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What to do with strip of land

mra19845GJyKRC-mra19845GJyKRC- Posts: 7
in Problem solving
I’ve got this very narrow strip of land next to my house. At present it was just grass but I want to plant some defensive bushes and discourage people parking there too! The problem is that it’s narrow but also under this grass covering after only about 6 inches you hit builders rubble. I planted some barberry as a test but they have not grown and I bought a few cherry laurel to put in but after digging down again I don’t think they will grow. What would you guys do? Just leave it as grass or is there anything else that would work. Cheers 

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @mra19845GJyKRC- I hope to move soon to a property that has a slightly wider strip of land to the side. It has been grassed which seemed strange. I have realised that there could be problem if planted with something that will affect the house wall. Any plants have to be a max of half a metre as part of the covenant.
    I think you have been lucky that neither of these shrubs have taken for that reason. They have possibly given up as there isn't enough room for roots.
    There was a episode of GW some weeks ago where a row of grasses were usedin this situation.
    I can also see something white on the wall? Do you have to be careful to avoid something.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    If you're moving, I wouldn't bother doing anything but keep it strimmed. You've no idea what the new people will want and you might be wasting money and effort.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • mra19845GJyKRC-mra19845GJyKRC- Posts: 7
    I’m not moving. Yea that is pipe for the toilet that’s there. My idea was to plant something spiky or a dense hedge and stop people parking there but as it’s thin and the soil just no more than 6 inches deep before I hit builders rubble I think I may to declare a loss on this one and just put up with people parking there. I once tried letting the grass grow long but then it just gets trampled. Maybe lavender? Guess I’ll just leave it. 
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    I'd plant a load of low growing, semi-evergreen geraniums on that strip of land. They can deal with less than perfect soil, the flowers attract insects, and you don't need to mow them......just a bit of trimming when they start to encroach on the paving. Geranium macrorrhizum or cantabrigiense. If people trample on those they would likely trample all over any plants.
    Alternatively you could try one of the vincas unless the area is very sunny.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I agree with @Ceres. Six inches deep, the best plants grow are to six inches tall. Both geraniums are easy from cuttings and divisions so you could build up gradually. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • mra19845GJyKRC-mra19845GJyKRC- Posts: 7
    I bought some of the geraniums so will see how they go. But they do feel very brittle, ie they won’t stand up to any body knocking them. But will see. 
    Only other idea I had was maybe ivy? Would this cover the house wall and edge and provide some protection? But which ivy? I know some are invasive. Thanks 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Hardy perennial geraniums aren't normally brittle.  Are you sure you didn't pick up tender pelargoniums (common name geranium) from the bedding plant section?
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Pointless trying to plant anything without improving the growing medium that's there.
    Once you do that, it'll be easier. 
    However, if people park there - they'll just trample over anything you plant, so it may not be worthwhile. You should see the state of our local Co op car park - which had plenty of very sturdy shrubs etc.
    My choice would be one of the Euonymous fortunei, which would also partially cover the wall -a little bit. Some will climb if they have something to climb up. E. fort. Emerald Gaiety is usually quite good for that. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PoppypussPoppypuss Posts: 143
    It might be worth trying a pyracantha as they don't seem to mind shallow soil and will form a wildlife friendly cover along the wall. The thorns will have the added advantage of dissuading anyone from walking too close.
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