By Ianhenderson
Lanarkshire,
United Kingdom 
I have an area at very back of garden, under a long established old conifer which I need advice on what to plant--It's obviously very dry and to the side of it I've planted (2010) an Aucuba and further to side Mahonia Charity (The Aucuba's pretty slow). To the frony of "dry gap", I've lost a Viburnum. Any suggestions for this arid spot (prob 3ft x2ft)--something bright but winter interest ( except Cotoneaster)--I've attaches some pics, including in heavy rain 2 days ago--area to front flooded--area behind Buddah, bone dry!--Your advice is most welcome!--Thanks Ian H--P.s. looks like I'm having probs loading pics!!--I'm not the best with I.T. matters !!
12 Jul, 2012
Answers
I think you are unlikely to get anything to grow in the ground there and agree with Sheilar try a couple of large containers.
12 Jul, 2012
If you really want to try to grow something there, have a look at Sarcococca and Elaeagnus varieties and Symphoricaripos.
12 Jul, 2012
The other option is to plant something like vinca minor in the slightly better soil, and train it to grow into the dry area. There's one called 'Illumination' that has bright yellow variegation on the leaves
12 Jul, 2012
have to say after 10 years of trying to grow anything under our conifer tree we gave up and built a patio area and added pots at least we make use of the shade for the tree now - given the weather of course.
12 Jul, 2012
Apart from vinca minor you could try euphorbia robbiae but if it does take it spreads so you have to curb it. It does stay green all year and has lime coloured flowers in early spring. I have it in powdery dry soil underneath the shade of a big conifer. I could send you a bit to try if you like.
12 Jul, 2012
One thing we can forget is that conifers do drop their leaves, or part of, onto the soil and can make it more acidic. You should consider doing a soil test to verify if it is. This will enable you to narrow your choices even further. So what will grow in very dry acidic soil? As Steragram suggests, Vinca minor (or even major) would grow and can be easily managed.
13 Jul, 2012
That's what I'd always thought so I zipped out and tested under mine and it was just as neutral as everywhere else where the red hydrangea stays red and the blue one stays blue! Perhaps some conifers are more acid-making than others.
13 Jul, 2012
Hi to all who replied re my dodgy area at back--Thanks so much for taking time to give me advice--much appreciated. The idea of pots i hadn't thought of and also advice on conifer needle drop affecting p.H.--thanks
It just goes to show that if you follow just your own train of thought, it can be quite narrow and so this forum really does broaden our thinking!--well mine anyway
Thanks again
Ian H
17 Jul, 2012
That is the joy of a gardening forum Ian you have the chance to see all sorts of angles you might miss by yourself :-)
17 Jul, 2012
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I dunno about actually planting stuff in the soil but howz about a couple of big pots?
12 Jul, 2012