UK Garden/Plants advice website/group ?

smallzoo2

Thanks for all the lovely comments and advice

Dustyevsky

FlorayG said:

The RHS website is the only one I've found that has decent professional advice; but you need to be a RHS member

I'm a member, but the RHS website doesn't know that, and there's lots of advice there, including tips on design.

There are services only available to members, but I'd make it clear to MSEers, the majority of the site is free to use.

twopenny

I came to a small garden area that had never been cultivated from a large one the size of a football pitch.

I spent some much enjoyed time browsing and downloading images from the net  to see what I liked that would fit, that wouldn't need a landscaper or ££££££.

Also going round open gardens, the smaller ones, for ideas.

Granted it all changed when I found 7 manhole covers and that one corner is in shade all day. I've made some mistakes but plants are very forgiving if you start them off right and move at the right time of year.

It's the best way to get what you want rather than a designer.

The cheap plants in shops and roadside stalls are fine, just need a bit more time and encouragement. Some favoured plants you just bite the bullet and get because you know you want that particular one.

Get an overview of the space, where the sun hits, where you want to sit and such. Then start in one corner or central spot and just do that bit. The rest will follow.

Gardens and plants can be moved. I've changed the shape of my lawn and beds a few times

broncis

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81388666#Comment_81388666

Really like this mindset - start small, learn the space, and let it evolve. Way more personal than a fixed design. And true, plants are forgiving if you give them time.

twopenny

I have a neighbour who has an immaculate garden as designed.

First view is 'oh lovely ' but then that's it. Lovely and neat but no intrigue, no fun, nothing to look at, nothing to explore.

broncis

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81970284#Comment_81970284

It looks nice at first glance, but I get what you mean cause it feels more like something to admire from a distance than actually enjoy. A garden with a bit of wildness or personality usually invites you in and keeps your interest longer.

-taff You're absolutely right - hiring a designer or diving deep into learning is often considered the best approach. However, there are plenty of free tools and resources out there that can offer valuable ideas and guidance before committing to spending money. Things like forums, gardening books, and programs like Garden Rescue can provide great inspiration and help with planning layouts. For quick plant-related tips or assistance with identifying plants and organizing planting schemes, tools like botan app can be a useful starting point. While it’s not a substitute for professional advice, it can help refine your options and give you a clearer sense of direction before making any major decisions.

-taff

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81971027#Comment_81971027

I didn't say that? I said they don't work for free….In fact, I said everything you said following that.