Mixing plants in planter - concerned about roots conflicting

As you can see in the attached picture, I have a planter made out of 8" deep x 6" wide cinder blocks, that wraps around the edge of my patio. The way the planter works is every other column of blocks is filled with cement up to the last row of blocks at the top. So the top blocks of all columns are hollowed out w/ every other column hollowed for root expansion.

I'd like to plant creeping fig vine so that it can creep up the wood wall, and I would also like to plant some sort of bush, fern or grass type plant. The will see sun depending on the time of day (sun rises on left side of patio, circles around and sets on right side). I like ferns and tropical-like plants. I'm in Southern California near the coast.

Any suggestions on types of plants that will work for what I want?

Thanks!

That would be really pretty; I think it would have to be a trial and error thing.

TLC, where you been? We've missed you!

Just think long and hard before planting creeping fig. It's pretty when it's young, but you'll be forever trimming it once it gets established.

You've probably seen it growing along the 405 fwy in places...it's gets gargantuan and will attach itself to your wood wall and devour it...not to mention the roots breaking up your planter...

Kathleen,
I am knee deep in the garden - picking and cleaning green beans; processing corn people are dropping off to me; and this month and next will be the tomatoes.

Grandaughter is coming this week; next week daughter #2 and in Sept, daughter #1. So doing a lot of cooking so I don't have to cook while they are here. How is your summer going.

JD glad you posted some advice here; what DO you suggest for that wall?

I would be more concerned about water needs being the same, but then, I have water on the brain right now! I've killed plants by putting two near each other that had different watering schedules - one gets too much, or the other gets not enough.

Summer is OK here, Arlene. You sound waaaay too busy!

The other concern I'd have about the fig is that I think it's one of those climbers that has suckers that would actually attach themselves to that (absolutely gorgeous) wood. To me that would be a negative, and a maintenance issue.

Exactly !

Well, is there anyway to trellis it so Crackd can still have the look? Or another similar plant that won't damage that gorgeous wood? I don't know anything about 'normal' landscaping like this. C'mon, you experts! LOL

Sorry, Crackd, we're all in love with the wood. :-)

This whole design is very cool. If I wanted a tall plant, I think I'd choose a clumping bamboo of some kind.

But, since you ask, really what I'm picturing is an assortment of interesting, low trailing succulents in the planting blocks, and a spectacular copper sculpture against the long wall of wood---something like a branch with tiny lights. My $.02-worth.

I second the succulent idea...good idea Ima !!!

Or equisetum in a couple of spots for that 'architectural' look. It is not something that I would plant elsewhere,but could be kept under control in that setting.