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problem patch

http://s733.photobucket.com/user/Grandad_02/media/P1000995_zpsihjwgqn7.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

 Size 5ft wide by 6ft deep, facing east. What would grow here (apart from weeds!)?

Posts

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,023

    There is a shed on the left, then a waterbutt with bare earth in front (for the shrub) then a large glossy leaved shrub on the right.

    Would you like something evergreen in front of the waterbutt? What about a Choisya, or the golden one "Sundance"? Not prickly and fragrant to push past when you go to the waterbutt. White flowers in Spring and Autumn.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    I'd go for a golden choisya too but first work some good garden compost or well rotted manure in to the soil as it looks very dry and poor.    Soak the plant in its pot in a bucket of water till no more air bubbles appear then plant to the same depth in the soil and water again.  

    Once the whole patch is well watered I would mulch the soil with a good thick layer of chipped bark - at least 2 inches and with no bare soil showing.  This will keep weeds down and any that do appear will be easy to pull.   It will also give you clean access underfoot to the water butt.

    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
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698

    I'm sure there are lots of things, but I can't get past Choisya now people have mentioned it - seems a perfect spot for it. I don't like 'Sundance' but that's just snobby old me.

    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    Sundance can be fussy and weak if it gets too cold but it's great for brightening up a dark corner and giving a sunny glow and when it's big enough to flower it smells of orange blossom.   Other possibilities would be golden forms of aucuba or variegated eleagnus or creamy variegations such as euonymous Silver Queen or Harlequin.   Variegated pieris would be good too if the soil is acid or neutral and not alkaline.

    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
  • Grandad 99Grandad 99 Posts: 52

    Thanks everyone - the Choisya "Sundance" looks good so I'll give it a try. I'll buy a bag of compost but wonder about well rotted manure. A local stables puts bags of fresh manure out for free collection - "just return the empty bags"  It's collected from the field so no straw in it - is that an advantage?

    What does rotting down involve - in a container or an open heap in a secluded corner, any action needed to speed the process and how long should it take before being useable?  

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    Fresh manure need to be left to rot down for a few months before it can be used for plants.   If used too soon it can burn plants.   You can keep it in the bags or put it on a compost heap while it rots down..

    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
  • Grandad 99Grandad 99 Posts: 52

    Thanks.  Will get some for future use.

  • Grandad 99Grandad 99 Posts: 52

    Follow up question about the manure - is it better with or without straw in it?  

    No such problem when I used to follow the milkman's cart with a bucket and shovel. Dad put it in a tin bath full of water and put the resulting liquid in a watering can.

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,023

    Fine with straw if your soil texture needs improving. It will rot down.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
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