glauca, coupled with Sedum spectabile and Aster x frikartii for late summer and autumn interest, for example. There are spring flowerers with attractive leaves like Brunnera or Bergenia, or Astrantia or hardy Viola forms. Alternatively, you could go for dwarf shrubs like Hebe with lavender and Santolina, which would be low-maintenance. And adding bulbs would bring a third dimension in, too.
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