Out of anyone's control but having a gardening parent (Mum) does help. I learnt about bolting lettuces and potato blight from her.
I love reading gardening books and things seem to lodge in my brain. Try charity shops.
Plant in groups of 3 or 5, highest at the back, try not to leave bare areas for weeds to grow, mulch in spring over damp soil etc etc. It's amazing what sticks!
Hi Mrs r, ah yes I always mulch either in autumn to improve structure or spring to retain moisture and feed. I’m still learning about the planting. The annoying part is is that I’m really hard and critical of myself. I too enjoy reading gardening books although some of them conflict each other haha. I seem to find that if I don’t know something or I think I’ve done something wrong it stresses me out and ends up taking away the enjoyment!
PS, on another topic, how does everyone here water? By hose? Or by watering can?
I would paint the timber a darker shade, Urban Slate or black, it's all a bit orange and that's what strikes the eye IMO. A darker shade will make the planting stand out.
Amancalledgeorge has a point but in this instance I agree, the shed could do with making less prominent. Someone else on here used Ronseal in 'Tudor Oak' which was a nice dark neutral brown. As for the planting, I think it needs a bit more height, and more groups of plants rather than singletons. The Sedum looks good, perhaps divide it and make a clump of 3, or dot them around the edge of the bed. The Astilbe has gone over (does it flower for long enough to earn its place?) and looks a bit unhappy in what seems a sunny dry spot.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
Well I like the sedum but for some reason when it flowers the colour is rather dull? As for the astilbes, yes sadly they have had their time for the year which is a shame because I love astilbes. Sadly I’ve got nowhere to put them
So I’m looking for plants that can cope with drought as it seems we’re on chalky soil predominantly, however when it’s wet it’s soggy for about an hour and does crack when dry. It is also quite exposed to wind when it’s there.
I'm very new too and, having just read all the responses, can't add anything particularly insightful. However, aside from the usual websites (GW, RHS, etc.), you tube has loads of instructional videos (although, be aware, conflicting advice can sometimes arise!). Also, the knowledge of members on this forum is incredible. Even better, they're willing to patiently share and do so almost instantly to any query no matter how basic.
Sadly astilbe likes a lot of moisture and chalk soils tend to be dry, so it might not be the best choice.
All types of dianthus (pinks) like chalky soil, and I agree about shrubby salvias. For some taller shapes, verbascums do well on my dry sandy soil, and so does verbena bonariensis, Veronica's and scabious. Some silver foliage might make a nice contrast - all of the artemisia like dry conditions but some of them get a bit big so check before buying. What doesn't do so well for me on my dry soil are most of the classic herbaceous perennials - delphiniums, phlox and suchlike. There just isn't enough moisture for them.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
I agree the shed and fence colours are too prominent so if you don't want to paint them, disguise them with tall planting. Delphiniums would give you tall spikes of blue or white flowers as long as you can protect the early growth form slugs and snails. Gauras, verbenas and shrubby sages would do well too and give a more airy feel and you could try some echinaceas for later summer colour.
You have some healthy looking plants but, it seems to me, have fallen into the trap of thinking small garden need small plants. Try some big bold clumps of plants in groups of 3 or 5 or 7 rather than just one here and there. Try blocks rather than dots.
If that arch is ricketty I would get rid of it and install something more 3 dimensional over which you could sensibly grow a climber but if you want that to be a rose or a clematis you'll need plenty of soil improvement.
Your soil would benefit form having a good thick mulch of well-rotted manure on all the beds once the plants go dormant this autumn and you've had some decent rain. Repeat every autumn and soil fertility and texture will improve no end and increas the range of plants that can be grow.
The RHS website has a plant selector feature - as well as masses of other info - that helps you choose suitable plants according to aspect, soil, drainage, colour, season, hardiness. If you join the RHS you'll get a monthly magazine with informative articles, free access to all their gardens and many partner gardens, free access to experts for advice and so on. Join a local garden club to chat with and learn from fellow enthusiasts in your own area.
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)."
Posts
Out of anyone's control but having a gardening parent (Mum) does help. I learnt about bolting lettuces and potato blight from her.
I love reading gardening books and things seem to lodge in my brain. Try charity shops.
Plant in groups of 3 or 5, highest at the back, try not to leave bare areas for weeds to grow, mulch in spring over damp soil etc etc. It's amazing what sticks!
Any ideas?
You have some healthy looking plants but, it seems to me, have fallen into the trap of thinking small garden need small plants. Try some big bold clumps of plants in groups of 3 or 5 or 7 rather than just one here and there. Try blocks rather than dots.
If that arch is ricketty I would get rid of it and install something more 3 dimensional over which you could sensibly grow a climber but if you want that to be a rose or a clematis you'll need plenty of soil improvement.
Your soil would benefit form having a good thick mulch of well-rotted manure on all the beds once the plants go dormant this autumn and you've had some decent rain. Repeat every autumn and soil fertility and texture will improve no end and increas the range of plants that can be grow.
The RHS website has a plant selector feature - as well as masses of other info - that helps you choose suitable plants according to aspect, soil, drainage, colour, season, hardiness. If you join the RHS you'll get a monthly magazine with informative articles, free access to all their gardens and many partner gardens, free access to experts for advice and so on. Join a local garden club to chat with and learn from fellow enthusiasts in your own area.