New house, garden ideas please?!

[T16GEM]

DH and I moved into our house two years ago and we have a patch of garden out the font of the house which so far we have just put summer bedding petunias and alike in with bulbs for the spring. we have some cystus around the edge and a christmas tree (named bob!) in one corner.

I have been thinking about redesigning the garden but I am unsure of where to start. As i am in England the weather isn't that fantastic but the garden is pretty well protected and I don't usually take out summer bulbs like dalias through the winter as they tend to be fine. It gets sun during the day and the soil is quite poor, could do with some advice on how to get some goodness back into the earth.

Have any of you got any ideas of what i could plant, iwas thinking of some heathers and other slpine as I need something that won't need much maintenace.
Thank you for your help!
Gems

 

[Snowwark]

Hi Gems!

Lucky you, a new garden to plan and design! Complete with a Christmas tree named Bob! I'm sure there's a story behind that..lol.

When someone asks us where to start in their garden planning, we often suggest to first take a look around their neighbourhood. Checking out the gardens in your area, with similar space, lighting, etc., and seeing what works for them, and what you like, can give you some great ideas. If you see a garden that you really admire, talk to the owner! Most people are more than happy to discuss their labor of love, and may prove to be a valuable resourse for you. Of course, the fact that they will feel very flattered is a big help too!

I've yet to visit your beautiful country, but when I think of it, I often imagine the lush and beautiful gardens that you're so famous for!

Since I know next to nothing about gardening in the UK, I've included a link to the Royal Horticultural Society, specifically the Guide to Garden Planning page, although I think you'll find the entire site to be very useful.

~Royal Horticultural Society~

I hope you'll get back to us with some of your planting decisions!

Any other suggestions for Gems, Buds?


Kim

 

[DebºoºS]

Oooh a new garden. So much fun to plan and design. Kim said it best. Check out what everybody else is doing. Heather sounds wonderful. Barberry bushes make a nice hedge that might do well.

Also there are computer programs that are fun to design with. I have one Landscape 3D I think it's called. Just a fun thing that helps you place the plants and even has an age progression so you can see how big your Bob will grow in years to come.

 

[Tulirose]

Originally posted by DebºoºS
.......Also there are computer programs that are fun to design with. I have one Landscape 3D I think it's called. Just a fun thing that helps you place the plants and even has an age progression so you can see how big your Bob will grow in years to come.

Do they really do that Deb? How neat!!

Gems - I didn't check out the link that Snowwark provided but I'm certain that there should be info about amending the soil there somewhere. You indicate that to be a problem and that is something that you can get started on even prior to planning your garden by adding rich compost. Now, a TRUE gardener makes his/her own compost but here where I am I can go to the local recycling center and get as much as I want for free! Do they have a similar place like that near you? (I don't vegetable garden and it is my understanding that one shouldn't use town or public compost on food-growing gardens because one does not know what chemicals were in the original grasses used for composting. Just something to keep in mind.)

 

[DebºoºS]

Tuli, it's a fun program to play with. "Pro Landscape 3D" by Softkey
I like planning and plotting over the winter. It has 400 plants and trees, pools, decks, fences etc. Shows growth over time and it has a shopping list that tracks your budget that I haven't tried yet.

Gem, the cover of this program shows a beautiful lawn with azaelias (sp?) in shades of pink and deep red on the border. Very pretty. Do they do well in your area?