Topic: Advice please - what to plant?

[Plottie]

Hi all
I've been concentrating heavily on my plot and growing edibles for the last few years and have neglected my garden somewhat - apart from the kitchen garden area at the back which has my fruit and veg 'extras'in it!
I'm really hopeless at non edible stuff and need advice/recommendations on how to fill a space just vacated by an elderly shrub.  What can I put in its place to fill a 5' gap...something that grows to between 5-6ft and has 'interesting' foliage colour and with scented flowers or blossom. 
All suggestions gratefully received!
Plottie

[Jeannine]

An asparagus bed !! Sorry I just couldn't resist. I am useless at non edibles too XX Jeannine

[manicscousers]

we've got a beautiful philadelphus, or mock orange, about 3'6", lime green leaves, fantastically scented flowers soon,
it depends on if you want , a perennial or something you can change..why not plant an apple tree  ;D

not very good on non edibles, either  ;D

[Emagggie]

What about a Ceanothus? not much of a pong, but makes up for that with the flowers, and it's evergreen, or a good old Hebe- lots to choose from.
Daphne, now there's a lovely perfume, or a Mahonia even. Or how about a Weigela?. I have a similar problem Plottie, and as I have all of these I'm going for a self pollinating Cox apple tree. ;D

[saddad]

Sweet Box... non descript in Summer but a beautiful fragrance in winter/ea. spring
 ;D

[Slug_killer]

Why not have a play with the RHS Plant Selector - you don't have to be a member, but you get more responses if you are.

http://www.rhs.org.uk/rhsplantselector/default.aspx

Or the BBC Plant Finder http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/index.shtml.

I'm sure it'll inspire you.

[fluffygrue]

What's the soil? How much sun? How about a nice rose - either a shrub or climber? Some can tolerate a bit of shade and/or crap soil.. at least then you get flowers for cutting and hips for jam.

I'm not great with shrubs.. don't particularly have the patience. I just end up shoving big edibles or roses in instead.

[emmy1978]

A hebe or two would be nice. I saw a gorgeous plant the other day. After a bit of hunting i have identified it as Ajuga http://www.greenwoodnursery.com/page.cfm/328
It's from the mint family apparently and would fill 5' quite easily! It's flowers are great ad it has lovely leaves.

[Rohaise]

Why not just treat yourself to an arbour seat in  that space ?  Plant Jasmine and a climbing rose and a couple of clematis to grow up and perfume the air around you .      OR     "Plant "a bird table there instead ?
                                                                          Rohaise   x

[ShadyLady]

What about a philadelphus coronarius variegatus - White flowers, very fragrant, white and green leaves. Needs a spot that's not too exposed and not too dry or the leaves will brown at the edges.

[jennym]

For scent in early spring, try Elaeagnus x ebbingei 'Gilt Edge'.

[Plottie]

Thamks to all for those suggestions....having checked them out on the BBC plant finder (thanks slug_killer) I'm off to the garden centre armed with my list
Plottie  :) :)