Sounds like you are desperate to get started! Re the soil, good advice to have a dig. You may have very good soil, but even so it would be a good idea to add some compost to the existing borders, and in a month or so some slow release fertilizer like fish blood and bone or bonemeal - especially if you plan to plant shrubs. This will ensure that you don't spend money on - and a lot of time planting - things that then don't thrive. There are lots and lots of plants to choose from - most things will romp away if the conditions are right. Now is a really good time to chuck muck on the soil, so that the worms can work it in and get your borders ready for planting.
You need to try and work out if the soil is acid, neutral or very alkaline. Likely to be neutral, but if your neighbours are all growing whopping rhododendrons, or conifers, could be acid. If your soil has a lot of chalk in it, again, no point planting things that like acid conditions. You also need to see whether it is heavy clay, very well drained or somewhere in the middle. In the current weather if it's heavy clay you are likely to have a lot of water on the surface. Actually, in the current weather ANYONE is likely to have a lot of water on the surface! ask your neighbours. There are plants that will thrive in water-retentive ground, whereas others really like it on the dry side.
I know this all sounds a bit dull when you are desperate to get plants in the ground, but like a lot of other gardeners on this forum I have learnt a lot from my mistakes and no longer try to grow what will not thrive in my garden. Gardens can eat money! There is always a lot of choice of plants, no matter what your conditions (unless you are in a desert or on a mountain top!) it's often more a question of narrowing down your options.
Also be wary of going down the "fast growing "route. Seems a nice idea to buy things that will grow quickly but in practise, they can outgrow their welcome and become a bit of a thug that needs constant pruning.
Wish I could say "plant this" but really recommend you go to a good garden centre, have a look round and collar somebody knowledgeable. If you are interested in trees and shrubs, better still seek out a specialist nursery. Time spent carefully planning now will save you a lot of time, money and heartache in the long run.
Be patient. Don't rush into planting too quickly. Firstly observe which parts of the garden are in full sun for most of the day, which bits are in shade most of the day and which bits are going to be sunny for part of the day and in the shade for part of the day. If you plant the right plant in the right place (a shade loving plant in a shady spot) it will flourish. If you plant a sun lover in the shade it will either die or look a sorry state. A little time spent observing your site at this stage will save you wasting money.
Find out what soil you have. Is it sandy, clay or chalk. Again, different plants prefer different conditions. Your neighbour may be able to give you some advice.
Increase the size of your borders. You need the boarders to be deep enough to be able to plants in groups rather than single plants. Groups of odd numbers (3, 5, 7 ... look most natural as a general rule). This can of course be expensive so don't feel you got to do all of the garden in one go. Maybe do one border one year and another the following year.
I would encourage you to improve the soil by adding lots of compost. The soil on new build sites is often poor. Good soil results in healthy plants. If your soil is heavy clay you may need to add grit.
When you get to the point of planting aim to get a balance of a few small trees, some shrubs, some evergreen plants that will give you some structure in the winter and perennial flowers. A few tips I would offer is to have a few focus plants, keep things simple by having larger groups of fewer plants. Repeating the same plant at different places in the garden can unify a garden design.
Work out How much time you've got and how much time you want to spend in the garden. If you're retired and love gardening you can have a garden full of plants and be in seventh heaven. If you have a demanding job and young children a lower maintenance scheme might be the order of the day.
The choice of what to plant is extensive. One tip is to have a look at what is growing well in your street and neighbourhood. If a plant is growing well a few doors away there's every chance it will do well in yours.
Some possible trees: crab apples, cornus controversy variegate and Japanese Acres and Magnolia Stellata's are some of my personal favourites.
With regard to shrubs Buddleja's and Lavatera's are fast growing and good doers. I personally love the scent of Philadelphus (mock oranges), virburnums and Daphne.
With regard to smaller perennials, there are an almost endless choice. I would recommend hardy geraniums as being a good plant for a new gardener. There are hundreds of different types but Geranium Rozanne flowers its socks of.
You might like to consider what colour scheme you would like. Some people love pastel colours such as blues and purples which are relaxing and some prefer oranges and reds that have a zing about them.
Finally, simply enjoy being out in the fresh air. I planted my first plant as a result of moving into my first home. I have found it to be a great way to unwind.
Thank you Ginglygangly and Scott for your time and very useful advice, it is much appreciated. I won't have a lot of time so a low maintenance system would be beneficial. From all the replies I have here, I have lots to think about and as you say not to rush into anything.
Hi babs, sorry I assumed it was new build because the garden is just lawn, amazing to think it been like that for 55 years!
As has been said once you Have decided on the planting area, dig over the soil, remove any large stones, add organic matter to it( compost or well rotted manure). This will improve the soil if it's sandy or clay.
Posts
Hi Babs
Sounds like you are desperate to get started! Re the soil, good advice to have a dig. You may have very good soil, but even so it would be a good idea to add some compost to the existing borders, and in a month or so some slow release fertilizer like fish blood and bone or bonemeal - especially if you plan to plant shrubs. This will ensure that you don't spend money on - and a lot of time planting - things that then don't thrive. There are lots and lots of plants to choose from - most things will romp away if the conditions are right. Now is a really good time to chuck muck on the soil, so that the worms can work it in and get your borders ready for planting.
You need to try and work out if the soil is acid, neutral or very alkaline. Likely to be neutral, but if your neighbours are all growing whopping rhododendrons, or conifers, could be acid. If your soil has a lot of chalk in it, again, no point planting things that like acid conditions. You also need to see whether it is heavy clay, very well drained or somewhere in the middle. In the current weather
if it's heavy clay you are likely to have a lot of water on the surface. Actually, in the current weather ANYONE is likely to have a lot of water on the surface! ask your neighbours. There are plants that will thrive in water-retentive ground, whereas others really like it on the dry side.
I know this all sounds a bit dull when you are desperate to get plants in the ground, but like a lot of other gardeners on this forum I have learnt a lot from my mistakes and no longer try to grow what will not thrive in my garden. Gardens can eat money! There is always a lot of choice of plants, no matter what your conditions (unless you are in a desert or on a mountain top!) it's often more a question of narrowing down your options.
Also be wary of going down the "fast growing "route. Seems a nice idea to buy things that will grow quickly but in practise, they can outgrow their welcome and become a bit of a thug that needs constant pruning.
Wish I could say "plant this" but really recommend you go to a good garden centre, have a look round and collar somebody knowledgeable. If you are interested in trees and shrubs, better still seek out a specialist nursery. Time spent carefully planning now will save you a lot of time, money and heartache in the long run.
Good luck!
My general advice on where to start would be:
Scott
Thank you Ginglygangly and Scott for your time and very useful advice, it is much appreciated. I won't have a lot of time so a low maintenance system would be beneficial. From all the replies I have here, I have lots to think about and as you say not to rush into anything.
Thanks again.
Hi babs, sorry I assumed it was new build because the garden is just lawn, amazing to think it been like that for 55 years!
As has been said once you Have decided on the planting area, dig over the soil, remove any large stones, add organic matter to it( compost or well rotted manure). This will improve the soil if it's sandy or clay.
its hard work,but so worth it.