Suggestions please for low growing plants

Slinky

We have a border at the bottom of our garden where we have planted 3 espalier apple trees. We would like to plant flowering perenials which don't grow too tall to provide ground cover so we can reduce the weeding. It's a north east facing border, very dry light clay silty soil. What would you suggest please? We plan on removing the 'grass' and having a patio area so scented flowers would be a bonus. (The wall belongs to the neighbouring business who need to repair it but don't have the money at the moment.)

goldfinches

@Slinky - just checking which months of the year you'll be using the patio area after you remove the 'grass' before I start thinking about any plants to suggest.

theoretica

Dwarf lavender - scented - not too tall, trim once a year. 

If it weren't clay I would mention lawn camomile if it will take (always dies on me).

-taff

Lambs ears, chop down the flowering spikes when they're done...

Slinky

goldfinches said:

@Slinky - just checking which months of the year you'll be using the patio area after you remove the 'grass' before I start thinking about any plants to suggest.

Thanks goldfinches (love the name, we get loads on our bird feeders), probably April to September on warm days in the morning. It catches the sun first thing.

Flugelhorn

agree with the others, lavender is lovely and perhaps a low growing rosemary? 
I planted an osteospermum tresco purple - got it from morrison's I think, lovely flowers and the foliage looked good for ages (still does) - also planted a scabious which is pretty and flowered for a long time

Slinky

Flugelhorn said:

agree with the others, lavender is lovely and perhaps a low growing rosemary? 
I planted an osteospermum tresco purple - got it from morrison's I think, lovely flowers and the foliage looked good for ages (still does) - also planted a scabious which is pretty and flowered for a long time

The rosemary is a good idea, I've got one in another part of the garden I could move. I've had scabious before but it didn't appear to like dry conditions.

ka7e

Monarda or Bee Balm is lovely and releases a bergamot scent if you brush past the leaves. It would be a good contrast planted with t either lavender or rosemary.

Slinky

ka7e said:

Monarda or Bee Balm is lovely and releases a bergamot scent if you brush past the leaves. It would be a good contrast planted with t either lavender or rosemary.

Just had a quick look, it prefers a moist soil so I think it's probably too dry a spot for it but thanks anyway

twopenny

Alpine Strawberries look neat and pretty and you get something to eat. Require no maintenance - you may need to add compost to the soil.

I've got a low accomodating border of Hidcote Lavender which has been moved twice and attacked by the guys who laid a path and it's been flowering all winter. Also where the damage was done by workmen it if shooting from the base. Almost no maintenance. I plant a few crocus (Poundland) and Violas (discounted Tescos) in front for a bit of extra colour in mid winter.

Every few lavenders could be interspersed with a Flower Carpet Rose. It's low growing with wonderful scented blooms and little maintenance.

You could put some Iris in the back too. They would make nice striking verticals against the wall.

As long as you put some compost (Tomato Growbag will do) in the soil and some bonemeal at planting all should be ok and all are shallow rooted to allow for your trees to establish.

Slinky

I like the idea of carpet roses thanks for that.