@Plantminded Thankyou for getting back and letting me know. I have enjoyed writing this thread in a few weeks with some better weather I shall be able to get out in the garden and enjoy all the hard work. Another gardening chapter and one I look forward to very much. Enjoy your beautiful garden this year. Suze.
Thankyou to everyone who has been kind enough to offer me help with my new garden. Suze.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
I hope so too, I’ve really enjoyed seeing you tackle the challenge, and what a difference you have already made to your new garden. Everyone loves ‘before and after’ pictures! Can I sneak a last minute question? I’m wanting to buy some calamagrostis karl foerster (spp?) and would be very grateful if you or @Plantminded can point me to a reliable source. Our Pembrokeshire garden centres are very limited, and I think (from reading advice on here) it may be the right plant for a windy south-facing spot against a fence. Thanks in advance for any ideas
@Golarne Yes Knoll Gardens a great website for inspiration. I did buy my first plant of Calamagrostis Karl Foester from an NGS garden opening. You could also check out some local nurseries buying on line is the expensive way. Although I have seen really large pots of this grass at the big chain GC Blue Diamond for a eye watering £35.00. Two litres will give a decent display this year if you are happy with a specimen plant that can be split spring 2025 just as it starts to shoot that will make two plants. Never split into really small pieces if you want any sort of display. I also grow C Overdam [slightly shorter with variegation in spring]and C Eldorado new to me. All add to a winter garden
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
What a shame this site is closing one of the best threads on here.
I have been read only for quite some time.
Lawn advice as I avoided your ask for help thread. Avoid over feeding your lawn that is high in fescue it only requires around 30 to 40 kg of Nitrogen per year so a 12% feed at 30 grams a meter will supply 36kg of nitrogen per hectare.
As for the drainage of the lawn, take a look on you tube
Robin Dagger (air injection ) some tree surgeons use a type of these.
Drill and fill turf
And finally liquid Gypsum.
If that lawn was mine I would be using a 25mm wood auger or masonry bit in a drill to get past your pan, it will decompact the ground and connect the surface to sub base we use to back fill with something called Turkish plummis( excuse spelling) you could use Hort grit a good dose of seaweed also helped keep the holes working longest. So a long dry spell at the end of the season with a overseed and light top dressing will pay dividends. Westlands lawn dressing is the best out of the bag mix.
@MrMow Thankyou so much for this, it is exactly the kind of information I need. I hoped you would be out there checking in on this forum still. It is good to know you are keeping busy in your retirement. I hadn't realised just how important a change can be and how happy my new garden makes me feel. A new gardening chapter, I have just written down all your great advice in my note book as I don't know of a way to print it for future reference. Spring is just around the corner enjoy your garden. Best Wishes Suze
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Posts
Thankyou to everyone who has been kind enough to offer me help with my new garden.
Suze.
I'll keep a watch for updates!
Can I sneak a last minute question? I’m wanting to buy some calamagrostis karl foerster (spp?) and would be very grateful if you or @Plantminded can point me to a reliable source. Our Pembrokeshire garden centres are very limited, and I think (from reading advice on here) it may be the right plant for a windy south-facing spot against a fence. Thanks in advance for any ideas
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Two litres will give a decent display this year if you are happy with a specimen plant that can be split spring 2025 just as it starts to shoot that will make two plants. Never split into really small pieces if you want any sort of display. I also grow C Overdam [slightly shorter with variegation in spring]and C Eldorado new to me. All add to a winter garden
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Robin Dagger (air injection ) some tree surgeons use a type of these.
And finally liquid Gypsum.
I hadn't realised just how important a change can be and how happy my new garden makes me feel. A new gardening chapter, I have just written down all your great advice in my note book as I don't know of a way to print it for future reference. Spring is just around the corner enjoy your garden. Best Wishes Suze