Topic: Courtyard garden

[elhuerto]

We have a small courtyard garden. The walls around it are around 6 metres high, it's about 5 metres x 5 metres and currently has a couple of cypress trees, an old olive tree, a very small pond and a grass area. This weekend the grass is going to go and we'll put down gravel in its place. The area is just too shady and too dry so the upkeep of the grass was nigh on impossible. We're going to put a few large pots on the floor and a couple that'll be raised in some metal supports. My question is what would work well there. I was thinking of a couple of grasses but would also like something with a bit of colour too that'll have some interest all year round - maybe an ivy for one but would also like something flowering. Any recommendations?

Bear in mind that the area gets midday sun (max 4 hours in Summer) but is generally shaded by the walls, it gets very hot in the Summer > 35 degrees and quite cold in winter < -5 degrees.

Cheers!

[PurpleHeather]

It is also 'protected' from wind and there are a lot of plants which will prosper quite well in that situation.

So long as there is light and some sunshine, lots of plants will prosper.

Since there are more plants available than we can list, the best idea for when you go shopping for plants is see if you find them attractive and read the lable on them.

Good garden centres, even market stalls will have lables on their plants which tell you things. OK read between the lines but some plants do not like direct sunshine others do not like early morning sun. Vigerous growth or slow growing are give away remarks.

Do not be afraid to ask advice. Don't go on a busy day,  try mid week. 

Be cheeky too by asking friends for 'cuttings'. Best taken in Spring I find.

You wont get an instant garden this way of course but you will find plants eventually. Gardening is more to do with gradual building up.

[elhuerto]

Thanks, walked round the garden centre a few times but nothing really exciting there - to be honest it's a pretty naff place but the only one around for miles - so came home and bought some black bamboo online, and will order a couple of other varieties if that arrives ok.