On 12/04/2021 01:57, John Rumm wrote:

Since spring is nearly here, I could do with getting something planted
in the raised beds I built when I stuck the patio back together last year:

http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/..._patio_rebuild

I would be interested in some planting recommendations...

There is a bit of ivy left on one side that will probably get to the
trellis before long - but I don't want that to get too carried away. I
would rather have something a bit less "dense". Also better if the root
systems are not not too destructive, or far reaching (the beds are about
5m form the house - but are partly filled with masonry rubble).

Honeysuckle, clematis, wisteria?

Honeysuckle and clematis will reward you with flowers and perfume early
on. You have to wait for wisteria. Depending on the aspect hydrangea
petiolaris might be worth a try big blooms in June and quite attractive
if a bit slow growing. Passiflora is worth a punt if you are down south.

Annuals like sweet pea is a nice interim fix or even runner beans!

A splash of colour would be nice, something that can be pruned back
fairly hard so that it does not get out of control. Might be good to go
for a mix of species that don't all flower at the same time each year to
get a longer spell of something nice to look at.

If you are prepared to tie it in then you can grow almost anything
against a wall or trellis with sufficient effort. Apples, pears, figs
and peaches for instance. Figs might well like the worst builders rubble
part but would probably still need further root restriction.

--
Regards,
Martin Brown