By Emoon
United Kingdom 
Hi All
Help wanted with ideas for a difficult area of my garden. It is a narrowish long border 20ft x4ft, and has 4 large apple trees in it. I am at a loss to find something to grow underneath it. Its always full of weeds which we try to keep on top of -but... I have planted some Vinca (variegated) and that is establishing nicely, but as there are roots and shade any other ideas? (ps daffodils bloom well in the spring ) . Thank you
15 Jun, 2011
Answers
To add to Inverglen's list - any spring flowering bulbs. Have a look at "Shade plants" under "S" at the bottom of the page.
15 Jun, 2011
I'd add Lamium maculatum varieties, Campanula muralis and Ajuga reptans to the list - these provide low ground cover that remains year round.
15 Jun, 2011
Some plants that might suit such an area are epimedium, tiarella, heuchera, ferns and hardy geraniums ( especially the macrorrhizum group of geraniums that are really good at keeping the weeds down)
15 Jun, 2011