Ideas for small shaded courtyard

Some beautiful suggestions there Bee

 

@kazzawazza it's Gail here ....not Bee

 

Still a newbie when it comes to quoting, replying and quoting in conversation. Kazza made a faux pas

How do I get more animated smileys?

 

Sorted it

 

With all due respect @Kathrynmichaud may have come back but comments like these are not very welcoming.

 

and took that wrongly. hoping she's be back to open her gifts of ideas and to let us know what she thought.

 

I agree with longk. Its always nice to get feedback or thanks from given advice, etc., but should never be expected or a judgement made because of a lack of response. Besides, folk may still be undecided and therefore mulling over options

 

What a lovely courtyard!

If it were mine I'd be tempted to get rid of the cracked concrete and lawn entirely, and lay some gravel or pavers in the middle for a patio table and chairs, then surround with a wider planted border. The pots could be planted with herbs and placed both on gravel and among the beds.

Some beautiful plants suggested above. I particularly like the hydrangeas, spring bulbs + herbaceous foliage plants, clematis, Japanese maples.

Would be good to know more about your climate, how you'd like to use the garden, how important it is to you that the garden has 'year round interest' or perhaps you are barely outside during winter and don't mind if it is a bit bare then?

 

and and