I spent another evening in the garden, can't believe how much my life has changed in recent times. Gardening,DIY,blogging.....madness.
There are a row of the dreaded leylandii at the bottom of the garden, and they suck the moisture from the soil and throw a large area into shade. Nothing appears to grow under these trees, except one 'super plant' which I have been alerted to. So if you ever have a similar need the plant is the Cranesbill geranium