It rarely hurts to add organic matter to the soil, but it depends on what you are growing and what your soil is like. Assuming it's reasonable topsoil, I would just add organic matter (composted manure, old grow bags, multi-purpose compost) as a surface mulch. This helps keep the weeds down as well as feeding the soil via the action of worms. Then dig in additional compost around the roots of new plants as you add them, if they require it.
As far as plants go, Trachycarpus fortunei and Phyllostachys bamboos are tough and would make good plants to start off with. Phyllostachys isn't the worst, but bamboos can spread and could cause problems in such a small garden, so I would plant them in large containers to be on the safe side. Old galvanised water tanks are perfect.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
Trachycarpus fortunei is on my list. I've also ordered banana (Ensete Venticosum) and looking for suitable ferns, bamboo etc to compliment. I'm starting with one bed along one fence then will keep adding as and when I can
Thanks edhelka yes I will be ordering the Musa Basjoo too. I understand I'll have to take out the Ensete for winter. All part of the learning curve for me thank you
You can store Ensete dry in a garage, shed or even your attic, so long as it's frost free. Mine lives in an unheated polytunnel, ( -5C recorded one night ) and it's been fine for 4 years.
I think your plan looks fine. Don't be afraid to dig stuff up and move it around if you decide it's in the wrong place,or you just fancy it somewhere else. Most plants are pretty forgiving so long as you're sensible about how, and when you move them .
You could remove the grass altogether and have bark paths, which would look great under a dense jungly canopy where grass would struggle. Maybe a "stream" from the small pond at the back leading to a bigger pond nearer the house?
I also like the design, I think that the long triangular area will be an awesome hiding place.
For bamboos, I recommend fargesia types because they are manageable (clumping) and there are many beautiful options. I have Fargesia Nitida 'Black Dragon', a new variety with black stems, I think it is much better black than common 'Black Pearl'. There are also varieties with yellow, red or bluish stems and dwarf varieties. I have a dwarf bamboo in my garden, it is approx. waist high and well behaved, unfortunately I don't know what it is.
Phyllostachys bamboos are more spectacular but they can run and I would only grow them in a big pot or with a good root barrier.
For ferns and some other plants, check plants for shade.
I like Polystichum Munitum and Dryopteris Wallichiana, both big and evergreen. And Asplenium ferns for their shape.
Some other plants for shade also look good in tropical planting - hostas are really good or foliage plants like Podophyllum.
And don't forget grasses, they are a good filler. Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa) looks really good. Carex Morowii or Liriope as evergreens, and Ophiopogon as something unusual.
You could remove the grass altogether and have bark paths, which would look great under a dense jungly canopy where grass would struggle. Maybe a "stream" from the small pond at the back leading to a bigger pond nearer the house?
I like the idea of the bark paths. In the top corner I intend to put a garden arbour. I was going to lay white spar leading up to that and around the pond but yes bark would be much more natural. For now I will keep a good proportion of the lawn I think at least until the plants I put in start to mature.
I also like the design, I think that the long triangular area will be an awesome hiding place.
For bamboos, I recommend fargesia types because they are manageable (clumping) and there are many beautiful options. I have Fargesia Nitida 'Black Dragon', a new variety with black stems, I think it is much better black than common 'Black Pearl'. There are also varieties with yellow, red or bluish stems and dwarf varieties. I have a dwarf bamboo in my garden, it is approx. waist high and well behaved, unfortunately I don't know what it is.
Phyllostachys bamboos are more spectacular but they can run and I would only grow them in a big pot or with a good root barrier.
For ferns and some other plants, check plants for shade.
I like Polystichum Munitum and Dryopteris Wallichiana, both big and evergreen. And Asplenium ferns for their shape.
Some other plants for shade also look good in tropical planting - hostas are really good or foliage plants like Podophyllum.
And don't forget grasses, they are a good filler. Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa) looks really good. Carex Morowii or Liriope as evergreens, and Ophiopogon as something unusual.
Excellent thank you. I'll take a look at all of these
Posts
As far as plants go, Trachycarpus fortunei and Phyllostachys bamboos are tough and would make good plants to start off with. Phyllostachys isn't the worst, but bamboos can spread and could cause problems in such a small garden, so I would plant them in large containers to be on the safe side. Old galvanised water tanks are perfect.
Trachycarpus fortunei is on my list. I've also ordered banana (Ensete Venticosum) and looking for suitable ferns, bamboo etc to compliment. I'm starting with one bed along one fence then will keep adding as and when I can
Mine lives in an unheated polytunnel, ( -5C recorded one night ) and it's been fine for 4 years.
Most plants are pretty forgiving so long as you're sensible about how, and when you move them .
Maybe a "stream" from the small pond at the back leading to a bigger pond nearer the house?
I like the idea of the bark paths. In the top corner I intend to put a garden arbour. I was going to lay white spar leading up to that and around the pond but yes bark would be much more natural. For now I will keep a good proportion of the lawn I think at least until the plants I put in start to mature.