I have two projects on in our small garden. The first is that I would like to plant some bamboo plants in pots against a wall that is usually in shade. I understand there are varieties which survive both in pots and in shade. Does anyone have any recommendations (or cuttings :thumbsup:)?

Secondly, we have a small border, about 2 and a half feet by 5 feet and apart from a large climbing rose (which I seem to have successfully tamed this year by pruning in late winter) there is nothing much - a dark red architectural palm thing which has unhealthy looking leaves, some deadish, yellowing lilies from last year and some weeds. The main weed is one which stinks and is green and maroon with leaves a little bit like coriander. You pick it and it appears again and again, even in surrounding pots, between paving stones and everywhere.

Do people think I should dig out the border altogether to get rid of this weed?

I could replace the soil, as it is only shallow (below is more rocky/stony). If I did, what would I replace it with? Topsoil from the shop? Soil and compost? I don't know where the rose's roots end up...

Lastly, what could I plant in this little border that might last more than one season and not take too much work (I never seem to spend much time gardening)? It does get the sun for part of the day, but is against a 9-foot brick wall. I suppose you could say it's 'well-drained' being stony underneath (?).

Thanks anybody!

blue bells lol

they would come year after year again and again! lol and they need no attention what so ever! we hae a few hundred of the bleeders! i hat a big area like 3m x 3m covered in them dug loads out to move then and there back to same size again!

And all they need is ure everyday topsoil!

The bells! The bells!

Can't help with the bamboo I'm afraid, but I'd definitely dig out the 'weed' be careful though of the rose's roots.

Adding some organic matter of any description is going to be great for anything you plant, whether it is from your own garden compost to something from the garden centre.

Google 'Perennial plants' and have a look to see if anything takes your fancy. These will die back in the winter, and come springtime will return...all they ask for is a little bit of a tidy up in the spring.
Look too for things that will extend the season. So something that will flower in each of the seasons, and some evergreens to keep it going.

Thanks for the kind advice. I'm on to it!