Thanks for adding the photos Mel gives people a much greater idea of what you have.
As others gravel or bark or even spilt the areas up and use a mixture then lots of pots, trough's or anything you can lay your hands on if the budget is a little tight then maybe some plants and again depending on the budget may be grow annuals, biannual's and even perennials from seed still plenty's of time to do that.
If you need advice of what and how just ask there are many people on here that can advise help. 🐖
"You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
@Hampshire_Hog thank you, bark seems to be the popular option and sounds fairly straightforward too! If you could also recommend any plants that would survive in a North facing garden, that would be amazing!
@B3 (and everyone else), Tthank you for the words of encouragement! I'm a newbie here but already amazed at what a lovely bunch you lot are! 😀
As I tell everyone on a tight budget: If you're not already using Freecycle, you should be. People living near you offer stuff they no longer need, or ask for stuff they need, and stuff changes hands with no money and it all runs on goodwill and courtesy. And keeps stuff out of landfill. Though in my experience, offers of anything garden-related get snapped up quickly! Also, there's a seed and plant swap on this forum.
Looks like it was all covered with gravel at some point.
It does and the gravel can't have gone far. I wonder if you dug about a bit and raked or sifted the gravel whether it could be restored back to a nice gravel surface. You can make a sifting rig to rinse and clean gravel fairly cheaply out of scrap wood and some cheap mesh. Kinda like this but less fancy
@josusa47 Thank you, I will keep an eye on freecycle but like you said, garden stuff seems very popular!
@Hampshire_Hog great suggestions and such lively colours, I'll venture to the garden centre and have a look .
@wild edges not sure what previous tenants may have done as gravel was already a bit sparse when we moved in. Will probably have to get some more to lay on top once we get rid of the weeds but I really do like the bark chippings idea too so will have to have a think!
@MelBel, l think l went for gravel originally as l could see some in your photo. I think bark chips would blend in with the the shaded look better and they are easier to walk on. The only thing you need to keep an eye on, is where the birds throw it around looking for grubs. Good luck with the landlord!
I rent. But I put a lot of effort into my yard. It is at my home even though I rent.i it is a source of pride for me. I enjoy working in the yard and it helps relieve stress. Sometimes it's a lot of work but when I get to enjoy it it's worth it.
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As others gravel or bark or even spilt the areas up and use a mixture then lots of pots, trough's or anything you can lay your hands on if the budget is a little tight then maybe some plants and again depending on the budget may be grow annuals, biannual's and even perennials from seed still plenty's of time to do that.
If you need advice of what and how just ask there are many people on here that can advise help. 🐖
"You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
@B3 (and everyone else), Tthank you for the words of encouragement!
I'm a newbie here but already amazed at what a lovely bunch you lot are! 😀
https://www.thespruce.com/great-shade-plants-for-container-gardens-847944
https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1028353/north-east-facing-border-perennial-ideas#latest
"You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
@Hampshire_Hog great suggestions and such lively colours, I'll venture to the garden centre and have a look .
@wild edges not sure what previous tenants may have done as gravel was already a bit sparse when we moved in. Will probably have to get some more to lay on top once we get rid of the weeds but I really do like the bark chippings idea too so will have to have a think!