We have a north facing wall. It already has a pyrocanthus growing (well) up
next to it but i want to plant something else which will balance it on the
other side (i.e. it needs to be tallish). We are nervous about planting into
the soil as we are on heavy clay and worried about subsidence if we plant
the wrong thing. any suggestions as to what i could either safely put in the
soil or grow in a large pot? I'd like a "good all-rounder" if possible but
failing that would like something to brighten up the area in winter as I'm
going to put in some feverfew and crysanthums anyway (which grow like weeds
here so I'm assuming are tough enough to survive the location and children).
Thanks,

--
Hayley
(gardening on well drained, alkaline clay in Somerset)