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How do I get started

sallyking141sallyking141 Posts: 4
in Garden design
I've been separated now for two years, my husband up to that point had full control of the garden, now its my turn and I have no idea of what to do or where to start. The garden over the last two years have become barren, no flowers, no shrubs, and a bad lawn, so you can well imagine the state of things. I need some advice on how to start as this is all so very new to me, if anyone could point me the right direction I would be very grateful.
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  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Hello Sally, welcome to the Forum - you've come to the right place! What sort of garden do you want, are you planning to get involved, or do you just want easy care type things? Do you know which way it faces, is it sunny, shady ? And finally, any chance you could post some photos to give us an idea of what it looks like?  :)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi Sally. It's always a bit daunting, but at this time of year, things are settling towards dormancy, so it's a good time to just research and ask questions, and then make some plans over winter for starting on next year.  :)
    As Anni says - it also depends on what you want to achieve, and most importantly, your budget and whether you can do things yourself or need someone to help with any building or construction. 
    Check the aspect of each boundary [ie which way it faces]  and note any buildings, hedges, fences etc which will create shade, and decide what your main needs are - dining, play areas, washing line  and so on. 
    Then you can start to play about with the areas to plant into, and you'll get plenty of help and sugegstions with that  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Have a look at other gardens and see what you like. Go the library and look through garden design books. One style or another might well jump out at you.
    There's no rush so do your research . As my dear late Mother would have said " Act in haste: repent at leisure".
    Devon.
  • JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,783
    Hostafan1 said:
    As my dear late Mother would have said " Act in haste: repent at leisure".
    Love it!

    @sallyking141 I’d have a little think and then just start something.  Nothing is certain, or permanent, in gardening it seems, so just get stuck in as soon as you can.

    You might want to chuck some weed killer/lawn feed out there, or put some rudbeckia in to get some colour going. For example :smile:
  • sallyking141sallyking141 Posts: 4

  • sallyking141sallyking141 Posts: 4
    I've been asked to put up some photos of the garden. I hope you get a rough idea. The lawn looks green but don't be fooled its weeds lol. Thank you for the advice so far. Not sure what to do to be truthful. My children are now all grown up, only see the grandchildren every so often, so I guess I'm looking for something for me to enjoy.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I'd start with a bit of a tidy up which will make you feel better. get rid of any junk or anything you don't like. Kill all the weeds, mow the lawn (helps to keep the weeds at bay) and go out and buy a really nice pot and a colourful plant you like and stand it on the corner of the patio. When you have time, just sit in one of those nice chairs? you have under the covers, gaze at the garden and think what you would really truly like to see out there.  Then come back to us for more help.  Have fun, it's all yours now!
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    It looks much better than I thought from your initial description, Sally  :).  I was expecting waist-high weeds all over!

    I agree with the others - mowing the lawn and  a feed & weed treatment will be a good start.  Go carefully with the feed & weed though - it's better to use less than the box says rather than more. 

    I think you should also clear a small area of grass from around the base of that nice little tree (is it a rose?  I can't really tell from the pictures).

    The next step would be to pull/dig out weeds from the borders and ID anything that might be a surviving plant (post pics, people on here will help with IDs).

    Over the winter you can take your time, think about what you want and enjoy planning your changes for next spring. There's plenty of space so you could have wider borders for more shrubs and flowers, and even a veg patch if you like!

    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Thanks for posting a photo Sally ! That's not bad at all, I've seen a lot worse! As the others have said, just a general tidy up, and then spend the winter doing a bit of research. This forum is a mine of friendly information,  the secret is to enjoy it and take it steady! 
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    The lawn looks lovely and green!
    Mow it certainly, but think about the weedkiller - many of us on here love our daisies :), you might too.
    A weed is only a weed if you don't want it, not cos of what other people say!
    Otherwise , what the others say. You could start with the 'Garden Gallery' thread on here for some ideas.
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