Recycled concrete

Gordon Hogenson's picture

I have a large amount of recycled concrete from a slab that was broken up, and I am using it to make terraces on a southwest slope in the maritime PNW.

So, the conditions are hot, dry in summer, but wet in winter, zone 7, alkaline, and vertical.  I am looking for suggestions on how to build the walls so that I can grow small plants in them, and ideas on what plants would do well or be particularly interesting or attractive.

I am thinking already about plants such as Saponaria, Alyssum, Sempervivum, stonecrops, and a particular kind of Corydalis that is known for growing well on walls, Corydalis lutea.  I'm new to rock garden plants, though, so I'm open to your suggestions!