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What would you plant here?

Thomas PadfieldThomas Padfield Posts: 4
in Garden design
Hi all, just had a conifer hedge removed as it was blocking a pavement. I'm now left with this blank patch around 4m2. This is a front garden and is quite exposed, as it was a conifer hedge I guess the soil may be acidic. Looking to plant some low maintenance, hardy shrubs that will add some wildlife value and look nice in summer months. I was thinking some lavender and other herbs, maybe some bulbs and something a bit bigger. Interested what you might plant here. Many thanks Tom

Posts

  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    A conifer hedge can exhaust the soil somewhat so you might want to consider digging in some compost to liven things up a bit. As to what you should plant, I always think it is a good idea to see what thrives in the neighbouring gardens. That way you can be sure you are picking a plant that likes the soil and the aspect.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    A mix of perennials and some grasses would look good if the area gets plenty of sun.
    Lavender is great but needs plenty of sun and very free draining soil.
    It depends on your soil type - the aspect of the border and whereabouts you live

    I agree it's good to see what grows in other gardens locally and that the soil should be improved after having privet in it for quite a while.
    Rotted manure is the best unless you have home made compost

    If you want to get an idea of your soil type put your postcode into this site and it'll give you general info about your soil if you're in England
    https://www.landis.org.uk/development/soilscapes/

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    Conifers do not make your soil acidic. The ground will be absolutely void of any nutrients so putting some compost/manure in will be essential if you want to plant any new plants in there.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    edited October 2023
    As it's right beside the pavement with no fence/wall, it needs to be something tough because it will get stepped on, children's bikes ridden over it, dogs on long leads going on to it etc. And something that's not sufficiently special/eye-catching to appeal to potential thieves, unless that's not an issue in your area. I think I would put in easy evergreens like variegated Euonymus, Skimmia, Vinca minor for ground cover (it spreads but that looks like quite a self-contained area) and add some un-fussy bulbs like daffodils and crocuses for spring colour. Do dig in some organic matter first though (garden compost if you have it, or well-rotted manure or the stuff labelled "soil improver"). After planting you could mulch with fine-ish bark or something similar to keep the weeds down until the plants spread out and fill the area.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    If your bed gets sun, there are many plants that don't mind impoverished soil, as long as it's not too shallow and is free draining.  Lavender, Rosemary, Nepeta and Erigeron are easy to grow and will attract bees and other wildlife as soon as they start to flower.  A small ornamental grass like Stipa tenuissima and sedge like Carex will add some height and movement.  Both are evergreen and will maintain interest in your bed over winter.  Some seasonal bulbs will also add colour.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I pass a small bungalow every day whilst out with my pooch and I always admire their little front garden which is about the same size as your patch..
    It faces south and I guess the soil is same as mine - slightly acidic clay.

    There's quite a mixture and today I had a good look to try and remember what's in there.
    It looks great throughout the year even in mid winter.

    At the front there are lavenders.
    behind them is a cornus that they keep small. atm the leaves are brilliant yellow and when they fall the stems will be bright red/orange over winter.
    There are 2 or 3 types of sarcococca kept small which will soon be in flower (highly scented winter flowers followed by black berries).
    There's a euonymus alatus compactus next to the cornus with leaves so bright it almost hurts the eyes.
    They also have 2 or 3 Nandina which are kept small - their leaves atm are all colours of the rainbow.

    Most of them are only 2-3ft except the cornus which is about 5ft.

    The only thing I'd add is some taller grasses such as Calamagrostis Karl Foerster.
    It'll stay bolt upright throughout winter and add some movement and winter interest.



    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Thomas PadfieldThomas Padfield Posts: 4
    Thanks for the suggestions I'll look them up and will had some compost.
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