Blank Canvas

MikD

Hi,
Finally got round to getting some turf in the garden and am now starting to plan what I'd like to do with the space.

My garden is a bit of a funny shape which can best be described as rectangle with a triangle on top. I've left a 5x5m square unturfed for some decking which is just to the right of the pic.

(tried to post a pic but "new user can't post pic's blablabla")

The problem is I have no idea what to do with the rest of the garden! :question:

I'd like to create a garden that has depth and structure and makes the most of the weird shape but don't really know where to start. Not really interested in growing fruit/veg etc.

I've thought about squaring it off at the top or doing a semi circle type thing and planting up there, but it's all a bit random!

Any advice appreciated, thanks!



P.S Realise this post is pointless without the pic so if anyone knows a way, let me know!

angelavdavis

How exciting to have a blank canvas to work on.

My advice would be to think what you want from your garden and how much time you have to spend looking after it. Also look at which areas have the most sun, where the sun rises and sets, etc. Which area of your garden faces north and is likely to be coldest, etc.

This will determine what is best with your planting options.

With less time to spare, you might want to concentrate on filling your garden with shrubs which will form the "bones" of your garden and provide height. You might also want to consider adding an ornamental tree for example in the point of your triangle (a laburnum or acer palmatum for example). Warning: avoid laburnum if you have children as although pretty it is toxic.

You can under plant the tree with spring bulbs to add further low maintenance interest.

When choosing shrubs, look at using a mix of evergreens to offer winter interest, flowering shrubs and different leaf types, colours and variegation as well as the eventual heights.

Position your shrubs toward the back of any borders you want and then you can add small shrubs, annuals and perennials in front and in between these shrubs.

If you are short of funds, look at plants you can raise from seed and/or from cuttings from friends and family.

If you are into drawing up a plan, there are plenty of free garden plan programmes available online.

Hope that helps!

MikD

Thanks Angela, that's excellent.

I love Acers and definitely want to have at least 1 as a focal point, was thinking either an acer or weeping cherry with some slate chips underneath. Laburnum looks great, will definitely plant one somewhere!

My garden is south facing, it gets the sun all day up until about 8pm just now. Not so sure how much it will get really as living in Scotland = limited sunshine!

If I'm ever allowed to post pics I'll post an update.

Thanks again,
MikD

Allegra

Upload the pic to flickr or similar, get the link, then post the link on here without the www. bit (as a new user you prolly can't post links yet either) - then whoever wants to have a looksie can just type the www. followed by the copy of your link string and that'll take them to the pic.

Scotsbride

Best advice is to visit your garden centre once a month to see what out and colurs etc remember you don't have to do everything all at once! also look in books mags or visit your local garden/parks for ideas whilst you might not be able to do things on the exact scale of other places a good plant centre should be able to advise you on how to achieve a similar look