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Something to thrive under this row of conifer

f4f5wkv568j-5VXIZgf4f5wkv568j-5VXIZg Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hi there. I have this unsightly area at the bottom of my garden that I want to try and Tidy up. I want to remove the sleepers and try and grow a nice selecting of hardy plants that would be happy under these trees where there is only sun in the morning then shade all afternoon.

I would want each plant to reach about 1.2m in height ? 

I’ll be removing the Laurel from the right hand side 


 Any suggestions ? 😀 
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Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @f4f5wkv568j-5VXIZg Personally I don't think anything will grow under your conifers. They will take all the moisture and nutrients available. Any height would also be impossible and a waste of money. Welcome and sorry for my negative response. I would like to offer more positivity.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Would ferns grow here?
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    GardenerSuze said:
    @f4f5wkv568j-5VXIZg Personally I don't think anything will grow under your conifers. They will take all the moisture and nutrients available. Any height would also be impossible and a waste of money. Welcome and sorry for my negative response. I would like to offer more positivity.

    I'll second this. The ground around conifers is like a desert.
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    Not gonna give you height but I have cyclamen and woodruff growing under mine. 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    You could construct a raised bed in front of the conifers at a distance which allows you access to maintain the trees. A mix of tall perennials and grasses would add colour and interest in the raised bed or you could plant another row of evergreen hedging plants in a similar or contrasting green, at a height to conceal the bare trunks.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I have geraniums and various bits and bobs - Saxifraga urbium [London Pride] and hellebores under the one at the back of the garden, but the soil doesn't dry out there. It depends where you're located. 
    Much easier if that's the case, otherwise you need plants that can manage dry shade, or build a raised bed and fill it with good, water retentive soil.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I did wonder about extending the bed but @Plantminded has suggested a raised bed which might be an alternative. The only problem I can see would the tree roots affect the raised bed over time? I don't know.

    You could try some of the plants mentioned. Rather than buying could you ask friends or family for cuttings or small pieces of shade loving plants that you could pot up grow on and just try. Some plants might 'take' but will not grow to their normal height. If you find a plant that works cover the whole area in it. It is trial and error. If anything works it will probably be a thug plant elsewhere. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    Would large pots work? Then you only have to contend with shade and can provide the right soil and ensure the plants get enough water. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The planting I have under the conifer is in a raised bed. There's no  problem with roots from the conifer - or the pine tree next to it. I have more trouble from the ivy that's also in there.  :)
    However - extending the bed is also a good alternative, but we'd need @f4f5wkv568j-5VXIZg to come back with more info and whether any of these things will suit their needs.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    I have no problem with invading roots in a raised bed in front of a leylandii hedge with a rampant honeysuckle growing through it. It’s about 3ft in front of the hedge with a foot deep root barrier at the back sunk in the ground. I added a fence at the back of the bed because the hedge was so scrappy and bare at the base. Roses, small shrubs and perennials are all perfectly happy in there. The space between hedge and fence is very handy for storing pots, bags of compost etc.
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
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