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New to gardening

HoopiHoopi Posts: 4
in Problem solving

Hi I am looking for some advice to manage a small piece of garden alongside a canal. It is approx. 60' by 10' and has a wild flower patch approx half it's length. We are looking to use the other half as a seating/play area.

There area is prone to nettles, weeds and lots of ants!!!

I have been considering the following and any advice would be greatly appreciated:

Would bark chippings be suitable or are there more suitable options?

Is it worth laying a woven weed fabric before applying covering?

Can nematodes be used on areas other than lawns as ant deterrent, if not what safe alternatives are there this close to water?

Thanks for reading

Julie 

Posts

  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    Yes lay a membrane before laying bark on top, which is suitable, and yes and nematodes are available and can be used.

  • barry islandbarry island Posts: 1,846

    Sound like a great project yes lay membrane bark is great but as for ants sve your money and read this http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/ant-ecosystem.html#cr. Good luck.image

  • ForrestgrumpForrestgrump Posts: 247

    Are they Black, Red, wood ants? all like different conditions so by laying the membrane and bark you could encourage more or drive them away.

    Will the soil below remain damp or dry out do you think, then see what type of habitat the ants you have like this will give you an idea of what will happen, try not to kill them if you can they are very valuable in the garden often misunderstood and a good food source for baby birds.

    If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.
  • HoopiHoopi Posts: 4
    Thanks for the advice all, will investigate further re ants. Dont want to kill them and the amount there are this would be impossible! Just read that nematodes discourage nests in immediate area which would be useful if we want to use the area. We are willing to share it but at the moment the ants are not!!!cheers
  • ForrestgrumpForrestgrump Posts: 247

    Hoopi Have you cleared and levelled the ground yet? if not just doing this might make the ants move house.

    If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.
  • HoopiHoopi Posts: 4

    Thanks, yeah have turned it over a few times now but they are determined!image

  • HoopiHoopi Posts: 4

    Thanks for the suggestions, and don't worry - this is where we live so we ensure it is a safe environment

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