In article ,
Timothy Murphy wrote:
David Hill wrote:

I have a small waste area, 1.5 x 7 metres, by the side of my house,
and want to plant something to stop the weeds growing there.
I was thinking of potatoes or sweet peas.
Any other (or better) suggestions?

As the OP is in Italy I'd think asking in a more appropriate group would
be the answer

Unfortunately I don't know of a "more appropriate group".
Do you?

Actually, the weather here (in eastern Tuscany)
is not that different from the UK or Ireland.
Surprisingly, annual rainfall is greater here
though it rains less often but heavier.
As far as I can see the plants that grow here are much the same as in Dublin
(though I am no expert).

Yes and no. You probably get slightly colder winters, but the key
difference is that winters will be a LOT lighter and less humid,
and summers will be a LOT warmer and sunnier.

Sarcocca/Danae/Ruscus and periwinkle (Vinca) will form a solid
barrier in time, and will do better with you than in the UK or
Ireland. There may be other such plants, too.

The former will take longer to establish, but you could easily
plant both and let the former gradually take over. You will have
to cut Vinca back to the boundary a few times a year, but that
will take only 30 minutes for a patch like that.



Regards,
Nick Maclaren.