What would you do with this wall?

[Foreverexhausted1]

We have a fairly small garden that is only 5m wide. There is a brick wall on the right hand side as you come out of the patio door that was storm damaged before we bought the house and rebuilt with non matching bricks. I actually prefer the newer bricks and now the older ones just look grubby. We've tried cleaning it but it didn't really improve. It's also a strange height so we're a little overlooked on that side but not a huge issue. The bigger concern is the drop the other side is 10ft and we have small children so I'm always having to watch them outside in case they work out how to climb up. I've currently got some narrow wooden planters in front with ferns in as that part of the garden doesn't get any sun (DH doesn't care for plants so didn't consider that things can grow in the shade when he laid the patio) and it can be quite a damp spot. The plants help to soften it a bit but it still feels cold and uninspiring. We also have a black metal balcony on the back of the house which doesn't help with the lack of softness. What would you do with this wall? Trellis on top and grow climbers? Render it to brighten it up? Plant something tall? Help!

I think I'd put a large trellis in front of the whole wall - floor to 5 ft high. that will keep the kids safer because they can't climb a trellis without it wobbling. it will also give a bit of privacy.

then put 2 big square pots in front of the trellis and plant things with a bit of height - clematis to grow up the trellis / bay tree for year-round greenery

also some trailing petunias at the front of your big pots for colour

leave space by the tap to store a hose and a watering can too.

Thanks, I think I was put off by trellis initially as there is already a lot of fence all around our garden but I guess I can paint it and make it look pretty with plants. Making it safe for the kids is more important than anything else!

If go for a fence on top up to 2m for privacy from next door, then grow a plant up the fence to soften it. Whether the wall is strong enough to cope with a fence being attached and catching the wind is a worry though.

I like plants, so personally I would dig up a flower bed about 18 inches deep along the length of the wall. That would give you more options in terms of the type of climber you could plant, with some perennials in front. Kids would also be less tempted by the wall if there is a proper border in front of it.

Edit: just to add that I have a similar wall with no sun. I've planted a clematis montana which looks lovely and is quite vigorous. Wild geraniums have spread along the border; they are hardy and seem to grow anywhere.

Get some big planters and soften it with greenery. The bigger the planters the lower the maintenance of them. Some trees are suitable for container growing, too, to get some vertical interest.

Thanks, a lot for me to think about. Sounds like I need a trip to a garden centre soon too