Chalky Ground

Hi

I have an area at the top of my steep garden that I would like to plant some shrubs in, unfortunately the area in question is pretty much pure chalk, this problem is also made worse by a large ash tree owned by my neigbour which over- hangs this area of my garden. The rest of the garden is very chalky but I have managed to break the chalk up and enrich the ground with compost over the years when I was younger.

I am now of an age where climbing up a very steep bank to reach this area is not in my favour. However, because the area looks neglected I would like to plant some low maintenance shrubs to brighten it up.

Has anyone encountered and overcome the problem and if so can they recommended shrubs that I could use. Many thanks.

Stardust

 

This probably doesn't help much, but I've always been keen on introducing lots of native wild flowers to the garden, but every time I see something stunning in my wildflower ID book, I read it's prefered conditions and they almost always say 'calcerous ground', which I looked up and found means chalky or limey ground. I.e. not the type of ground I have anywhere.

Maybe, if it takes your fancy, you could sow wildflower seed on your chalk area. You can get mixes ready made up to suit most soil types, and it does seem to me that the prettiest specimens grow on chalk.

 

Given the choice, i'd plant :

Butchers Broom
Kidney Vetch
Box
Thyme
Margoram
Sage
Hayrattle
Yew
Salad Burnet
Oregano
Adders Tongue Fern
Bullace
And a Medlar.

But thats just me:DOH: