Hi and Welcome. See you already have a fork. Have you looked in the shed yet? We want to know what is in it I think you might have a Magnolia there, second photo, the shorter of the two big shrubs that is pale green turning yellow, not totally sure but the twig shapes and leaves looks like a Magnolia stellata, it will flower in spring with scented beautiful white flowers if it is.
Depending on your budget I would use the fork if sound it will be good as anything you might buy. it can be used roughly like a rake to "gather" lighter dross you cut. Secateurs would be good, but a pair of strong hand shears for now to cut most not too thick longer bits. Will also help to chop thinner bits into a manageable shorter lengths as you go. Also by the pink rose bush in the garden (not on the fence) the shrub with little leaves is I believe a shrubby lonicera (that can be tidied with the shears). And think I see a Choisya.... Sorry getting ahead of things.
But if you do a new post with some close up photos many of the things will be identifiable. Draw a plan or get some labels you can write on and tie as you go/get identified.
Forgot about spade and fork - if you have them already, fine. If not buy the narrower border or ladies' forks and spades as these mean you will try and shift less earth at each dig and thus save your back and the handle. Stainless steel is best for heavy soils.
Make sure the handle is long enough for your height as constant benidng over a short handle will also knacker your back. Have a google for good digging techniques to save your back.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Wow thanks for fast replies and all the advice! Really appreciate it. First steps seem clear - get rid of rubbish and clear pathways and then wait for spring to see what has been hiding in the garden.
Apart from the fork no useful tools left behind in the shed unfortunately :-( We have ordered a rake, shears and secateurs so will hopefully find the time to get my hands dirty in the next few weekends. Will keep you guys up to date of any progress!
Waiting until spring before taking out anything that isn't obviously weed (brambles etc) is a good plan. It looks like it was once loved and cared for so there's a good chance of some nice plants hiding under the rubbish. I love the brick paving and the lamppost!
The lovely people on here are great at ID-ing plants, so post closeup pics of anything that you want to know the name of, how to look after/renovate, etc.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Tools - a spade, a fork (definitely worth buying good ones - Spear & Jackson or similar - mine have lasted me for over 40 years!), a pair of secateurs, a rake, a small pruning saw (or any saw you have will do at a pinch), a trowel, a pair of loppers (or perhaps you could borrow them from a friend) and a large roll of sturdy black bags. A large plastic trug (you put the black bag inside one of them - makes it easier to fill).
I also would recommend weedkiller for the paving - get something like Pathclear. You will need a watering can for it with a weedkiller bar or buy it in a big spray bottle.
Start by clearing the paths of weeds and get rid of any rubbish lying around.
Borrow a strimmer from someone and cut the grass. I say borrow at this point as you will not need it again initially.
Dig out all the brambles and any other easily recognisable weeds from the borders. And clear the bare soil of any other detritus. At this point the garden should be taking shape. Cut back a bit, any shrubs etc overhanging your paths. Plant a few bright spring bulbs in the next month just to give yourselves a reward.
All of the above can be done in the next few months.
Spend the winter acquiring gardening knowledge and friends/acquaintances who like gardening - you will need their advice, if not their spare plants, in the months and years to come!
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
Regarding power-tools you may require in the future ; if the finances can stretch to it , invest in Stihl equipment . I can personally recommend the CombiTools .
Reliable , very tough and built for hard-work ; we've used them for many years .
Don't waste time and money buying 'budget' or cordless products , they're a waste of time !
I'd recommend not ordering tools, but going to a good garden centre instead. Time and money permitting, that is. How much time do think you'll be spending gardening?
Posts
See you already have a fork. Have you looked in the shed yet? We want to know what is in it
I think you might have a Magnolia there, second photo, the shorter of the two big shrubs that is pale green turning yellow, not totally sure but the twig shapes and leaves looks like a Magnolia stellata, it will flower in spring with scented beautiful white flowers if it is.
Depending on your budget I would use the fork if sound it will be good as anything you might buy. it can be used roughly like a rake to "gather" lighter dross you cut.
Secateurs would be good, but a pair of strong hand shears for now to cut most not too thick longer bits. Will also help to chop thinner bits into a manageable shorter lengths as you go.
Also by the pink rose bush in the garden (not on the fence) the shrub with little leaves is I believe a shrubby lonicera (that can be tidied with the shears). And think I see a Choisya....
Sorry getting ahead of things.
But if you do a new post with some close up photos many of the things will be identifiable.
Draw a plan or get some labels you can write on and tie as you go/get identified.
Make sure the handle is long enough for your height as constant benidng over a short handle will also knacker your back. Have a google for good digging techniques to save your back.
Apart from the fork no useful tools left behind in the shed unfortunately :-( We have ordered a rake, shears and secateurs so will hopefully find the time to get my hands dirty in the next few weekends. Will keep you guys up to date of any progress!
I also would recommend weedkiller for the paving - get something like Pathclear. You will need a watering can for it with a weedkiller bar or buy it in a big spray bottle.
Start by clearing the paths of weeds and get rid of any rubbish lying around.
Borrow a strimmer from someone and cut the grass. I say borrow at this point as you will not need it again initially.
Dig out all the brambles and any other easily recognisable weeds from the borders. And clear the bare soil of any other detritus.
At this point the garden should be taking shape. Cut back a bit, any shrubs etc overhanging your paths.
Plant a few bright spring bulbs in the next month just to give yourselves a reward.
All of the above can be done in the next few months.
Spend the winter acquiring gardening knowledge and friends/acquaintances who like gardening - you will need their advice, if not their spare plants, in the months and years to come!
I think so too.