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Low maintenance ideas for a large garden

KHTKHT Posts: 7
in Problem solving
Hi all, I'm looking for some advice on how best to make this garden as low maintenence as possible. It's 8000m2 and currently 95% grass and also has a lake (photo on the link below). It's currently totally overgrown with weeds and brambles so the local farmer is going to come in and top the whole thing so we literally have a blank canvas. It's going to be just a holiday home for the next few years so weekly mowing isn't really an option. We will be having someone to come in and mow the grass but I'm looking at options to make it as low maintenance as possible. Currently researching making the bottom part of the garden a flower meadow? All ideas and thoughts welcome. https://flic.kr/p/B4CHui
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  • KHTKHT Posts: 7
    That's exactly my plan when we move out there permanently... Sheep, goat, pig, donkey etc. I like your way of thinking but was hoping there may be a more practical gardening based solution? ha!
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,888

    I think realistically , having someone come and mow is the most low maintenance option. If you start creating bed and borders, that's more work.

    Devon.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    I'm inclined to agree with Hosta. Mowing will keep the weeds, brambles etc under control until you're in a position to do more. Once you're there permanently, you can start making beds and growing what you want.

    Flower meadows aren't as low maintenance as people think either! 

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



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    Flower meadows are low maintenance for months but then they need cutting and carting. That's high maintenance.



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601

    If you are serious about the sheep, goat and especially the pig there is no point in making a garden at all. These animals will eat or destroy the lot and the pig will turn it into a wallow. You will need to remove anything poisonous and make strong fences but you won't be able to grow anything.

  • KHTKHT Posts: 7
    Sadly posy the animals won't be for another 5-10 years realistically and I can easily fence off an Area for them so that's not a concern really.



    Nutculet, we can definitely cope with that. I'd happily bring someone in to do that job. Is that all the maintenence they need realistically?
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    That's the maintenance but what's established there now? If it's nettles, brambles and docks they'll need knocking back a bit before it's a wildflower meadow. Those I'd mow regularly for a few years before letting it have a whole season's growth.

     



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • KHTKHT Posts: 7
    The garden was very well taken care of till March this year so shouldn't take too long to get back on top of. But of course you are right, the next few months will be spent getting everything back on top of it all ready to start fresh in the spring.
  • KHTKHT Posts: 7
    This photo shows what the garden looked like at the start of summer. This is looking down to the area I'm considering making a meadow. Any other thoughts on flower meadow maintenance?



    https://flic.kr/p/Ar9WKm
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/136661283@N06/22600787578/

    is that better Tetleyimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
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