Dry thin soil - flower recommendations please...

[raisedbedted]

Hi everyone

We are excavating some of our terrace in order to put a picket fence up around our pool, where we have taken up a row of slabs to put the fence in we have a border about 18" wide but only about 6" deep and below this is hardcore.

I would like flowers that will copy with this dry arid position but also that will grow up in amongst the fence to soften it, so far all I can think of is Lavender, Rosemary, Arabis (a bit low) and Nasturtiums.  In total the border strip is around 90 feet long and I want it cottage style with insect attractors.

All advice very welcome, rbt

[Tee Gee]

Have a look at this list and it might give you some ideas;

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Plants%20by%20location/Plants%20by%20location.htm

[Unwashed]

How about geraniums, and then as a rule of thumb anything with silvery leaves.

[raisedbedted]

Yes good points, maybe Artemesia, Cerinthe and Echium Vulgaris.  Realised today that I have a collection of 20 Salvia plants that I heeled in at the allotment last year so thats a start too.

[pigeonseed]

hollyhocks are very cottagey and they can cope with very dry conditions and I think pretty small amounts of soil as well, because I've seen people grow them in little cracks between path and house.

[GrannieAnnie]

We have poppies growing on a pile of bad dirt, they don't seem to mind.