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What are some practical ways to make use of this ugly strip. Maybe vegies, herbs that need shade?
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @HarryTheHat. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about utilising a small strip of soil.
That narrow strip can absolutely be turned into a useful and attractive space. Because the area is shaded and the soil looks tired and rocky, the first step is to prepare it properly. Remove any debris, loosen the soil and mix through compost so the ground holds moisture and nutrients. Once the soil is refreshed, the space becomes workable for herbs and leafy veg that actually prefer lower light.
Herbs that cope very well in part shade include parsley, chives, coriander, mint, oregano and thyme. Lettuce is a great option too because it grows better in cooler, shaded conditions, and you can plant compact varieties in a neat row. Asian greens such as bok choy will also thrive in a spot like this. If you would prefer something other than edible plants, you can plant shade-compatible ornamentals such as liriope, mondo grass, native violet or small ferns.
Once the soil is improved, simply plant along the length of the strip, keeping smaller plants toward the front and anything slightly taller toward the back against the fence so the space feels tidy and intentional. This will turn what is currently a dead zone into something both useful and pleasant to look at.
Here's an AI-generated image of the area once improved.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
