It would have been easier just to break up the base with a fork, get some bagged topsoil and manure yourself, and fill the bed. Hindsight's a great thing though.
That's the route I'd take, then you can decide how you're planting the area. That will depend on various factors - your climate, the aspect, your likes and dislikes, and how big a rain shadow the building creates. If it's generally going to be a wetter site, shrubs will be better. You can still have climbers/perennials/ground cover/bulbs etc as well, depending on how much room there is.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks @Fairygirl, but it would have been too difficult for me to do that. But yunno what, after I found that they had dumped waste in the hole, when I found the red bull can, I found strength I didn't know I have! I dug like I've never dug before I was so angry at the lack of respect (Hell hath no fury) that I worked in the garden all day, moving the soil to other parts they missed. I'm not supposed to go hard because of a neck injury, but by God I did it and I'm still alive, albeit very sore.
And you're right, I should be dreaming of plant combinations now, not lying awake thinking of the drama!
If you aren't sure of what plants will be suitable, just post a pic of the whole area, with a bit more info re the things I mentioned, and you'll get plenty of ideas.
It's a good time to browse all the good suppliers of all sorts of plants too, but can be expensive
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
On the expense side, it is usually better value to buy fewer good plants from a reputable supplier than it is to get lots of small cheap ones from a 'bargain' place. They are more likely to thrive and will give you some impact more quickly. And you can often split them later that year to get more plants for free
When you have had some practice with growing from seed and raising seedlings, then the cheap plugs can sometimes be worth a punt (with your fingers crossed and the weather on your side!) but all too often it ends in failure. There are always loads of queries from disappointed novices about them on here. If you are not sure about the source then just ask
Thanks @Buttercupdays! Indeed, I've tried the tiny plugs and less than 50% survived, but that had a lot to do with me
It's going to be a slow but enjoyable process in the beginning. I've got a couple of hours with a planting designer to get me going, that should prevent any major mistakes, any medium and small mistakes are part of the learning process and shouldn't be too costly. That's the plan anyway! The landscapers say they're coming with the missing soil over the next two days, but that's only because they are doing a neighbour's garden and they need to dispose of soil from there! At least they've been honest about that part lol
As @Buttercupdays says, it's not always the best way to buy from cheapo outlets, tempting though it seems. Good suppliers of all sorts of plants are plentiful, depending on what you want for the space, and it comes down to the old adage of buy cheap, buy twice. Once you have confidence about growing plants yourself, it's a great thing to do, but getting the main structure of your bed in place, using a reliable GC or nursery, is always the best route initially, especially for things like shrubs and climbers.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
That sounds good to me. I've engaged a local designer who has recommended quality GCs, and I have the patience to buy smaller and wait, so that they establish here rather than in a nursery. I did a plant inventory and there were over 50 types in the back garden alone, so plenty to play with. I still need a lot more though as I gained about 20sqm of planting space where concrete used to be.
Posts
Hindsight's a great thing though.
That's the route I'd take, then you can decide how you're planting the area. That will depend on various factors - your climate, the aspect, your likes and dislikes, and how big a rain shadow the building creates. If it's generally going to be a wetter site, shrubs will be better. You can still have climbers/perennials/ground cover/bulbs etc as well, depending on how much room there is.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
And you're right, I should be dreaming of plant combinations now, not lying awake thinking of the drama!
It's a good time to browse all the good suppliers of all sorts of plants too, but can be expensive
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Once you have confidence about growing plants yourself, it's a great thing to do, but getting the main structure of your bed in place, using a reliable GC or nursery, is always the best route initially, especially for things like shrubs and climbers.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...