What to do with this space?

spooncat1xTqZvN8U

Hi all
Can I please have your suggestions as to what to do with this part of our garden? As you can see on one side there are the neighbour's laylandi trees the sun sets that side so it does get sun until mid -late afternoon then in shade, at the moment it is not dug or any particularly good soil in there as far as I can see. 
Preferably something low maintenance , we have a big garden and this is one section of it.
Many thanks 

Fairygirl

Is it visible from the house?
It's difficult to get plants growing next to leylandii unless you live in a very wet area, when it's easier to establish plants. There are some, but the ground would need a lot of work first. Ferns, hardy geraniums etc.
As you have a greenhouse there, I'd be inclined to make it more of a working/storage area. Compost bins, pot storage, shed etc. A screen of trellis or similar would hide it, and you can have a climber or two on that. 

spooncat1xTqZvN8U

Fairygirl said:

Is it visible from the house?
It's difficult to get plants growing next to leylandii unless you live in a very wet area, when it's easier to establish plants. There are some, but the ground would need a lot of work first. Ferns, hardy geraniums etc.
As you have a greenhouse there, I'd be inclined to make it more of a working/storage area. Compost bins, pot storage, shed etc. A screen of trellis or similar would hide it, and you can have a climber or two on that. 

Hi Fairygirl

No not visible from the house , this is the view and it is behind the gate thanks for your suggestion,I was also wondering about putting a membrane down and stones with a few pots? not sure how much work that is or cost though

Fairygirl

There's no reason why you can't have both. I can see you already have compost bins etc, so perhaps you could unify the area a bit, and use the best section for planting.
The problem with pots is that they need attention - much more than plants in the ground, and if it isn't near the house, you might be less likely to give them that attention. Or maybe that's just me 
It could be a good nursery area though - if you like growing plants from seed or cuttings, and an area of gravel would be ideal for that. It isn't terribly expensive to do - some landscape fabric and a few bags of gravel would be around 20 or 30 quid for an area of about ten square metres. It would give you a clean surface for pots and trays, and your cold frame for instance.
It would be worth giving it an edging though - even just some timber pegged in [again, easy to do]  and then you can have some planting beside it to give some greenery, and soften the whole look. Bulbs for spring and some easy perennials. Maybe some annuals for cutting if you like that sort of thing 

JoeX

Im thinking a seating area for afternoon shade and morning coffee away from the house, large terracota pots for planting.

spooncat1xTqZvN8U

I've had an idea to plant English bluebells! need to be quick I think before the autumn ends?