2 problem areas for planting

[boogieman84]

Hi,

I need help with some suggestions for plants, firstly I have a very shaded area underneath a trellis and in the shade of a tree where hardly anything grows. I have a jasmine growing up the trellis which is doing fine however I need some ground cover. I did try wild strawberries but they were either too shaded or i gave up on them too quickly, I may try again but otherwise what else could I plant. Preferably native and/or wildlife friendly, pictures below




Secondly I have an area in the front garden which is about a foot wide and 7-8 foot in length which previously had conifers in it. I have now pulled them up and am looking to plant quite compact(to avoid them getting battered by the wind thus ended up a mess) but colourful flowers in it. I have already planted wild marjoram and red clover and will maybe plant some birds foot trefoil but what else could I plant for a bit more colour. They should also be wildlife friendly and be suitable for dry conditions as this area may not get watered that regular. As many suggestions as possible as I want it nice and full, maybe things that will also trail over the side. Picture of area below:




Many thanks!

[Tursiops2]

Try Lesser Periwinle Vinca minor in the shady area - a good shade-tolerant ground cover plant. Dig some compost in first, maybe mulch with chipped wood or bark once planted. You could try ferns here as well.

For the ex-conifer area, I'd suggest a Lavender hedge. A great bee and butterfly plant, Lavender likes sunny spots with free-draining soil, and it would make a nice edge to the garden (it won't grow very tall). Again, dig plenty of organic material in first, as the conifers will probably have left the soil rather impoverished.

HTH
T2