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Garden full of hardcore

jacqueline.cahillanejacqueline.cahillane Posts: 7
in Problem solving
Hi 
I moved in two years ago. The garden seemed well established so I thought no problems. I want to plant some spring bulbs but as I dig down am hitting old bricks and now coal. I’m wondering if I should just start from scratch and get the whole lot dug over professionally (I’ve already broken two forks!)
Thanks in advance!

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    When you say "well-established", do you mean there are plants that you want to keep? If so, I would say dig over areas as you want to use them. Go carefully, removing rubbish ( a crowbar can be useful for levering stuff out) and adding compost/well-rotted manure to improve the soil (depending on what you are planting - not really necessary if it's just bulbs). You can also mulch around existing plants, which will improve the soil gradually without digging. On the other hand if you are trying to rip everything out and redesign/replant the whole lot in one go, it might be easier to get someone in (or hire a mini-digger).
    In the short term you can put your bulbs in pots, then plant them out in spring when they've started to grow (or enjoy them in pots then plant out for next year). that would give you time to decide what to do, and maybe work on it over the winter if you have suitable weather.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Perhaps the areas that have got established planting had the treatment @AnniD is describing @jacqueline.cahillane.
    Have you got a photo or two ? That would help with extra advice or ideas, but certainly get your bulbs potted for now so that you can enjoy them in spring  :)

    Some gardens are built on all sorts of dodgy ground, but there's usually a way round it, depending on what you want to grow. Raised beds are the other way if the ground is impossible  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • jacqueline.cahillanejacqueline.cahillane Posts: 7
    Thanks everyone,
    I think I will do as you suggest as put them in pots. This is turning into a bit of a project! 🙂
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You'll get there  :)
    Have a think about what you want from the garden too, then post a few pics if you can, if you need any more ideas or help.
    The icon that looks like a mountain on a postcard is the one for uploading.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • jacqueline.cahillanejacqueline.cahillane Posts: 7

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I'm guessing it's an old property, hence all the stuff you've uncovered, but that soil looks pretty good.
    I would spend the Winter months planning what you want to use the garden for and drawing up plans. 
    You'll find plenty of advice on here :) .
    There may well be some treasures, both plants and buried, in a garden like that. Depending on the size of it, and of course the current situation, you might be able to bribe some energetic family members with tea, coffee and cake to help with any digging (hold off on the alcohol until the work's done !).
    In the meantime,  pots are definitely the way to go.

  • jacqueline.cahillanejacqueline.cahillane Posts: 7
    Thanks for the advice everyone 👍😊
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