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New flower beds!

alexander.wadealexander.wade Posts: 39
in Plants
Hello,

I have decided I would like to put in three flower beds in my front garden, either side of the path to the door and directly in front of the house. from research places suggest planting in tiers With hydrangeas etc at the back. Would September be a good time to plant a new flower bed? 

when creating a new flower bed is it best to dispose of the old ground? where i live it is mostly thick clay soil that I assume isn't best for flower beds!

If anyone has any good suggestions on which flowers/shrubs are good to plant at this time of year for each tier that would be amazing. 

Thanks!!!

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited September 2022
    @alexander.wade I think before you plant anything you need to take a good look at your soil. Can you actually dig it? The roots of all plants need to be able to breath. Clay soil can be wet in winter  and too dry in summer. My clay soil is very dry at the moment I have found it difficult to plant daffodils. There are shrubs for clay soil but as said start with a good open soil for success. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • alexander.wadealexander.wade Posts: 39
    Hello,

    Thank you for your reply. 

    I can dig it out and then put in top soil/compost if that is the best option? 

    thanks
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    What sort of position is it, sunny or shady ?
    Does it only get sun at certain times of the day ?
    Also what size would the beds be ?
    This all helps  :)

    You can improve the soil by digging in well rotted manure (and possibly grit to improve drainage).
  • alexander.wadealexander.wade Posts: 39
    - South facing so technically full sun(if possible in UK)
    - they would both be around 3m long and 1.5/2m wide 
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I think hydrangeas might struggle in that case. They don't mind some sun ( in the morning for example), but l think full sun might be too much. They also need a lot of water.

    Some ideas that may be of use, l'm sure other members will have ideas.
    https://www.jacksonsnurseries.co.uk/plants/conditions/plants-for-full-sun/shrubs-for-full-sun/
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