unused space

[Konyaa]

We have unused space - concrete, I'd say 2 metres by 1 metre or so just next to our conservatory, not much sun at all. The rain butt stands there. Ay ideas what it could be used for? I was thinking maybe a cold frame....or?

If it doesn't get much sun, a cold frame might not be the best plan (I have one in shade out of necessity and plants tend to struggle a bit). It's a shame because a 2 x 1 m space is kind of ideal size-wise, isn't it, and presumably it gets some shelter from the conservatory too?

I'm trying to think of things that look attractive for you because I guess you don't want to sit in your sun room looking out at rotting compost or leaf mould - what about pots of shade-loving plants?

Haha yes, the shade is the real problem. I suppose shade loving plants are good, in containers. Any ideas for plants?

Check out our shade thread!

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/gardening/2441728-Shady-characters-a-permanent-home-for-shade-garden-suggestions

For pots, you might want to avoid the things that like it really wet (unless you are very diligent with the watering can!)

Maybe a mixture of evergreens for year-round interest (fatsia?) and some flowering things (shade-tolerant geraniums?)

You could put pebbles, large and small, around the pots to disguise the concrete and make it look pretty.

Fantastic ideas! And the shade thread is lovely!