What to plant next to our north facing fence - help

[Fennelandlovage]

So we have just moved into a fab new house. House is due east and west facing at front. But we have a long fence line which is north facing on the right side of our garden. It looks rather dark and bare at the moment so I would some suggestions of plants that would thrive in this environment. It will get east light in the morning and some south light in summer but not winter. Thanks for suggestions.

I have a north-facing wall that has a pyracantha planted against it. It's evergreen, has blossom in the spring and is currently covered in glorious orange berries which really brightens up the garden on a dull day.

Oooh sounds good. I was wondering if I could grow ferns and the like there too. I love structural plants. Anybody know.

On or near our north facing wall we have loads of ferns, a climbing hydrangea, and an Acer which all seem to be doing fin. There was also an azalea which we removed as it was in the way.

I've got a lovely fan Cherry (fruit) tree, beautiful hydrangea, a climbing rose and a fern.

Yes, you'll be fine with ferns, shade, and because it's a fence the soil won't be too dry. Some are more evergreen than others, so do a bit of research.

If you're on reasonably heavy soil that won't dry up in summer, look at Rodgersia - big architectural leaves, and sprays of small white flowers in summer.

I'd avoid climbers - once they've got their head about the fence, all the flowers will be on your neighbour's side.

Oh Rodgersia, I need some of that in mine I think!

I'd go for a Fatsia Japonica, ours do very well in the shade, they really brighten it up, and they're flowering now. Mine has been buzzing with bees today which is great as this time of year they struggle to find as many flowers.

Amazing thank you, I will be researching your options. So pleased there are some good options as it looks very bare at the moment.

I'd avoid climbers - once they've got their head about the fence, all the flowers will be on your neighbour's side.

I've got a clematis Montana on a NE facing fence - it gets hacked back after flowering so there's plenty of flowers on my side too. Also jasmine.
And quite a lot of the other plants mentioned.

We have holly, hydrangeas, hellebores and a happy smoke bush. Our neighbour also has a hazelnut and cherry tree, which grow high enough to catch light up above.

I have a magnolia stellata, Madame Alfred carriere rose, skimmia japonica, sweet woodruff, deadnettle, honeysuckle and winter jasmine. Lots of cranesbill geraniums and ferns.

I have a Morello cherry tree - lovely blossom and then beautiful and delicious cherries. They are sour so need cooking or use to make gorgeous cherry brandy.