Long thin planter - what to do.....

Tygermoth

Hello again,

I hope you can offer me some gardening assistance

The OH is going to be tearing up some scraggly sparse bushes that run down the side of the house and is going to build a long thin planter that runs down the side instead. (height of two scaffold planks width of one)

This is two fold, the bushes, not planted by us, failed to thrive (dry, stoney and shaded) and the chooks love to dig holes there even though the have three other spots. The area spawned more weeds than anything else. It's also the first thing you see of the house as you come down the lane and it's very scruffy.

As a rank amateur gardener I need assistance with what to plant. I am looking for low maintain plants that will flower throughout the year.

Could you suggest a collection of your planter favourites?

I should mention I only have succesfully grown daisies and sunflowers (not to bad as they happen to be my favourites) but I am looking to branch out a bit.

Oh, and are bulbs better than seeds for a idiot proof start to the project?

Many thanks

Tygermoth

madjackslam

There was a question on the BBC's Gardeners Question Time recently that was very similar to this.

In essence the reply was that you are always going to struggle. The bushes struggled because it was dry, stony and shady. Other plants may find it difficult too, because two out of three of those are still true. Is there something else that you could put in this narrow gap instead, that would be decorative, but that chickens don't like?

If you're set on plants, I'd think about things that will trail, as it's going to be a tall thin affair. How about a selection of ivies, with different colours of variegation?

Tygermoth

THank you for your reply.

The planter is going to have a sealed bottom lined with plastic and be filled with compost thus sorting the weeds and stones issue. We will have a irrigation system to keep the planter well watered. You are right in the fact it will still be shaded and only get late afternoon sunshine.

Does this help any? If not I can photo the area in question?

* irrigation system sounds fancy but in reality it's a holey old hosepipe linked to the outside tap that is on that wall

blossomhill_2

I'd go for something like succulents - wont always be in flower but of you plant a good selection there will always be something of itnterest

If you want a little height then add in a few lavender every so often

blossomhill_2

Wont let me edit to add a link - but here are some examples LINK, scroll to bottom of page to see really colourful example - buy small plants to start you off then multiply them over the next few years by breaking off leaves and rosettes and poking back into the gritty soil

You wont need irrigation system as they can thrive on just rainfall

If you add a few broken crocks, wedged in on their sides, and grow the succulents perched on top they will drain well.

If you live in a very cold area you may need to throw some fleece over the bed for the fiercest part of winter but here in the SEast they survive well

Another nice LINK

Tygermoth

Thanks again for your replies

Doing some research I have seen:

Impatens
Begonias
Cosmos bi pinnatus

All 'allegedly'do well in shady conditions

Any others?

blossomhill_2

Hardy geranium ndosum does well in shade

I'd avoid Impatiens for a few seasons as they are at risk of being wiped out by a virus

Davesnave

I'd second geraniums. Slug proof, drought tolerant and I doubt if chickens would go for them, not that mine are getting the chance!