By Chapman33
Derbyshire,
United Kingdom 
Hi,
I have an area of compacted hard core where once was a tarmac drive (photo with tarmac) which I will eventually cover with shingle/gravel. I have dug down 18" but still not hit soil so wanted to know what plants, if any, would grow here. Also if I was to dig small pockets and mix with soil what would do well there. The area is sunny until around 2pm then in shade. I'm looking for ideas for shrubs/perennials/small trees/grasses/ferns - my gardening style is kinda cottage garden. There will be raised borders around the edge but did not want to do this in the central area. Thanks in advance for any advice offered :)
9 Aug, 2016
Answers
My ideas would not be the same as yours, Chapman, but with that well drained ground I would be looking at alpine ground cover type of plants and spring bulbs such as crocuses. They would love it and still thrive in the lean conditions.
10 Aug, 2016
If you've dug down 18" and not hit soil, then raised beds and/or containers are the only answer for the types of plants you wish to grow, as they all require good, deep soil.
10 Aug, 2016
If you are aiming for shingle how about having some areas of fancy pavers, perhaps circles, with large planters or coloured glass balls etc in the middle. Could look very elegant.
10 Aug, 2016
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My inclination would be to design the area using raised beds of various shapes and potteds. Consider growing in this area as you would on a patio.
9 Aug, 2016