What plants would you suggest?

joe.shimmin

The previous owner of our house was elderly and put a lot of block paving down to reduce maintenance in the back garden. I’ve just taken an 8m by 80cm strip out and plan to plant it to put a bit more life into the garden.
i’ll dig down and get rid of the sharp sand and as much of the underlying aggregate as I can and then will add soil on top. I’ve got a mixture of sandy and chalky soil. 
The site is in the shadow of the house for much of the year but in the summer most of it gets plenty of sun. I’m not the most experienced gardener and I don’t want to just plant it with a load of things that are not suitable, so suggestions would be welcome! Thank you.

pansyface

Is that your fence?

joe.shimmin

Yes

josusa47

I am thinking climbers, to brighten up that fence.  Maybe an evergreen clematis. With hardy geraniums and/or heucheras in front.

joe.shimmin

That sounds nice.

Granny Weatherwax

As it'll get lots of summer sun it might be a bit hot so pick sun-lovers who don't mind some winter shade. It's not a huge area so plants that stay compact? Hebes, oriental poppies, ice plants, phlox and lilies. Buy some bulbs in pots that have been reduced in price as theyve flowered and plant them for next spring....gives a longer season of interest.

joe.shimmin

Super, sounds good, thanks.

Borderline

There are a number of plants that will do well there but because it is quite a narrow border, it may be best to stagger the plants to create an informal look. Most of these plants will hold interest with their leaves even when not in flower. Campanula Portenschlagiana can be left to sprawl over the edges and spill over the front of the border. Aquilegias, Polemonium Caeruleum will create a soft cottagey feel in the early part of summer whilst Achemilla Mollis, Geraniums and Bergenias will be the work-horse for the year.

joe.shimmin

Ooh, brilliant!