My garden is long and narrow (6,5 mtr x 75 mtr). One half is playfully filled with raised beds, a small pond, small patio and a garage. The other half is a disaster. It is a former carport (with roof that cannot be removed as it is as old as the original house: 14th century) with pebbles on the ground, three compost bins, a large animal grave, an old garden house (with asbest roof) and a shaded patio that is casted over by a huge elderflower. The shrub is not just huge, it has gigantic leaves as well. I can take pictures when the snow is gone, but I have no idea what to do with it. It lies full in the sun as well. At the moment I am running two raised veggie beds in it... It looks and feels awful, empty and unfriendly.
I've managed to hide 2 large manhole covers and my septic tank cover.
I've created herbaceous borders which were deliberately shaped to be sure of including them. I then covered them with a couple of layers of heavy duty landscape fabric (I bought one that doesn't fray) and cut it to size with a generous margin around. I then bought danish trays from LBS Horticultural and filled these with compost and shallow rooted / spreading perennials ( eg geranium biokovo) that will cope with a bit of a disturbance when needed. The trays then disappear once the plants are mulched. The septic tank has to be emptied every 18 months, but it's easy enough to lift the tray and clear off any soil ... then lift the landscape fabric to get access. Have had this in place for 10 years now and it seems to work for me.
Gardener and beekeeper in beautiful Scottish Borders
A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime
Sorry for my late reply, I dont have email alerts set up
Thank you for your useful suggestions I've been having a root around and have found the perfect thing for a bird bath to go on the man hole by the arch, surrounding this with a collection of stones with holes through that I've been hoarding through the years, there are now self planted bluebells coming up round the edge, they get everywhere! Still gonna have to have a think on the other man hole as unfortunately the gate has to pass over it so needs clearance
I'd like some ideas for a very large garden - its actually a field of 2 acres, and although I've done loads, I could do with some inspiration! Particular where I've moved some earth and have a bund of about 6ft wide by 4ft high on 2 sides - about 120m long. I would like to make it into a mildly formal border but wont have loads and loads of time to weed and maintain.
I have an area of grass under a large conifer tree (overhanging from neighbours' garden!) The grass dies off in summer as our soil is very light and free draining and the tree takes out all the moisture. I'd like some ideas of what to put there instead.
I already have alpines and roses bordering 2 sides and a dwarf conifer bed directly under the tree with stepping stones across the middle of grassed area.
I put alpine sinks on top of manhole covers. The manmade sinks are very realistic without being as heavy. It is great to have 'little gardens' to experiment with and there are some beautiful alpine plants out there.
I have two dogs and need help with trying to keep a nice garden bit still ensuring they have space to enjoy too. At the moment they run all over the beds and squash most plants. Hoping they grow out of it as they are only puppies.
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My garden is long and narrow (6,5 mtr x 75 mtr). One half is playfully filled with raised beds, a small pond, small patio and a garage. The other half is a disaster. It is a former carport (with roof that cannot be removed as it is as old as the original house: 14th century) with pebbles on the ground, three compost bins, a large animal grave, an old garden house (with asbest roof) and a shaded patio that is casted over by a huge elderflower. The shrub is not just huge, it has gigantic leaves as well. I can take pictures when the snow is gone, but I have no idea what to do with it. It lies full in the sun as well. At the moment I am running two raised veggie beds in it... It looks and feels awful, empty and unfriendly.
Hi Wonky,
I've managed to hide 2 large manhole covers and my septic tank cover.
I've created herbaceous borders which were deliberately shaped to be sure of including them. I then covered them with a couple of layers of heavy duty landscape fabric (I bought one that doesn't fray) and cut it to size with a generous margin around. I then bought danish trays from LBS Horticultural and filled these with compost and shallow rooted / spreading perennials ( eg geranium biokovo) that will cope with a bit of a disturbance when needed. The trays then disappear once the plants are mulched. The septic tank has to be emptied every 18 months, but it's easy enough to lift the tray and clear off any soil ... then lift the landscape fabric to get access. Have had this in place for 10 years now and it seems to work for me.
A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime
Hi Buttercupdays, Obelixx, and Bee-witched,
Sorry for my late reply, I dont have email alerts set up
Thank you for your useful suggestions
I've been having a root around and have found the perfect thing for a bird bath to go on the man hole by the arch, surrounding this with a collection of stones with holes through that I've been hoarding through the years, there are now self planted bluebells coming up round the edge, they get everywhere! Still gonna have to have a think on the other man hole as unfortunately the gate has to pass over it so needs clearance 
Thanks again for the advice
happy gardening!
Wonky - get Pa Womble to hang the gate the other way so that it opens outwards?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I'd like some ideas for a very large garden - its actually a field of 2 acres, and although I've done loads, I could do with some inspiration! Particular where I've moved some earth and have a bund of about 6ft wide by 4ft high on 2 sides - about 120m long. I would like to make it into a mildly formal border but wont have loads and loads of time to weed and maintain.
I have an area of grass under a large conifer tree (overhanging from neighbours' garden!) The grass dies off in summer as our soil is very light and free draining and the tree takes out all the moisture. I'd like some ideas of what to put there instead.
I already have alpines and roses bordering 2 sides and a dwarf conifer bed directly under the tree with stepping stones across the middle of grassed area.
Kevin
Are you still wanting ideas for Joe Swift Garden Design questions/solutions?
I have a ditch running through the garden.
how can I disguise it, or use it ?