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Complete Newbie Question

jazz125jazz125 Posts: 3
edited August 2021 in Problem solving
Hi all, 

So, I have completely neglected my garden for years. I have an area which used to have flowers (admittedly it was tended to by the previous owner) and is now just peppered with weeds and stones. I was advised to just add topsoil and then I'd be ready to add flowers, but I'm sure there is more to it. Could someone please help a layman understand how best to prepare the soil? 

I have attached a couple pictures which should show the shocking state it is in. There are stones, pebbles, weeds and a potted plant in the corner.

Any advice you can give to transform this area to something more presentable would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Jazz




Posts

  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    I doubt that I would go with that advice but the photos will get you better guidance. (Click on the postcard with mountain symbol).
    Rutland, England
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    Don’t think I can’t see the window reflection - couldn’t be arsed to go outside and take a proper picture, eh?

    I was anticipating worse, much much worse. I would dig out the weeds (violas?) and would get rid of that shrub combination as well. The small leaved thing is possibly lonicera nitida, much loved in supermarket car parks but deadly dull in the garden. 

    I would not be troubled by the stones but would add a couple of bags of farmyard manure bought from a garden centre and tickle it into the top few inches of soil.

    Then you can plant, and early autumn is as good a time as any. What plants you should buy depends on your colour scheme preferences, the amount of sun the plot gets and the nature of the soil. How many plants will be governed by the size of the plot

    Shrubs could be planted as well as herbaceous perennials and daffodils and other spring bulbs are never out of place.
    Rutland, England
  • jazz125jazz125 Posts: 3
    BenCotto said:
    Don’t think I can’t see the window reflection - couldn’t be arsed to go outside and take a proper picture, eh?
    Busted!

    Thanks for your reply, BenCotto.

    The plot gets a fair amount of sunlight, so I was thinking of planting hydrangeas. Is it a good idea to use sunken pots for hydrangeas? I ask because I may be moving sometime next year and would like to take them with. A quick Google search and the general consensus is that this isn't straightforward, but is possible?

  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Hydrangeas need a lot of water when getting them established.  The clue is in the name "Hydra."  Pittisporum are good doers and very adaptable they can be clipped or let grow large as you wish, there are variegated and colour options too. 
    AB Still learning

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    If you are thinking of a move next year, your best bet would be to tidy up and then think about some plants in containers to tart it up for the sale.
    If you think what containers you would find useful in your next place, you could buy now and plant bulbs and then fill with bedding plants in the spring and add annuals to set the garden off.
    Little point in lumbering yourself with Hydrangeas now ( particularly in containers ) - better to wait until you have your new garden.
    9 times out of 10, the person who purchases your property will have a completely different view of the garden they want so great expense and effort on your part is often not worth it.
    Tidy, weed free ( as far as possible ) and colourful would be in your best interest. 
    Of course, if you decide not to move, none of the above advice applies ;)
  • jazz125jazz125 Posts: 3
    Thanks Allotment Boy. Duly noted that they're high maintenance plants. 

    Hi Philippa, yes, makes sense. In the back of my mind, I knew it didn't really make sense buying them now, but I can't help it... they're calling out to me! 
  • HeliosHelios Posts: 232
    edited August 2021
    If you really, really covet a hydrangea but may be moving maybe I can reassure you? I have a hydrangea in a pot in a small northeast facing garden. It’s been there for several years now, is very happy and flowers prolifically, despite my neglect, every year.

    Edited to add ; the pot isn’t buried in the garden. 
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