What to plant along narrow strip next to deck?

[Chris_T]

Hi all!

Last year I had a new deck built in my garden which is a bit bigger than the previous deck. This has left a very narrow garden space that gets mostly weeds and grass growing in it. 

My "Spring Project" is to try and make it look nice, but it's such a narrow space not really sure what to plant here. I don't want anything that grows too much above the deck height so people can still step over it, and needs to be reasonably hardy. If it flowered even better. If it was a native, also great. Ground cover maybe, but don't want anything that's going to try to grow too far over the concrete or up through the deck. Area gets limited sun (5-6 hours maybe) due to surrounding trees. 

I don't want to put wood chips in there because I've had termite issues previously, but I'd also consider adding stones to hold back the weeds a bit. 

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Dog and ball provided for size reference and because she wouldn't move. Ball is the size of a basketball, despite looking like a tennis ball


Thanks!
Chris

[EricL]

Hi @Chris_T 

Thanks for sharing your question about the narrow gap near your deck. The one that offers the lowest maintenance would be the use of pebbles. As long as the garden edging is high enough, it will keep the pebbles tidy. One other option that comes to mind is to create a long wide timber step that will cover that gap. As long as the step is wide enough it should not become a tripping hazard.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.   

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Chris_T @I think @EricL has the perfect solution. There is a huge range of pebble varieties available to choose from. My favourite are river ones which are smooth with earthy colours. They are available in various sizes measured in mm. 

nailbag. 

[Chris_T]

Thanks @EricL  & @Nailbag -  thanks for the suggestions. I should point out, this is not the full width of the deck in the photo - there is a gap in the deck with a step, this area shown is off to the side, so it doesn't need to be completely clear - stones would work but I wouldn't mind adding some plants in amongst the stones if anyone has suggestions for small hardy plants that I could stagger along the stones?

I think I'm visualising doing something like this...

[Nailbag]

Hi @Chris_T 

Google "Succulent plants" there is a huge range of no/low maintenance plants that look awesome in a stone garden environment, which Bunnings have available.

Nailbag

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Chris_T,

Native violets (Viola hederacea) are a fantastic choice—they’re low-growing, hardy, and will add some lovely flowers to the area. Alongside those, you might also want to consider Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed). It’s another excellent ground cover that’s tolerant of partial shade and will stay nice and low. If you’re looking for something that spreads but doesn’t get too invasive, Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine) could be a good option. It has a delicate, cascading appearance and works well in limited sun. 

Your idea of using stones to help control weeds sounds like a practical approach, especially given your concerns about termites. 

Mitchell

[Chris_T]

Thanks all - fantastic suggestions. I'll update when I get started with progress reports.  

Cheers

Chris