What would you grow?

[Greenleaves]

This is probably in the the wrong place but not really sure where it belongs ( perhaps you could put in the correct one please mods)

I have attached a picture below from when I first started the plot, the bit I am in a quandary aboutis the grass area on the far left. I want to grow something there that will take ove from the grass and require far less maintenance. I have toyed with planting lavender but dont know if thats best the area gets full sun as the plot is south facing.....any suggestions?

[VolesAteMyPeas]

How about making it into a comfrey patch? Or use the space to grow trailing courgettes and pumpkins (in summer obviously) which can take over the whole plot otherwise. Let us know what you do. I grew pumpkins on my similar waste ground this year and it's looking good.

[Greenleaves]

Nice idea but the road runs adjacent, not sure a cropping plant is my best option

[Bigmallly]

A nice big flower bed would be both pleasing to the eye & help in pollination of your crops.

[Scarlet]

Yes, a wild flower patch would be lovely

[Greenleaves]

Can live with wild flowers, is it just a matter of dig it over and scatter seed?

[Kristen]

Nice idea but the road runs adjacent, not sure a cropping plant is my best option

What about perennial veg? Such as Rhubarb, Jerusalem & Globe Artichokes, or Soft Fruit?

I agree with the Comfrey suggestion too, if you don't already have a patch. In the latest Beechgrove episode their comparison with Tomorite (well they didn't say the brand, but the bottle looked like Tomorite!) the Comfrey did better

[berbie]

I would grow rhubarb. We split an old crown this year and planted 24 "pieces" along the side of our front drive as ground cover. it worked perfectly and has provided a ridiculous amount of rhubarb. it even out grew the 6 pots of mint we threw in with it for good measure.

[Kristen]

planted 24 "pieces" along the side of our front drive as ground cover

I think it is a nice plant as an ornamental - although there are more impressive [ornamental] forms of Rheum (such as R. palmatum 'Atrosanguineum'); might look nice along the roadside (extending the line of the existing hedge perhaps?). Plus you can take however much/little you need as a food crop [sorry, mixing my metaphors here - I presume that the Ornamental forms are not edible, so its one or the other rather than "both"]


Rheum palmatum (Ornamental Rhubarb): Information, Pictures & Cultivation Tips