Front garden makeover - opinions please

rubble2

We live on a corner plot which originally had an open front lawn (no fence or walls etc.) Due to the local 'yoof' walking across the lawn to cut the corner we decided to plant a privet hedge around the perimeter about 18 months ago.

This was not particularly successful with the privets flourishing in parts and struggling to get established in others (fairly exposed location, so put the failure down to this). We have now decided to have a picket fence put up in place of the hedge and this is booked in erection in the next few weeks.

We had considered that once the fence is in situ to look at replacing the lawned part of the garden because the grass is also in pretty poor condition but are now thinking more in terms of some sort of gravel/pebbled area to replace the lawn to reduce the chance of the grass again not establishing well, and also to reduce the on-going maintenance, ( we will of course be putting down some form of barrier fabric under the gravel).

I understand that if we go for stones not less than 12mm in size, it should reduce/eliminate the problems of cats treating it like a giant litter tray (is that correct). We would need to contain the stones with some sort of upright barrier behind the fence and alongside the neighbouring driveway but does anyone see any other major hurdles we will need to overcome?

We will also be adding some planting either through the fabric/stones of using large planters.

Opinions appreciated, thanks

Brie

I understand why this is a good idea for all sorts of reasons, ease, lack of yoofs, etc. 

Will the fence be stained or painted?  I think that stain is easier to maintain to a good standard but that might just be me.

Not sure what size gravel might put off other wild life.  The foxes round here are quite happy to do their business anywhere, door step, garden, behind my car where I don't notice it getting groceries out of the boot.....

I would suggest a border with spiky/thorny plants to help further dissuade the yoofs leainng against the fence.  I always recommend compassion rose - an incredibly fast grower spreading up to 12 feet, nice in bad soil, thorns suitable for torture and the best longest lasting, beautiful and fragrant flowers.  It wants to go high but should be able to be trained along a fence line nicely and you can just keep weaving new growth back down when you're out picking blooms.  But do get some decent leather gauntlets.

twopenny

My neighbours pea shingle doesn't seem to roam at all. Looks good and easier to walk or kneel on.
I would do some planting in it to prevent it looking like a car park.
Plants thrive when their roots are under the matting.
She has used oblong sets around the perinmeter, a dwarf cherry with bulbs arrpund, nice sets around the base. A weeping Acer, beautiful white hydranga.
Dwarf cyclamen self seeded in th shingle  . It looks good all year round and no watering.

Dutch irises would look good.

Another rose is Blush Noisette, fewer thorns, highly scented and blooms all year in the south west. But with a rose you have dry rose petals falling. For me it's worth it.

GrumpyDil

Only point to add is check the planning permission and covenants. 

I lived in a corner plot house built in 1996 which had planning conditions and covenants which meant I was unable to put up a fence,  even though it would have been permitted development under planning rules. 

twopenny

That's true grumpy.
I looked at some that originally had these built in the 80s but the council here didn't answer and weren't interested and some have put the odd hedge in 

I think as long as you ensure there is visibility from a car on the road in both directions you'll be ok.It's not like you're putting in 6ft panels 
First though look round the area, has anyone else put in a boundary.

rubble2

Thanks for the replies. The houses were built about 20 years ago, they were originally leasehold but we and a good proportion of our neighbours have subsequently bought our freeholds.

Many of the houses nearby have planted hedges/shrubs or erected fences so I don't envisage any problem if we do the same.
We intend to keep the fence height at 3 feet where appropriate in order to allow good visibility for drivers exiting the side road.

Farway

With that area and shingle etc, have a look into "prairie planting", very well suited for open dry areas, or Beth Chatto gravel garden style

Being a corner plot, it could be ideal and a point of interest for passers-by

Farway

With that area and shingle etc, have a look into "prairie planting", very well suited for open dry areas, or Beth Chatto gravel garden style

Being a corner plot, it could be ideal and a point of interest for passers-by

Nobbie1967

Had you thought about removing the turf/some soil before adding the gravel? May prevent the gravel spilling over. Would be a good idea to do it before the fence goes in as that will get in the way of removing the soil/dumping the gravel.

moonpenny

I have a gravel driveway spread over weed suppressant fabric and I spend a fortune on weedkiller.

People make the mistake of thinking that weeds won't grow through the gravel - partly true but, the weeds grow from the top.  Dust, soil and seeds etc get blown onto the gravel and eventually the weeds start growing.

I have to use weedkiller at least twice a year sometimes more and am so fed with it am thinking of replacing it.

Eldi_Dos

@moonpenny

It is remarkable how tenacious nature is in re-establishing, when you see places where road improvements have been made and the old section of road is left untended  it is not many years before plants take over. Silver Birch seem to have a knack of finding a foothold in these situations.