[mariafp]

I have a small back yard that needs some gardening help. There is no space neither good light. The views from the window aren't exactly spectacular...





I am considering a climber, but I find it to be very difficult to find what I am looking for... must do well in the shadow and must not be poisonous for dogs and cats, as I have dogs and I foster dogs and cats as well. I would love something like a Boston Ivy, no flowers, no plenty of light needed, etc. but I don't think there is anything like that.

I know there is no too much I can do, money also is tight, but I would like to improve it a wee bit. I am open to any ideas you have. Much appreciated!

[kindredspirit]

Common Ivy on the concrete block wall.

Various coloured Heucheras in pots along the bottom of the house wall.

[Greengage]

Lets assume you have a few bob
Random paving on the ground like the pic in this website http://www.landscape-gardeners-rms.co.uk/patiopaving.htm
Paint the wall white and add trellis black something ornate in scale like in pic http://www.gardenartisans.us/archedwalltrellis.aspx
New gate see side entrance gates on this site http://www.burkejoinery.ie/projects.htm#side
I dont think you would have enough room for climbers on wall so what about a planter or a window box.

[Anonany]

One evergreen climber you might want to consider is Ampelopsis -- AKA Cissus striata, Parthenocissus striata and Vitis striata -- which has small, pretty leaves and, occasionally, tiny little clusters of pink flowers followed by dark purple/black berries. There's some useful information here ...

http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=402

Given its head, it can become quite rampant, but it doesn't in the least mind being hacked back hard. In my experience it grows just about anywhere !

It climbs using tendrils, so will need some support. One of my favourite supports is sheep wire as it's not overly obvious and NEVER needs any maintenance !

In an ideal world, you would plant the climber in the garden soil (at the end of the passageway, perhaps ?) and train it along the supports. If that's not an option, it might be worth trying a narrow -- so as not to block access -- but very deep planter.

I've not noticed it for sale recently, but do have a rooted bit which I'ld be happy to post on to you if you want to give it a try.

[mariafp]

[mariafp]

[mariafp]

[kindredspirit]

[Greengage]

Ampelopsis ive seen this 30feet high and still going.
Id paint the wall, Gate and get a trough for the window sill either annuals or rockery plants perennial whole job should cost €50

[Anonany]

As kindredspirit mentioned, animals rarely (if ever ?) eat anything that's not good for them. They seem to have a built-in instinct.

We've had assorted cats and dogs (not forgetting the rabbits and hamsters when the kiddies were young !) for the last 40 years and -- despite there being a great many poisonous things growing in our garden -- they've never even tried to eat any of them.

I'm all in favour of being careful, but it's possible you may be worrying a little bit more than necessary ? Having said all that, I'll be very interested to know whether the ampelopsis is considered to be poisonous or otherwise !

[mariafp]

One of my dogs eats everything, which is pretty common in dogs who have been nearly starved to death. He ate an indoor toxic plant. In fact, that the reason I have the little gate which separated the garden from the small corridor.

[mariafp]

[Anonany]

[mariafp]

I bought some wall planters, troughs and trellis for a few pounds in B&M. I am going to "try" to plaster the wall myself. I am considering doing a mosaic with broken tiles too. I have never done something like that, but I can't afford to hire someone to do it. I will keep posting pictures! Many thanks!

[Anonany]