Ok I'll suggest some shrubs good with clay soil:
If you need specific information about any of the plants check out the RHS web site
http://www.rhs.org.uk
You can get usefull info off this site with out needing to be a member.
I would sugest a mix of shrubs. Key ones being evergreen or at least holding their leaves.
If you want a wide border you could plant lower srowing shrubs infront that have nice flowers or colourful/ steams leave in the winter.
For main shrubs that are evergreen:
Vibernum species ( check plant labels some are evergreen some arn't)
Choisya Ternata ( sundance is a nice yellow leaved variety )
Mahonia species
Some other large growing shhrubs for colour and scent but not evergreen
Philadelphus - lovely scent, yellow or green leaved varieties available.
ribes sanguineum- lovely late spring flowers
Cornus - 'mid winter fire' 'westernbrit' cut back plant hard every 2 years for beautiful autum/winter stem colour
Shorter ( forground) shubs for clay ( evergreen)
Spiraea species
Potenetilla
Theses should be fine in mud/ baked clay.
In the 'expert' series of book there is one called the 'flowering shrub expert'. I'd recomend that book. But always check plant labels as different varieties of shrubs can have very different habits!
A nice small tree would go by the corner of the 'play house' It would bring the 'eye' into the garden and detract from the houses beyond.
I would recomend a crab apple such as 'goldern hornet' or 'John downie'
If you have kids it would be grate for them to plant a tree and watch it grow! - Let me know if you want tree planting advice!
If you need specific information about any of the plants check out the RHS web site
http://www.rhs.org.uk
You can get usefull info off this site with out needing to be a member.
I would sugest a mix of shrubs. Key ones being evergreen or at least holding their leaves.
If you want a wide border you could plant lower srowing shrubs infront that have nice flowers or colourful/ steams leave in the winter.
For main shrubs that are evergreen:
Vibernum species ( check plant labels some are evergreen some arn't)
Choisya Ternata ( sundance is a nice yellow leaved variety )
Mahonia species
Some other large growing shhrubs for colour and scent but not evergreen
Philadelphus - lovely scent, yellow or green leaved varieties available.
ribes sanguineum- lovely late spring flowers
Cornus - 'mid winter fire' 'westernbrit' cut back plant hard every 2 years for beautiful autum/winter stem colour
Shorter ( forground) shubs for clay ( evergreen)
Spiraea species
Potenetilla
Theses should be fine in mud/ baked clay.
In the 'expert' series of book there is one called the 'flowering shrub expert'. I'd recomend that book. But always check plant labels as different varieties of shrubs can have very different habits!
A nice small tree would go by the corner of the 'play house' It would bring the 'eye' into the garden and detract from the houses beyond.
I would recomend a crab apple such as 'goldern hornet' or 'John downie'
If you have kids it would be grate for them to plant a tree and watch it grow! - Let me know if you want tree planting advice!