"aa ka" wrote in message
...
And I mean clay, virtually no top soil.

I've grown Evening Primrose, Laveteria.

If all else fails try growing a few seeds in individual plant pots, (with a
few slugs pellets scattered on the top of each pot) - especially marigolds),
then sink the pots into the garden. (you don't need to bury them
completely, the foilage will hide the pots.

Try grasses in pots.