Would like some advice

taz0647294

If possible please, on what to plant. 

I have a narrow strip of land maybe half metre  front to back and about 8 metres length.

Ideally (i appreciate this may be unrealistic)

- hardy
- flower year round
- low maintenance 
- looks good

What are my best options? Thank you

Fairygirl

Flowering all year round is unrealistic, but more importantly - your location and climate, and the aspect, and soil type,  of the bed are what matters, and whether it's exposed or sheltered. If you can offer more info, you'll get better suggestions.
No point in suggesting plants which might be fine in the dry conditions of the south east of England if you live north of here, for example, or plants which like sunny dry conditions if the border is consistently damp and in shade   

GardenerSuze

@taz0647294 Agree with @Fairygirl More information needed then you should get lots of help and ideas. There are various plants that can give interest in the different seasons. Different leaf shapes textures and colours can give as much interest as flowers which are generally shorter lived. Shrubs are a good starting point. Is there a wall or fence behind? Thanks.

taz0647294

Fairygirl said:

Flowering all year round is unrealistic, but more importantly - your location and climate, and the aspect, and soil type,  of the bed are what matters, and whether it's exposed or sheltered. If you can offer more info, you'll get better suggestions.
No point in suggesting plants which might be fine in the dry conditions of the south east of England if you live north of here, for example, or plants which like sunny dry conditions if the border is consistently damp and in shade   

GardenerSuze said:

@taz0647294 Agree with @Fairygirl More information needed then you should get lots of help and ideas. There are various plants that can give interest in the different seasons. Different leaf shapes textures and colours can give as much interest as flowers which are generally shorter lived. Shrubs are a good starting point. Is there a wall or fence behind? Thanks.

Hi thanks for replying, you're right I didn't include enough info. I'm in the North East, garden is South-East facing. There is a small brick wall behind the strip of soil which is 40cm high. The soil seems just right to me, not too clay heavy and not too dry and fine either. 

taz0647294

Worth mentioning I have tried to research, but it's a complete minefield of information, and an overload of information too. So just needing some direct advice from experienced people.

Plantminded

If you could possibly post a photo of the bed, that helps with suggestions!

Fire

If sunny I would suggest bushy salvias as long as the soil doesn't get waterlogged. Very long season of colour. Huge colour range. Good to down to about -5oC. Prune once a year. Needs no watering after getting established. Good for bees etc. Scent as you brush past. Easy to take cuttings and give them away. I grow a hedge in a strip  about 40cm wide  and it works fine. Can flower stright through from April to Nov if you prune in the late autumn (risking a mild winter).

BobTheGardener

@Fire You don't need to include the degree symbol when writing 5C, as it is assumed.  On my monitor, the degree symbol comes out just líke an 'o', so it can confuse folk. I keep thinking you've written -50C.

Dovefromabove

Flippin ‘eck … that’s cold 🥶  ⛄️ 

GardenerSuze

@taz0647294 Yes it can be difficult to know where to start. You say your soil seems to be good. Have you actually dug it to a depth to find out if it is still good further down as sometimes you can hit a pan of clay. If you have a really good deep soil you will be able to grow so many things. If it is possible [ I realise you are new to gardening] could you say a little of the colours you like and whether or not you like traditional plants or a modern look. Sorry for so many questions but all worthwhile to get things right.
A photo would be a huge help if you can upload one not easy to do but don't worry if it is upsidedown