On 15/06/2013 13:00, Bert Coules wrote:

Thios is probably gardening rather than DIY, but here goes anyway: if I
build a new wall in my garden, is it practical to sink the footing to
enough depth that soil infill above it will be deep enough to sustain
ground-cover type planting? I'd like to establish a narrow (maximum six
inches if possible) border between the wall and an adjacent patio.

First tell us which way the wall faces and how high it is.

North facing hydrangea petiolaris does OK but is fairly slow growing.
South facing try fig/peach/nectarine/apple/pear according to taste.

Fig will actually enjoy the harsh dry conditions against a wall.

Any other direction wisteria or clematis.
Ivy or virginia creeper if you don't mind damage to the mortar and wall.

cross post added to uk.rec.gardening
(where they will probably disagree with my crude classification above)

--
Regards,
Martin Brown