Fast-growing ground cover

Jacey53

Could anyone please suggest any fast-growing ground cover plants for the very edge of my garden?

It is south-facing, with dry, clayey soil (I have added grit and organic soil improver as I have shrubs in the same bed).

The primary problem is that there is very little depth of soil - just under the surface it is the overspill foundation of the access road to garages (it's like hardcore over concrete). I have added bags of topsoil, but it seems to disappear after a while?

The front of the bed looks a mess, gets very weedy with grass and thistles and seems to be full of ants nests. However just a foot or so back from the edge, I have shrubs growing beautifully.

I am not strong enough to dig out the rocks, have no-one to help and cannot pay for professional help.

amcluesent

Periwinkle about the only plant that might make it! Maybe stonecrop, bergenia, red valerian and cranesbill too?

Lotus-eater

In the summer plant a squash in the good soil and trail over the horrible area. In the winter, avert your eyes.

westiea

Any of the Cotoneasters will do - i like Cotoneaster dammeri best, (evergreen, white flowers June, red berries autumn - great all rounder) as its leaves are smaller and the whole plant is tighter so will inhibit any weed growth:j

Kay_Peel

Irish moss (Sagina Subulata) -it's not really a moss - is absolutely gorgeous, in my opinion:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sagina-subulata-Irish-Moss-Pearlwort-200-Seeds-/170422185645?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item27adf42ead

It's usually grown to soften edges around paths or in areas that are difficult to mow. It can take light foot traffic and has a little white flower. I actually bought my seeds from the lady seller on Ebay and grew the seedlings in little modules before planting them out 6 inches apart. They like to be dry and they don't have deep roots. You have to look after them to start them off - keeping them watered in their first year and topping up the soil with some organic manure (2 bags for £10 in my local garden centre) around the plants.

It's a sensory plant - lovely to touch and to walk through.

valentina

How about sempervivums? (houseleeks)