Grow Your Own Magazine

Hi
I have a small piece of spare ground opposite the path to my shed. On one side is the allotment hedge (about 8ft high) and on the other side a climbing rose over an arch. It would be a patch that got full sun if only the rose wasn't there so dappled shade I think
I can't use it for veg as the hedge is riddled with brambles and they keep growing out, over and try to grow in this piece of earth. And the hedge isn't mine as such it's the general allotment hedge between road and allotments so can't do much to the hedge..
Any ideas for something fairly thuggish that will fit in there? It can't be something too tall as the wretched council contractors use one of those things that hack their way down the inside of the hedge. My new hawthorn bushes planted to fill the gaps at the bottom of the hedge, all got their tops hacked off. Even though I have asked them NOT to do it, they go ahead as ever.
To summarise (!) I need a strong growing plant that likes dappled shade, grows wide rather than tall, will smother the ground and if the flowers smelled nice that would be a bonus.
best wishes
Sue

What about a ground-cover rose?

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Happy Gardening,
Shirley

http://www.honeyjukes.co.uk

Hi sue,

there's nothing to stop you keeping the hedge trimmed back (and the blackberry) then as it's dappled shade dig in loads of manure and grow your celery there - it will appreciate a bit of shade.

Just to be sure I would ask the lottie committee if they mind if you cut back the hedge - I'm sure they won't.

Failing that why not put your shed there with a bit of a patio somewhere to sit and enjoy a cuppa out of the sun in the summer

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ntg

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark.
A large group of professionals built the Titanic

http://grief-encounters.blogspot.com/

What about Vinca (periwinkle)? Although they're ground cover, so don't grow very tall;

Buy Lesser Periwinkle 'Vinca minor Argenteovariegata' : Delivery by Crocus.co.uk

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Sarah

“Tell me one last thing,” said Harry. “Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?”
“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”