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

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.