I thought you were going to do a pond @TheGreenMan? You may not need edging as such if you gravel the area and just plant into it. Probably better if it's a bit shadier too. You could reshape the grass too, if you want a softer look I took up all my grass in the back garden last year, made a bigger pond in the sunnier part, and just moved plants into the old pond space and extended that as well. Planted up around the pond too, so there are no formal beds. The more formal beds [with straight lines] are round the boundaries. Mine is predominantly south east facing, but I had something similar in a previous garden which was north west facing, including a pond. It had mature trees on the boundary, but they didn't affect the pond or the planting because of the way we sited everything.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I'd plant into the gravel / path break it up everything square and full of straight lines not very cottagey.
For example you could plant a phormium / shrub mahonia soft caress is nice ( left side near fence ) and under plant it with other grasses like carex or geraniums rozanne / patrica / nepeta / hellebore and bulbs what ever, add a couple of old terracotta pots / urn on there side to give a rustic look plant in them if you like.
Unsure what to suggest for the bottom right depends if you want it as as sun trap for seating or a planting area , obviously you'd need to remove the concrete to plant into it . Raised beds possibility do you like growing veg or cut flowers ?
I thought you were going to do a pond @TheGreenMan? You may not need edging as such if you gravel the area and just plant into it. Probably better if it's a bit shadier too. You could reshape the grass too, if you want a softer look I took up all my grass in the back garden last year, made a bigger pond in the sunnier part, and just moved plants into the old pond space and extended that as well. Planted up around the pond too, so there are no formal beds. The more formal beds [with straight lines] are round the boundaries. Mine is predominantly south east facing, but I had something similar in a previous garden which was north west facing, including a pond. It had mature trees on the boundary, but they didn't affect the pond or the planting because of the way we sited everything.
I would still love a pond. I may put one in the gravelled bit......the yellow splodge
I try to sit in my garden often, not for long as I notice something wants doing. It is a good space to sit and think of how to improve things. I do think we should take time to sit and listen too, it's good for the soul. Agree planting could be a problem right hand corner. Clay soil will be wet in winter and the hedge will dry it out in summer.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Having just moved house and with other expenses like a car to consider, in your situation I'd be wanting to get some instant impact into your garden this year at minimal cost.
A big plus is that you have a very private nicely enclosed garden, so no concerns about obliterating any views! Your decking area also looks in good order and there's plenty of sitting and entertaining space already. I wouldn't consider creating another sitting area now, until you are in a position to remove the decking.
I'd also keep your lawn - it will help attract birds to your garden to feed on worms and other invertebrates, and your dog will like it too! You could re-shape it or extend it at very little cost.
I would want to plant up the existing beds to get some interest and colour as soon as possible. Your clay soil may be a challenge but clay tolerant shrubs like Sambucus nigra, roses, Escallonia and Potentilla would be worth considering. There's also a range of perennials which would attract wildlife and give good colour such as Helenium, Persicaria and hardy Geraniums. Here's some more possiblities:
There are also many ornamental grasses that will tolerate clay soil. They will give your garden winter interest too - they will stand out against your evergreen hedge:
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You may not need edging as such if you gravel the area and just plant into it. Probably better if it's a bit shadier too. You could reshape the grass too, if you want a softer look
I took up all my grass in the back garden last year, made a bigger pond in the sunnier part, and just moved plants into the old pond space and extended that as well. Planted up around the pond too, so there are no formal beds. The more formal beds [with straight lines] are round the boundaries.
Mine is predominantly south east facing, but I had something similar in a previous garden which was north west facing, including a pond. It had mature trees on the boundary, but they didn't affect the pond or the planting because of the way we sited everything.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
For example you could plant a phormium / shrub mahonia soft caress is nice ( left side near fence ) and under plant it with other grasses like carex or geraniums rozanne / patrica / nepeta / hellebore and bulbs what ever, add a couple of old terracotta pots / urn on there side to give a rustic look plant in them if you like.
Unsure what to suggest for the bottom right depends if you want it as as sun trap for seating or a planting area , obviously you'd need to remove the concrete to plant into it . Raised beds possibility do you like growing veg or cut flowers ?
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I don't do much of that in the garden either @TheGreenMan
I like to have the view from the back windows, so the creation of the back garden takes that all into consideration, especially for winter interest.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
A big plus is that you have a very private nicely enclosed garden, so no concerns about obliterating any views! Your decking area also looks in good order and there's plenty of sitting and entertaining space already. I wouldn't consider creating another sitting area now, until you are in a position to remove the decking.
I'd also keep your lawn - it will help attract birds to your garden to feed on worms and other invertebrates, and your dog will like it too! You could re-shape it or extend it at very little cost.
I would want to plant up the existing beds to get some interest and colour as soon as possible. Your clay soil may be a challenge but clay tolerant shrubs like Sambucus nigra, roses, Escallonia and Potentilla would be worth considering. There's also a range of perennials which would attract wildlife and give good colour such as Helenium, Persicaria and hardy Geraniums. Here's some more possiblities:
Clay soils: plants for / RHS Gardening
10 AGM-winning plants for clay soil / RHS Gardening
There are also many ornamental grasses that will tolerate clay soil. They will give your garden winter interest too - they will stand out against your evergreen hedge:
Buy grasses for clay soils: Delivery by Crocus
You could create your pond now or wait until you remove your decking area - that could be a good position for the pond.
Hope this has given you some ideas!