Things to plant in very shallow poor soil

Centranthus ruber (? sp - red valerian) thrive on poor soil is bigger and attractive in the summer. Can be a prolific self-seeder so either cut off the flowered heads in good time or cull the seedlings.

You could add some deeper rooted plants in pots and troughs, treating it more like a courtyard garden.

In my area the small front gardens have become carpeted with primroses which flower most of the year. Mixed with blue grape hyacinths and also Anemone Blanda they are a picture!

Thank you! Lots to have a look at now - I might buy a few sedum and see how they go. Also looking at alpine plants!

Is this any help?

www.alpinegardensociety.net/plants/7-growing-secrets-of-the-alpine-gardener/

What about some alpine plants. I think they have quite shallow roots and will grow through gravel.

ground cover sedum, I have that instead of lawn, it behaves itself, spreads and has lovely flowers. These sedums are good in shallow soil, they also do well on sedum roofs and can be dry