Transform a Dull Alleyway

Many gardens have a shady, neglected alleyways between the wall of the house and the boundary wall next to a neighbour’s property. These passages generally receive little sunlight and are prone to becoming a wind tunnel when the southeaster or north-westerly wind blows. The good news is that with just a little effort you can transform these dull passages into a really pleasant walkway and extension of your garden.

Here’s how to do it :

• Dig a narrow garden bed all along the length of the boundary wall. Fill it with a combination of mackaya bella, philodendron and aspidistras. These plants are all evergreen and will look good all year round. They’re also all very easy to take care of and don’t require much care.
• Lay down paving stones on the remaining ground area of the passage. Then plant hardy groundcovers between the paving stones. Try creeping thyme (which smells amazing!), mondo grasses and plectranthus.
• If the passage doesn’t receive too much sun, you can also add a few hanging baskets along the wall closest to your home. Fill them with pansies, violas, and herbs like sage, origanum and thyme.

Enjoy your new walkway!