If the bank was mine I'd put in bluebells, anemones, primulas, and make a spring feature of it. If it is wet and shady I'd have ferns but if sunny I'd go for low growing ground cover flowers and small shrubs. The 'lawn' is a bit of a problem, but don't despair, there are already good ideas here. The important thing is not to rush at it or attempt too much at once. Do a bit of research on any of the ideas that appeal to you, have a look at how your neighbours have tackled the problems. Think about budget - but remember that what you invest will last for years. Unless you decide to dig the whole lot up and do major drainage work, it may be more rewarding to do one section at a time, then you can enjoy that part and turn a blind eye to the rest while you prepare for the next project. Gardening is to enjoy - that's the most important thing, not to worry about!
You are in Holmfirth, very close to bedrock by the sound of things and as Hazel said the farmland drains into your garden. These things will never change. You can either make futile attempts to have a 'normal' garden, or you could could invest a great deal of effort and money installing a drainage system to remove the water. Both these are very stressful. The third option is to embrace the challenge and create a beautiful garden that suits the conditions and will be rewarding for years to come.
So, do as Posy says and make the woodland a beautiful spring garden. Get inspiration from Gardener's World 2016 Episode One (on iplayer if you missed it) and the garden pictures thread on here. There are loads of pretty things to grow, many of them will spread themselves around too, so it will get better year on year. Snowdrops, wood anemones, narcissi large and small, cyclamen Coum and Hederifolium, English bluebells, (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) primroses and Hellebores, red campion and maybe wild garlic (if you don't mind the garlicky smell and watching that it doesn't take over, pretty though !) and some ferns will get you started and you will find more things to add as you get into it. They don't need deep soil, they won't need weeding unless you have thugs like nettles that make walking there unpleasant or there is one wild plant that threatens to take over the rest. Most of the ones in my list are wildflowers, so one or two more will be in keeping.
As for the lawn - forget it It will never be a satisfying perfect sward and who wants to look at a muddy mess? Create pathways with hardcore or a boardwalk if it's that bad, so you can get around and enter the exciting world of bog gardeningLots of lovely plants on here: http://www.thewatergarden.co.uk/App/Home.aspx and here: https://www.pondplants.co.uk/category.php or just start googling bog or moisture loving plants. If you still really want some 'normal' plants, grow a few in pots You can always get help on here if you need it so Happy Gardening!
As Goldfinch says this is being caused by the run off from the bank and compounded by the heavy clay soil. A French drain would be an ideal solution but you need to be able to run it off somewhere and that might not be practical. Are there properties to your left and right? Judging by the pics it looks like you have a 'nice' slope to the left so if you can continue the drain this way to some form of lower point outlet that would be good. You seem to have higher ground to the right so again you would need to address the water coming in from this side. If that's a neighbour you could see if they want to join your 'scheme' and run the drain the whole length. I'm guessing all gardens suffer the same fate.
As for planting on the bank, I grew up on a farm nearer a railway and I recall the banks being a swathe of primroses.
Wow thank you for your replies! So much to think about now
I have neighbours either side. One side have just moved in so I don't know what they are like gardening wise. (Right side)
The other side, their garden isn't very nice. It's more of an area for their child to play on than anything.
I know someone on this street has graveled the whole garden. It looks OK but I think it's over kill.
I love the idea of having the bank covered in plants. Especially garlic, there's nothing better than garlic to me haha. I love it in anything and I've become a little bit immune to the taste haha.
We are definitely going to have to tackle it bit by bit. The first adventure is the bottom of the garden. Once that is decent the rest isn't too bad.
One thing is for sure, as we dig we are collecting many many rocks and huge pieces of stone, won't need to pay for it to build the rockery haha!
Posts
Google Bog Garden. They are really lovely and would help overcome your boggy problem.
Hi Kayray ...... I've just googled and found this which might be worth reading
http://rachel-the-gardener.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/planting-on-banks-and-steep-slopes-part.html
If the bank was mine I'd put in bluebells, anemones, primulas, and make a spring feature of it. If it is wet and shady I'd have ferns but if sunny I'd go for low growing ground cover flowers and small shrubs. The 'lawn' is a bit of a problem, but don't despair, there are already good ideas here. The important thing is not to rush at it or attempt too much at once. Do a bit of research on any of the ideas that appeal to you, have a look at how your neighbours have tackled the problems. Think about budget - but remember that what you invest will last for years. Unless you decide to dig the whole lot up and do major drainage work, it may be more rewarding to do one section at a time, then you can enjoy that part and turn a blind eye to the rest while you prepare for the next project. Gardening is to enjoy - that's the most important thing, not to worry about!
Hi there and welcome.
that area will always be damp/ boggy as you will get all the run off watef from behind.
Pussy willows like damp areas, a bog garden is a great idea--go with the flow!
Conifers-cast a lot of shade, as well as soaking up the moisture.
how long have you had the place.
test the soil, know the ph. Also where the sun is, at different times of the year take pictures of your garden, during the 4 seasons to remind you .
You are in Holmfirth, very close to bedrock by the sound of things and as Hazel said the farmland drains into your garden. These things will never change. You can either make futile attempts to have a 'normal' garden, or you could could invest a great deal of effort and money installing a drainage system to remove the water. Both these are very stressful. The third option is to embrace the challenge and create a beautiful garden that suits the conditions and will be rewarding for years to come.
So, do as Posy says and make the woodland a beautiful spring garden. Get inspiration from Gardener's World 2016 Episode One (on iplayer if you missed it) and the garden pictures thread on here. There are loads of pretty things to grow, many of them will spread themselves around too, so it will get better year on year. Snowdrops, wood anemones, narcissi large and small, cyclamen Coum and Hederifolium, English bluebells, (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) primroses and Hellebores, red campion and maybe wild garlic (if you don't mind the garlicky smell and watching that it doesn't take over, pretty though !) and some ferns will get you started and you will find more things to add as you get into it. They don't need deep soil, they won't need weeding unless you have thugs like nettles that make walking there unpleasant or there is one wild plant that threatens to take over the rest. Most of the ones in my list are wildflowers, so one or two more will be in keeping.
As for the lawn - forget it
It will never be a satisfying perfect sward and who wants to look at a muddy mess? Create pathways with hardcore or a boardwalk if it's that bad, so you can get around and enter the exciting world of bog gardening
Lots of lovely plants on here: http://www.thewatergarden.co.uk/App/Home.aspx and here: https://www.pondplants.co.uk/category.php or just start googling bog or moisture loving plants. If you still really want some 'normal' plants, grow a few in pots
You can always get help on here if you need it so Happy Gardening!
As Goldfinch says this is being caused by the run off from the bank and compounded by the heavy clay soil. A French drain would be an ideal solution but you need to be able to run it off somewhere and that might not be practical. Are there properties to your left and right? Judging by the pics it looks like you have a 'nice' slope to the left so if you can continue the drain this way to some form of lower point outlet that would be good. You seem to have higher ground to the right so again you would need to address the water coming in from this side. If that's a neighbour you could see if they want to join your 'scheme' and run the drain the whole length. I'm guessing all gardens suffer the same fate.
As for planting on the bank, I grew up on a farm nearer a railway and I recall the banks being a swathe of primroses.
I have neighbours either side. One side have just moved in so I don't know what they are like gardening wise. (Right side)
The other side, their garden isn't very nice. It's more of an area for their child to play on than anything.
I know someone on this street has graveled the whole garden. It looks OK but I think it's over kill.
I love the idea of having the bank covered in plants. Especially garlic, there's nothing better than garlic to me haha. I love it in anything and I've become a little bit immune to the taste haha.
We are definitely going to have to tackle it bit by bit. The first adventure is the bottom of the garden. Once that is decent the rest isn't too bad.
One thing is for sure, as we dig we are collecting many many rocks and huge pieces of stone, won't need to pay for it to build the rockery haha!