A catalogue of trial, error and advice

ArbitraryRandom

As promised, a picture heavy post with the before and after shots.

I mentioned on the other thread, he's coming back the first week of November to replace the gate and do one of the hedges at the back for the neighbour, but this lot so far came in at £3200... which I think isn't bad for the difference it made. And it was a bit more work than they expected as the old fence had been there since the properties were built and well secured in. 

The keen of eye will see the gap in the old hedge where the pyracantha was and the little flagstone box done in preparation for my little miss figgy (5 and a bit meters from the house, which I believe will be safe enough for the roots over time). Should grow to be about a foot taller than the fence in due course. I'm hoping the fence and south aspect will mean it's sheltered and does well.



  

twopenny

Oh that looks nice!

I bet your neighbours are happy too.

Did you do all the hard work clearing? It's a good job done.

ArbitraryRandom

The grass and growth weren't that bad when they turned up (the pictures were from before I planted my lavender), but no - all clearing and rubbish removal was included in the price. 

YoungBlueEyes

Jeez that’s some difference eh Arb! I like it, talk about a clean canvas for spring plantings 👏🏻 

Also - I’m glad you kept your roundy-topped wall, I love them 😃

moneysaver1978

This is a delightful thread - bookmarked and following! Purchased a house recently with a garden (finally!), and the garden needs lots of TLC so I am happy to have stumbled upon this.

Also what an amazing transformation, I look forward to seeing more progress and pics!

ElaniArtin

Hi!

I have an allotment and I have learned so much over the past 4 years. I recommend this if you have the time. Get a very small one, plant simple easy crops, and just soak up all the knowledge from the others.

Here are some source ideas.... look up...

Back yard larder

Real Seeds

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-to-make-small-wildlife-pond.html

I used to be a park ranger and know how to create wildlife gardens, so I am always on the lookout for beautiful wild plants.

I have mud problems so part of my small garden is like a pebble beach and this is clean, bright and happy during the grey rainy months. I enjow lounging on my mini-beach, and when I want grass I go to the park. I don't have a grass lawn so I do not have to have a mower and do all that all of the time! . Other good ground covers that are green like grass but need no mowing are...Plantain, BUNCH grasses, and Common name Mind-your-own-business, baby’s tears 
Botanical name Soleirolia soleirolii (syn. Helxine soleirolii)

I have also had my life changed when someone gave me a small pond liner. I just dug it in, surrounded it with wild plants(free) and pretty sticks and stones, followed advice given by www.nhm.ac.uk, and then I made some more ponds with: old bath tub, large black plant pot that has no hole, and even just a trough on my back brick wall. Let them fill with rain water, not tap water. Find someone with oxygenating water plants.

I will send you pond plants through the mail even!!!

Just say the word-xxx

ArbitraryRandom

Thank you for the kind offer (and links/search terms).

I want to get to grips with my garden before taking on anything more ambitious/that involves a commitment to others - plus my builder would shoot me if he turned up tomorrow to start work and I said I was suddenly thinking about a pond!  

I don't know if you've seen our daily chit chat thread, but I think it's similar to your allotment friends, I know I've learned a lot and been inspired by the pictures shared (hint, hint )  https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6197328/awful-weather-typical-brits-talk#latest

ArbitraryRandom

Okay.. it's that time again - when I have too much time on my hands waiting for something to be done so I start over thinking things  

Removing the hedges is looking like it's freeing up more space in the garden than expected. I 'knew' how big they were, but that's maybe different to actually seeing it. And pacing the space when the builders are away is making me wonder. Two possible options (the one you've seen before and what's currently in my head) - any comments/thoughts/alternatives welcomed. 

EDIT: yes the trees in the bottom one will grow to shade the second and third bed a bit, but given the aspect of the garden they'd still get a decent amount of sun - and the trees I've ordered are on dwarfing rootstock, so should only grow 6ish foot. Same as before, there's an apple tree in my neighbours garden plus I'm wanting a crab apple in the front, the pear and cherry are 'self fertile' varieties.  

YoungBlueEyes

That's a difficult choice Arb. The first one would give a lovely orchardy-y feel with them all together, but when they get big they'll be harder to harvest/trim. The second one would be easier to tend with them spaced out, but would it feel a bit gappy 'til they properly mature...? 

My back garden's the same orientation as it happens, so it'll be interesting to see further replies  

ArbitraryRandom

Quiet day at work, so I figured it was past due to update this thread... What has happened in the last 5 and a bit months? 

Well, trees planted (more than intended thanks to Farway and Dusty being wonderful horrible devils), beds built (different shape than intended, but I think it works in the space) and today being filled with soil! 

Seeds on every available windowsill to be planted, and a couple of bushes that have very patiently been spending the last year in pots have gone in (saved the builder shifting maybe half a barrow of soil )

Pictures and other miscellaneity to follow, probably tomorrow; but (as is the tradition) first the latest plan - only vaguely to scale:


Again, the top left of the shed is North and the corner with the quince is more or less bang on West, making the raised beds S/E facing.