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Newbie gardener in a mature garden

#NewbieGardener#NewbieGardener Posts: 30
edited March 2021 in Problem solving
I've recently moved and the house its got the most amazing garden. Albeit, its a little faded in glory,  the previous owners clearly knew their gardening but its been unloved for a number of years.  I am wanting to keep whats amazing but make the space a little more my own and bring it up to date, but i am  little overwhelmed on how to get started. I've watched it for a year , made a plan as we worked out what was what and literally kept it ticking over until we learn what to do . We'd like to try and do it ourselves and happy to learn as we go, but where to start? #newbiegardener

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Would there be any chance of a few photos and maybe some ideas of the kind of plants you've inherited? You have come to the right place for advice  :)
  • #NewbieGardener#NewbieGardener Posts: 30
    edited March 2021
    We have inherited laurel, camelia photinia  ,choiysea,  fatsia japonica. Pitsiporums, yew hibiscus, lace head hydrangeas. Spireas ....names i didn't know a year ago sorry if spellings wrong!
     

    It feels like a garden that is lovely to look at but not many places 'to be in', so  thinking of putting seating somewhere. The false acacia in the middle is beautiful in summer....and path ip one side so you walk along the garden not through it. ...
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    A good idea to go for more than one seating area, l expect you've already worked out the best places for them, one for morning coffee and one for the evening tipple.
    As you say, having the path going along the side means that you aren't going through the garden , just passing by, so it may be worth considering relaying it on a more curvy route to go on a journey to the shed. It strikes me that you're an "instinctive" gardener, you've done the right thing by giving it time to review its treasures, and thought about what changes need to be made. 
    It's obviously been a much loved garden, now it's time to make it your own  :)
  • #NewbieGardener#NewbieGardener Posts: 30
    @AnniD thanks!! I've drawn a plan of what I would like...Maybe I need to just give it a go and be brave 😀
  • #NewbieGardener#NewbieGardener Posts: 30
    @kjenner7 not sure where your post went but good luck to you!! I never thought I'd be interested in gardening,  but I've actually loved the first year of watching and IDing things as they popped up.... 
  • kjenner7kjenner7 Posts: 1
    @Thegarden60 I edited it to correct a typo and it's gone for approval by the Moderators I think...

    Thank you! Definitely, I'm loving the process especially at the moment as everything is starting to spring into life! Your garden is lovely. I think the ideas you have will really take it to another level with seating and changing your path to go through the garden. Be brave!
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    It's beautiful !
    Welcome to the Forum :)
    You've done well to get it looking so good after being neglected and to have learned so many of the plant names. You have also got some ideas on how to make it more interesting. Although it might not feel like it right now, after all your restoration work, it is a relatively low maintenance garden. Trees and shrubs generally need attention only a couple of times a year, unlike many other things.
    Now you want to make it your own. The potential is there to change the path fairly easily  to make it wander and disappear behind the planting, maybe to create a hidden sitting area in a choice spot  or give a surprise change of mood.
    There may be some plants that you don't much care for or that are not doing so well, you may want to move some and add new ones and you may want other kinds of plants such as perennials, wildflowers or perhaps a pond. This may influence the route your new path takes.
    There is good advice on here when you need specific information and lots of friendly hints and tips on how to do things. People will need to know some details  on your growing conditions and wishes, but you have an exciting project ahead limited only by how much you want to do and your imagination. Many of us will be happy to share your journey (and not a little envious!)
  • #NewbieGardener#NewbieGardener Posts: 30
    @Buttercupdays thanks so much. I will share the journey!! 
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