Plants for very shallow soil

[Lagoonablue]

On one side of my lawn is a bit of a border next to a privet hedge. I have tried to dig in to plant some lavender but am hitting stones. It is very shallow. Any suggestions about what has short roots, is pretty and will spread nicely alongside the hedge.

Sedum? Some alpines?

Any ideas gratefully received rom a novice!

How big are the stones? I live in a new-ish house and it takes ages to dig a new border because I have to spend ages digging up bricks and breeze blocks and all the other crap that the builders couldn't be bothered to take with them. If you dug up the stones then you'd have more options, otherwise yes, I would go for alpines or something lollopy and just get the roots in wherever you can.

EauRouge's suggestion of alpines is a good one. I've tried planting all sorts at the bottom of our hedge, but it's roots are so established there isn't much for other plants to get at. The only thing that seems to survive are hyacinths and bluebells, so it's pretty dull the rest of the year. I may have a go with alpines myself.

Thanks. I have planted some bulbs and will go to get alpines. The hedge roots are well established for me too so it's not just the brick and stone.

If all else fails will put a line of window box style planters along the edge!