Ideas please

[Dithery]

Hi all. Have you got any ideas for what I could do with this space please? I want to keep the tree. The soil if very hard and loads of roots are underneath. I'm thinking so sort of raised bed but not really sure how. Open to any ideas!! Thanks

I'd just add some lovely creeping flowers...there are lots that do well underneath trees. Small things like primroses and violets or crocuses. Raised beds around a tree isn't a good idea as the roots may suffer.

If you want something that's going to be around for more than a season, have a look at these perennial creeping ground cover www.jparkers.co.uk/perennial-plants/by-size/ground-cover-perennials-0-25cm

How much sun does it get?
I immediately thought of doing a rocky bed and planting with things like ferns and alpines, theydon't need the best soil and wouldn't require much maintenance . You could then add things like erigeron daisies and some bluebells and snowballs. I think it would look stunning.

I'm a big believer in working with what you have rather than against it and think woodland/mountain planting would be a really beautiful feature under that tree.

Maybe a suitable climber up the fence too, even if its just ivy.

What is the rest of your garden like? If you like it not too regimented, I would throw some wildflower seeds down. You can get some lovely woodland varieties that would do well in the shade of your tree, they will encourage bees and butterflies and it’s quite exciting waiting for them to come up to see what you get.
The other bonus is that you would just need to do a bit of minimal soil prep.

No stay away from ivy. My neighbors planted ivy along their fence and now I spend half of spring removing it from my garden.
I like the rockery idea. Some nice big stones with a good mix of alpines and maybe some grasses and ferns.

What sun does it get? It could be a nice, secluded (fence on two sides) seating corner.

How about sinking a boarder made from old bricks o their side into the soil .
Even the soil out under the tree.
Put bark chippings down so it's even and weeds suppressed .
Place a bird bath and may be a pot or two with some summer bulbs in and perhaps hang a cute bird feeder from the tree.
Or place a little chair and cushion under the tree. A little side table to put your mug and book on. Perhaps a couple of pots as well.

Don't put more than a couple of inches depth of soil/rocks on the area of the tree root.