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Novice here - clear up every leaf every weed everywhere in garden?

SarahlhsSarahlhs Posts: 10
in Problem solving
I’m new to the GWF - and to gardening and would love to know - should my aim be to make the garden clear of all dead leaves and sticks lying about on flower beds and under hedges.  . Just moved and have a lot to do sorting house out for now so at the mo using garden contractors who cut the grass, prune shrubs, strim and blow - it looks presentable when they’re done but they’re leaving weeds and a lot of dead leaves - what should I be asking them to do (I was hoping I’d learn from them when I have more time for it spring onwards) but should leaves sticks weeds be left? Advice v much appreciated.  

Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Welcome Sarah. It depends what kind of garden you want. Untidy gardens are great for wildlife. Lots of creatures would love leaf litter and twigginess. Hedgehogs and beetles and moths - all sorts. Toads and frogs love damp places to hide away. Birds will be pecking away, looking for grubs. If you like the manicured look and wish to be more 'presentable' then, yes, clear everything away. It's more work to weed and clear away. It depends what excites you.

    Do you like gardens more like this

    or more like this?




  • SarahlhsSarahlhs Posts: 10
    Thanks v much Fire - for the welcome and the pics = I would be more than thrilled with either version! Mine has the shrubs the builders installed 14 years ago and little else. You’ve shown me - one needs a vision! 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'm afraid gardening contractors often just do the minimum Sarah. I sometimes watch the ones round here 'doing the borders' of people's gardens and it makes me laugh. They poke a hoe or fork along the border and that's it. 
    I'd ask them to make sure they remove weeds properly if that's what you're paying them for. The dead leaves are possibly less of an issue, depending on where they are and how many are lying.  Many shrubs, trees and plants are dropping more than usual because of the currrent conditions in many areas, but if you want them removed, then tell them.  :)
    If you're keen to garden in future, you could think about getting a compost bin, and asking them to put that kind of thing in it, as well as any grass clippings - providing they haven't had any chemical feeds etc recently on them. Leaves are often best shredded first if they're large, as they take a while to break down, but it's a good way to start. Weeds are best left to dry out thoroughly before adding - might not be too big a problem at the moment if you're in the heat!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited August 2018
    I would say that the thing is to do what you enjoy. There is really no point in planting masses of potatoes if what you really love is a mass of roses. So, take your time, watch and read and visit and see what thrills you. There is no mad rush to make it all glorious in a month. Gardening tends to operate best in very long arcs of time. Seasons, years, even decades of slow development, as things bed in and mature (along with ourselves).


    BDSS, also will give you an idea of various types of gardens and possible designs. GW magazine will also give you visuals of an array of styles and planting.

    Come and ask questions here if you need help. Good luck!
  • SarahlhsSarahlhs Posts: 10
    Thanks Fire - BDSS looks great (and just become fan of GW too). Fairygirl cannot wait to get rid of contractors but need them for now although major showdown due this Wednesday - careless strimming has made deep ridges in brickwork at back of house - however problem will be proving its them!  
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's all a learning curve Sarah, and I know only too well how difficult it can be when you have workmen in your home or garden. I had an extension done a couple of years ago, and spent a good bit of time rejigging things and creating new areas last year. It's amazing how quickly things can improve  :)
    Gardens recover well too, and once you get on track a bit after your work indoors, you can get going outside.
    As Fire says, take a bit of time to decide what you want, or don't want, from your plot, and you can always post photos on here and ask for advice about planting or designs or pretty much anything else! We try our best to help with any issues .... ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Watching how the sun moves across your garden will help you know which bits might like sun-loving or shade-loving plants. Footling about in the soil, will start to give you a sense of which bits of the garden and very dry or wet, sandy, clayish or rocky. You can  dig into the soil and see what happens - though at the moment many areas are too dry for much easy digging. Where abouts do you live?
  • Joyce21Joyce21 Posts: 15,489
    re clearing leaves...I tend to leave ones round shrubs but clear those round plants because snails take up residence under them.
    SW Scotland
  • NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813
    What do you want from your garden ?   :/ 
    Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
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