Novice looking for Advice on choice of plants

tim.j.shayes

Hi All,

I'd be grateful for some advice on what to plant in a couple of areas of my garden.

Firstly i have a small bank of dry and rooty soil, partly overshadowed by some large conifers but also with light from the other side. I would like to plant a summer/winter heather mix to create some colour and add a nice border to the lawn. I read that they are reasonably hardy. Does that sound a good idea or is there anything else that may look as good/better?

Secondly, i have some shaded space at the end of the garden which is mostly overshadowed by some large conifers and again is full of roots but with some quite peaty soil. I doubt grass would grow in the area so looking for some shrubs to create some small plots (if i can dig it over). Any suggestions?

Soil is generally quite acidic judging by the amount of Rhododendrons we've been fortunate enough to inherit.

Thanks all!

Tim

robairdmacraignil

These suggestions for shade planting from the RHS might be worth considering. They have a list of shrubs and another list for some other garden plants. I find Ajuga, geum, pulmonaria, crane's bill, mahonia and brunnera do well in shade. but I have very few conifers planted in my own garden.