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Garden on a roll

NewnorthernIrishgardenerNewnorthernIrishgardener Posts: 52
in Garden design
Hello 

I am wanting to set up a garden and I have quite a big plot but limited knowledge

I have found the company garden on a roll
Essentially it's a roll of paper with a planting plan and the plants for the plan also. The idea it you lay down the paper plants the plants where advised and mulch over the top 

Has anyone got any advise on this? What's they used them before?
It does feel a bit like cheating and I would be worried I wouldn't be happy with the result and it is fairly expensive??

Any advise welcome
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Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    If you put some photos on. here you'll get all the advice you need for free


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • NewnorthernIrishgardenerNewnorthernIrishgardener Posts: 52
    Thanks @nutcutlet appreciate that
    The forum does seem very generous with their advise! 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I think it's a bit of a gimmick myself. If you tell us what kind of conditions you have (size of border, aspect (what direction does it face, is it shaded by trees or buildings), climate/approximate location, soil type etc which I expect you would need anyway to order the garden on a roll, I'm sure people will make suggestions for plants, then it's fairly easy to look up their final heights and spreads to work out the spacing.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @NewnorthernIrishgardener You mention the word 'cheating', if you enjoy gardening I would advise taking your time and planting things that you enjoy. They will need to be suitable for your conditions plenty of help here if you need it.


    A lovely garden is not like buying a new sofa, it keeps changing and evolving and should be a reflection of you and what you like, far more satisfying.

    Gardens are often overplanted by a landscape gardener so that the client feels they have value for money. By year four it can become a messy jungle, unless there has been continuous care from a gardener. It doesn't need to be a professional but someone who enjoys their own space... 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • NewnorthernIrishgardenerNewnorthernIrishgardener Posts: 52
    Thanks @GardenerSuze beautifully put and I don't think I will be going down that route and thank you for the offer of planting advise I will surely take up the offer 
    I think for myself and my wife it's purely a confidence issue in being concerned we make the wrong choices


  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    NewnorthernIrishgardener said:
    Thanks @GardenerSuze beautifully put and I don't think I will be going down that route and thank you for the offer of planting advise I will surely take up the offer 
    I think for myself and my wife it's purely a confidence issue in being concerned we make the wrong choices


    @NewnorthernIrishgardener, we all make mistakes. I've spent hours thinking about where to put what and finally realised that if you get it wrong you move them. Don't buy big expensive things, the larger the plant the more care it needs to get established



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    As the others have said - put some details on here, and you'll get plenty of advice @NewnorthernIrishgardener. What suits the south of England won't necessarily suit your conditions.  Does that get taken into account with this company?

    Aspect, climate and soil type are the main factors when choosing plants, but other things can affect that such as buildings, other plants nearby, fences, walls etc.
    How much time you have for maintenance is also important, as well as how else you use the plot. 
    If you can add some photos, that really helps too  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited March 2023
    @NewnorthernIrishgardener Sharing with other gardener's and not feeling 'shy' to ask questions is how to gain confidence. No such thing on here as a silly question. You will make some wrong choices all gardeners do.

    Before 'diving in' understanding your soil and aspect is a good start.
    If you are off to the GC don't just pick something because you like it, will it grow in your garden should be the first thought. If you have access to plant details on your phone you can look them up as you go.

    A garden has four seasons of interest and will always look good in early summer. It is the rest of the year that needs thought too. Something lovely to enjoy next to the house can be a joy at this time of year, when it is cold outside.

    If you can offer information on aspect, soil and what you like[ I understand that can be difficult sometimes] that will help. There are also posters on here from Ireland that will understand your growing conditions. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited March 2023
    Just looked at the 'Evergreen Sunny Garden Border' on the Gardening on a roll website.
    Personally I think the plants in the photo are too close together and will need replanting  very quickly.   Far better to grow less shrubs and intersperse with a few annuals like Cosmos until the permanent planting matures..
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited March 2023
    I think what worries me most is the fact that the word 'to' is missing from the blurb on the homepage  ;)

    The simplest way fill your garden with beauty

    SHOP THE COLLECTION

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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