stony ground

When I can get the camera to do so I will post photos of my progress, but earlier this year I moved to somewhere with a small area I share wit neighbours, where I have planted several traditional favourites, but also an area of wilderness beside it; I began by cutting back a lot of dead wood and clearing a space of about 10x10M for initial planting. So far I have dug in 5 or 6 bags of compost and have successfully planted two azaleas, and several more plants all in early stages of growth - ornamental grass, a fuchsia, and a delphinium. However, I am wondering about how this area might be managed long term. It is extremely stony, and I have spent a lot of hours digging out rocks, bricks and slates. In some parts you can dig down maybe half a metre, in others a lot shallower. I suspect the soil is quite acidic as I live in the Calder Valley where our staple plants are heathers and gorse, and acid-loving plants do great.

Do you have any recommendations on what I've planted thus far? In particular how they might fare, and how I should attend to them throughout the year? At present all get full morning sun as there is no barrier, but I'm going to plant some bigger, bushier candidates at the forefront which may shade some, and the small azalea has a much larger azalea in front of it.

Thanks.

 

Skimmia grows well in acidic or neutral soil and tolerates stoney ground. As they're naturally woodlan plants they will also grow well in partial shade.

 

Wow thanks, for the answer and the information! Hard too say if its fast draining yet, as I've only been planting there a few weeks. It is very stony so I'm assuming this slows drainage and retains water, plus the soil is quite heavy, suggesting a slower draining. However, its acidy as discussed, and although not "sandy" it does at surface level tend to be that grey, gritty sort of texture. Time will tell, I guess.

 

Thank you. Skimmia japonica does indeed thrive round here ... I'll give it a go!

 

Cistus would be okay as long as it's not a windy site, there are also the larger sedums (ice plants) and Lupins will grow just about anywhere.