Planting behind an old pond and hedge

Igrowfromseed

Hi
We have an old pond, with brick surround. I would like some advice on what would be happy planted behind the pond, between the pond and the ivy clad hawthorn/ blackthorn hedge & Hazel fence- the space is approx 1m once cleared of brambles and ivy & saplings. Blue bells at the moment. Gets the sun till 2-3pm. Acid soil, plenty of humus from fallen leaves of an adjacent oak but no over hang. Would like a few 'dramatic plants' infront of the hazel fence to act as as screen from neighbours- nothing too invasive.
The rockery area in front should clean up well. To the right of the pond is a butyl rubber lined bog garden where primulas should do well.
Thanks

hogweed

Whereabouts is the pond in your photos?

Blue Onion

Haha.  It's that bit of mud nearest the burn barrel.  

Igrowfromseed

Hi
in first photo pond is to the right & behind incinerator. You can just see the small brick wall & it has a fallen tree branch across its width.

Lizzie27

Potentially good garden. You could try fatsia japonica, evergreen, suitably exotic looking, not invasive,and can be pruned (just check it suits acid soil, I can't remember. In between, rodgersia could look splendid, but dies down in winter. Google on both and see what you think. 

Igrowfromseed

Thanks Lizzie
got a fatsia just out of picture so I know they do well in Garden. I've got a list of possibilities Ive penciled in from Crug plants, some of there unusual varieties sound worth a try. Only concern was how much moisture was being sucked our of the soil by the adjacent hedge!

Lizzie27

Is it a privet hedge? Most hedges' roots extend far wider than you would think so moisture is always a problem. That said I planted three rose bushes in a row sandwiched between a dwarf box hedge and a 6ft box whopper 9I know, very silly of me!) but so far they're all surviving and blooming well.

Igrowfromseed

Hi, The hedge is mixed hawthorn, blackthorn and a few climbing roses amoungst the hedge. The blue bells suggest there is good moisture at least early in the season

Blue Onion

Hollyhocks are dramatic, especially some of the newer variations of flower.  They would go nicely with some penstemon.  I'm usually not a cottage garden sort, but some white hollyhocks with some blue penstemon, and some other perennials in that palette, would look perfect there.  

Lizzie27

A mixed hedge should be fine. If you are considering Crug plants, ask their advice.

Igrowfromseed

Hi Folks. Thought I'd provide an update on old pond and hedge. Rockery area developing well along with self setting ferns replanted between pond and hedge. Created an 8" deep barrier between hedge and ferns to help control ivy etc. Lots of hand weeding this year has revealed lots of new primula seedlings emerging and several meconopsis horridula which all would have been yanked out with a hoe. Lots of pond weed!