[Kathie]

We live in an old slate quarry, so the ground is a real problem.  There is a piece of land about 20 meters by 30 meters which does not have an owner, there is a derelict slate and stone building covered in ivy.  I want to pretty the land up as we look at it from our living room window, can anyone suggest any sort of bushes that will grow prolifically and make the view a lot easier on the eye?
Thank you

[arugula]

There was a couple featured on TV a few years ago, who created a garden on a piece of land gone to waste. If I, or anyone else could think of the name, there would be some good ideas from it.

[gillie]

Try a tough, wild-type climbing rose or buddleia, which will grow anywhere including out of the walls of buildings.  Valerian, though not a shrub is another plant that will grow in very hostile conditions.

[Endymion]

Clematis and honeysuckle will happily grow across the ground as well as upwards.

There are some ground hugging cotoneasters too.

[Kathie]

Thanks folks, will sort some out next week. Mother in law has suggested Lavatera, any thoughts on that please.

[arugula]

Mother in law has suggested Lavatera, any thoughts on that please.

I have them here they like it here, they are not everyone's favourite but I can't always be a chooser with my planting as many things don't like the close proximity to the sea. They make a great show of big, blousy pink flowers. I cut them back to about a foot above ground every spring and they just start growing and get on with it all over again!

[Kathie]

Thanks Argyllie,  I will give them a try, anything is better than what we have now, mainly Japanese Knotweed, which OH is having a full on war with

[sion01]

Rhododendron and azalea like a bit of slate as do euonymus fortunei and cultivars.Holly is really tough as is birch and mountaine ash.Cornus alba and stolonifera.Sounds like the sort of acidy place that a kalmia latifolia (calico bush) would also like.Where abouts in West Wales are you,I've got 10 euonymus fortunei'emerald and gold' going spare from cuttings I took last year.

[Kathie]

Hi Sion01,  We live on a single track lane between Pencader and Llanysul.  Thanks so much for the advice.

[Trillium]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Japanese knotweed needs to be reported so that it can be properly controlled and disposed of

[Kathie]

Hi Trillium, tried to find out if I should report it but only urban areas had pages refering to it. Anyway I emailed our local council and am waiting for a reply. Nothing ventured nothing gained but this may get us some professional help. Thank you.

[lazydog]

If no one owns the land put a claim in for it if you want more info pm me and i will send you a pack
You would have the title quite quick but full ownership after a few years to do with as you please

[lancashiregardeninggal]

Maybe you could sow some wild flower seeds - you can get them in large quantities 

[Kathie]

lancahiregardeninggal, (hubby's from Heysham)I would love to sow lots of wild flower seeds but there is really now soil to talk about but I may go for it any way.

Trillium I have emailed council and waited for a reply which came today in the form of two people from environment dept.  Couldn't help as land is not council owned but they are sending some one around in a few weeks, so thank you.

Lazydog, thanks for your email,  I will wait a little while and then by next year we will probably follow one of your suggested routes, so again, thank you so very much
Regards to all