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Do we need soil or compost?

Magical MeerkatMagical Meerkat Posts: 311
in Problem solving
Hey,

We've spent the last 3 years slowly turning our new garden into a wildlife garden. We've just finished removing the last of the patio including hardcore and ballast sand. We've dug over the soil which is very sandy, with the odd ball of clay and has no worms/life in it 😖.  We think the patio was down for about 40 years. 

We used all the spoil from the pond we made to try to fill the level back up, but we have run out. We have added 15 large bags of soil conditioner. 

We now need to add more of something, because we know everything will sink a little as it settles and it's already lower than it should be. 

So question is, should we order a bulk bag or topsoil? Or a bulk bag of peat free compost? Or something else. 

We can get free old horse manure from friend too. 
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Posts

  • Magical MeerkatMagical Meerkat Posts: 311
    Yes, it has been a labour of love, we couldn't afford to pay anyone, so all been done with a shovel, pickaxe and wheelbarrow! 

    Oops should have said on planting ideas. So there will be a Witch Hazel and 2 acers. Poss a shrub, but mainly perennials in a prairie style. We brought hundreds of plants from our last garden. So will mostly be using those to save on pennies.  :)
  • Magical MeerkatMagical Meerkat Posts: 311
    Thanks this is what we were thinking and then we started doubting ourselves. Yes we do love a freebie too. The big purbeck boulders by the pond were free! 

    Can't wait to get planting. Roll on Spring 
  • Dinnerplatedahlias🌸Dinnerplatedahlias🌸 Posts: 99
    I’d go for soil. Dug out some borders and anything that I refilled with just compost sunk so fast wish I’d used topsoil mulched with compost.
  • CloggieCloggie Posts: 1,457
    My vote is for topsoil.  I only use compost (shop bought) for cuttings and house plants and part of a container mix.
  • WallflowerBryWallflowerBry Posts: 81
    That is looking excellent. Your hard work is paying off.  
  • WallflowerBryWallflowerBry Posts: 81
    I particularly like the stepping stone paths. 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    A great design. You can put annuals in between perennials while they grow on. Annuals like sunflowers (short and tall), annual scabious, poppies and cosmos are great and easy from seed.

    Birdsfoot trefoil, vetch and yarrows are great too.

    Good luck
  • garrythegardenergarrythegardener Posts: 21
    Finally, something good is coming from your hard work and dedication. 
    plantgrower
  • Magical MeerkatMagical Meerkat Posts: 311
    Thanks everyone for your kind posts. We plan to put creeping thyme between the pavers. The soil is very sandy and dry here, so perfect for them. 
    Oh thats a good idea to add some annuals, I'll have a think what I could add. I've got hundreds of cornflowers that have been growing since winter. Was going to take them to the allotment, but maybe I'll keep them here. 🤔 
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