Cacti and succulent compliment the architectural front of this house in this SW London design.  With a North-east facing aspect would this work? The raised brick area at the front of the house is concrete covered with 4" of gravel and is covered by the house over the top so receives no rainfall.  The plants have also been placed in the gravel with little soil so it remains free draining if they get any moisture at all.  With minimal moisture and the warmth from the house we figured some plants would work and others may pose a small risk.  One or two minor losses in the first winter from pushing the limits too hard were replaced with slightly tougher plants.  It's good to know your limits but sometimes you have to test where they are.  The plants were selected for colour and architectural shape in collaboration with the owner.