Hello from County Durham

joannecw · Oct 18, 2024 at 9:46 AM

fairygirl said: ↑
The aforementione Cotoneaster will grow in a narrow site like that @joannecw . There are many types, so if you go for that, just take your time in choosing. Some are very good for up against a wall/fence, and become freestanding, and some are more suited to small areas as groundcover. I have several types, but not all are evergreen either, and I'd suggest that would be the best for the site you have, so that it's more attractive all year round.
The Euonymus fortuneii varieties will also grow up against walls if planted there, but if the garage isn't yours, that isn't ideal unless you have the permission of the owner. They grow as shrubbier, less formal shapes otherwise.
I grow Osmanthus burkwoodii in a similar aspect, and although it can get bushier, it can also be trimmed and shaped if necessary. Small, creamy flowers in late winter/early spring.
The advantage of a narrow north facing site is that it doesn't dry out so easily, which can be a problem with some plants. However, the more plants you put in, especially woodier ones, the more moisture they take up. It also depends on what the border is next to - ie grass, a driveway etc. as that can affect what you want to have. Many of the 'jaggy' plants will be fine too - Pyracantha is generally regarded as a plant for sun, but it grows in almost any site, and is also free standing. Great for wildlife, and can be pruned and shaped too.

The little plants I mentioned as ground cover can also be grown along with spring bulbs, snowdrops and crocus for example, so you could add those for interest. Another useful one is Saxifraga urbium - London Pride. I also grow the perennial candytuft - Iberis in shady sites. There are others - like Brunnera and Pulmonaria, so there's plenty of choice once you get the main plants in.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for your suggestions. It is so interesting as you too are referring to plants which my Dad always liked and referred a lot to! It is so lovely you have taken the time to explain these to me too - thank you, and i will let you know how I get on.

waterbut · Oct 18, 2024 at 9:56 AM

If you do not like cats (I have one) and foxes etc buy one of these pump action ( no not shotguns) high powered hand held water guns or the garden hose. Grand children have fun with both. Foxes came into my garden during the day but no longer they moved next door and messed up their front and back garden while my cat keeps others away.

Log in or Sign up

Hello from County Durham

joannecw Apprentice Gardener

waterbut Gardener

Hello from county durham

Hello From County Durham, England.

Hello from County Armagh

Hello from County Donegal

New Member Hello

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Hello from County Durham

joannecw Apprentice Gardener

waterbut Gardener

Hello from county durham

Hello From County Durham, England.

Hello from County Armagh

Hello from County Donegal

New Member Hello

Share This Page

Useful Searches