What can I plant in the border next to a box hedge?

MissM

My neighbour planted a box hedge on the edge of our driveway where we have a 'flower' bed. The hedge has grown and our bed, which is only 18inches wide, is really dry and stoney. Weeds are about the only thing that grows there, apart from forget-me-knots and some iris bulbs which are OK but don't last forever. Any ideas what I can plant? I'm very much a 'leave-it-and-let-it-grow-gardener' and this strip will need something tough and tolerant!

Devonian

Hardy geraniums with some hosta and ferns? Liriope Muscari would be fine as an alternative, or even Hakone grass.

Mulch the bed thickly (when the ground is wet, not dry) and it should be fine to grow in.

Dirty Harry

Does it still get plenty of sun?

Joy*

I question ferns and hostas which do better in moist conditions.  Hedges take up a lot of water and shelter other plants from the rain. They also take nutrients from the soil. Alchemilla mollis is pretty but can be a bit of a pest unless kept under control but it's reasonably easy to do. Some of the tougher herbs might also work. Oregano, thyme, curry plant and sage spring to mind.

MissM

@DirtyHarry - yes it gets sun in the afternoon - the hedge at the moment is only about 30 inches high.

@Joy* - I like the idea of tough herbs. The soil is incredibly 'sucked' dry and looks really nutrient free! I can dig in compost - or rather dig out the stones and put better soil in but I don't want to do too much work on it. A pest might be good!!