Awkward narrow bed plant ideas please...
Clara Midgley
Posts: 9
Hello there, 
I’m figuring out how to replace the boring, floppy grass that we’ve let grow long for wildlife, with a wildlife and kid friendly alternative. It’s an east facing space that is 0.5 metre at its widest, narrowing to 0.2 metre at its smallest width, next to a pond ...although still needs watering as it gets dry. The wood/ stump is going to remain and will continue to be a table/ seat/ cover for wildlife.
I plan to dig out the border to make a bed to the dimensions described and so far have foxgloves growing in pots. Snowdrops and bluebells planned for planting this autumn and i’m also considering Stellaria holostea to plant throughout to replace the benefits of the current grass.
The fence will probably have a clematis like jingle bells, so will provide a nice lush green back drop set against the brown fence. We already have a load of ferns and hostas planted elsewhere so would like something a bit different for this spot. I’d really like it to continue to provide cover for froglets and other mini beasts throughout the year. Thoughts for plants would be very much appreciated ...and if anyone can tell me what would provide Pom Pom like seed heads that look good if not dead headed and left to dry (so catches a spot of frost in winter) would be a bonus ...thanks!
Posts
If you can keep it moist enough, Astilbes will also grow there. Bit of height from them too.
If you line a section of it with plastic or pond liner, or even just sink a container into the ground, next to your pond area, you can grow some marginals like Equisetum, which will provide verticals for things like emerging dragonflies, and will provide evergreen interest over winter. They take up very little room too, so are ideal for a small space. Good old Caltha [marsh marigold] would be a reliable accompaniment for that, and is also evergreen. Good for cover for wildlife.