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What to plant next to neighbouring hedge

Hi there! Looking for suggestions of what to plant down the left side of our front garden path. Plan is to remove the grass here and plant something all the way down. There is a neighbouring hedge so we want something that's going to cover it eventually as we're not keen on it. This area gets full sun most of the day. Total beginners so something hardy! Only thought I have had so far is conifers. But not sure. Thank you in advance! 😊

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Hi @emmasboo

Thanks for this question. It's a common one of what to do with a strip of lawn on a boundary.

My first idea would be to create a gorgeous mixed flower bed which will not only make your home look really inviting but will help wildlife too.

I wouldn't plant conifers as they are fast-growing, cause all sorts of shade problems as they get bigger and will dry out that bed in no time leading to your path probably shifting and wobbling slightly as the soil dries out. They are also a pain to prune as they don't regenerate from old wood, so if you cut back too much, they are left brown forever! 

Embrace next doors hedge and compliment it with a lovely flower bed instead would be my advice! Watch the video below to see how even a tiny garden can be turned into a lush, vibrant border with some careful plant choices.

If you want more help on plant design why not book one of my one hour online consultation sessions to really set your garden apart from the neighbours?

All the best

Lee

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