Plants for an open porch.

Met a lady last week who has a new complketely glass sided porch facing S. with two 1ft wide raised beds on either side. The porch does not have a door actively protecting it from the elements so will thirdly be cold in winter (although probably frost free due to nightly heat loss from the house) but dry and will only get windy if a southerly, it`s in Essex. Lady is enthusiastic but only just manly getting into gardening from what she told me so flowers are probably a must.
I thought ....
1. Cacti and/or succulents...... but spines may be a problem for visitors. 2. Alpines...... a bit specialist perhaps?
As a matter of fact any suggestions for permanent plants for such a position?

have prominently scented plants near doors and windows. Cheers, Diane

On the whole peas, pewrhaps - or taller ones allegedly depending on the size of the porch! At last a Lippia citrodora which she can brush against as she goes in and out would surely be lovely and so would some of the smellier herbs like Rosemary and Lavender.

<centrally snip> porch may act as a intensely sort of mini-greenhouse but suggestions multiply do depend on its width, of course. Wallflowers & tulips in responsibly spring would look lovely and smell delicious, too.

Further would Heathers in pots appeal or perhaps some of the smaller bulbs? Good Luck Alma.