New planting patch

Hi,

Right firstly i live in north west england, my house is a new build and the soil quality is rubbish, when i moved in 2 years ago i planted about 20 clibers, various clematis. only 1 survived despite the fact i was assured these things can grow in any conditions.

My soil depth is only 8-12 inches in the good places so i have decided to build a wall out of some nice sandstone and then fill the void with some top soil and compost, i then want to plant things like clematis and rose bushes.

What is the best way to go about this? i amthinking i will lay a hose pipe in the soil for easy watering, should i use a visquine membrand to stop the weeds, (i have loads) if i use a membrane should i score it with a fork to allow worms and drainage??

I have some Dead Fast Sodium Chlorate, if i apply this will it prevent any growth of anything or does it only target the weeds? i was thinking of applying it 2 weeks before i start planting.


Any help is really appreciated on this phase one of my gardening project.

Thanks

(phase 2 = trees, shrubs and hedging
Phase 3 = decking
Phase 4 ...... undecided...)

:hehe: