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Novice Gardener

Hi,

I have recently moved property and our rear garden which is south facing is around 400mSq, mainly flat and square. The area was predominately grass however this has deteriorated due to the previous owner not being able to maintain the garden. 

The grass is now mainly thick moss, can anyone recommend the appropriate steps to remove the moss and any ideas on making this garden easier to maintain.

Thanks

Posts

  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698

    It would be nice to see a photo of your garden to see what you have to deal with besides the lawn. A large south facing garden is a very nice thing to have and maintenance will depend a lot on what you want to do in the garden........play area, barbeque, just a place to drink a few beers, wildlife area.

    As to the moss, http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/problems/weeds/moss/476.html this may help, though if the moss has completely taken over you might have to start again with actual grass, turf or seed.

  • Bri McVBri McV Posts: 3

    image

     

  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698

    That looks lovely. Are you wanting to reduce the area of the lawn and plant mixed borders or just leave it as it is?

  • Bri McVBri McV Posts: 3

    I would like to add a border for planting and get the garden prepared for next year for our newborn to be able to play outside... 

  • Looks nice as it is. image

     

    To reduce or eradicate the moss then improve drainage by going over the garden with a garden fork. You can get fancy tools to do the job too which are great if you have them.
    Also go over the lawn with a leaf rake quite strongly to remove a lot of  the dead grass and moss and compost this.
    If you have lots of bare patches you can re seed vthe patches.
    I like sprinkle the lawn every year with Seaweed meal which seems to thicken up the lawn very well.

  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698

    A border of shrubs and perennials will look great but be aware of the fact that a lot of seeds and berries are poisonous so chose carefully because small children seem to have no sense at all when it comes to staying alive. I can't see a small person chewing on a euonymous leaf but steer clear of things like Daphne.

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