I really like the idea of the dry garden after doing a bit of reading. Had a look on Google images as well and there were some fantastic looking gardens.
Do they come back each year?
Are the plants expensive initially?
First thing to do is clear the current weeds and layer down a large amount of soil conditioner?
Is now a good time to start planting a dry garden?
If I'm not using membrane how do I suppress weeds? Mulch?
I'm in Northern Ireland so will look later at sourcing plants. It's the layout I might have an issue with so it looks nice and mixed.
I would also bear in mind that you might need to plant something that would deter people from cutting across the corner. Something just a little too high to step over People can be awful lazy!
I was going to suggest something like a scree garden.few nice pots,big ones. Good luck with anyone trying to pinch ours,they are big and concrete. Then you could maybe have an ever green rhododendron,the azaleas tend not to be and aren't terribly exciting in winter minus their leaves.
Depends on the compost. Soil conditioner are high in fibrous and nutrional content. Compost, not so much.
I suggest tyou go to your local library and borrow The Dry Garden by Beth Chatto because the preparation is something you do just once and need to get it right. The plants are perennial, on the whole, and need t be carefully chosen.
I would just note that "dry / gravel garden" designs are often for plot in full, baking sun. You would need to be a little careful to choose plants that ok with partial shade (maybe not classic Mediterranean plants like lavender, rosemary, thyme, bay, nepeta...). Also be sure to check that the plants you choose are 'hardy' and will withstand your winter levels or cold, rain and wind. Just because they look nice in summer, doesn't mean they will do well at -6oC.
For the lowest maintainence, go for perennial plants that come back every year. And bulbs. They don't need to be expensive, esp if you get them small, tend them and have patience.
I agree that a barrier will stop people creating a 'desire line' path across your plot. And reduce the amount of rubbish blowing in.
You could mulch with pea gravel or bark or wood chip over membrane.
Now is a fine time to start planning and researching. But I would say go for 90% planning and 10% smart working. This is the cheapest way too. I would stay well away from garden centres for the time being and don't buy anything online until you have a good plan. As a total beginner I would suggest keeping it very simple, with repetitions of three or four of the same plant. You can always complicate matters in a few years, when you get a feel for the plot.
Posts
Do they come back each year?
Are the plants expensive initially?
First thing to do is clear the current weeds and layer down a large amount of soil conditioner?
Is now a good time to start planting a dry garden?
If I'm not using membrane how do I suppress weeds? Mulch?
I'm in Northern Ireland so will look later at sourcing plants. It's the layout I might have an issue with so it looks nice and mixed.
Cheers
I suggest tyou go to your local library and borrow The Dry Garden by Beth Chatto because the preparation is something you do just once and need to get it right. The plants are perennial, on the whole, and need t be carefully chosen.
As you are in Northern Ireland you will have problems sourcing plants and seed from the UK but can maybe order form Irish or EU suppliers. Have a browse thru this thread for good sources - https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1048376/uk-seeds-to-europe-and-northern-ireland-reminder#latest