Overgrown garden... New gardener... HELP!!

Posts

• LG_ Posts: 4,360

  May 2016

  Do you have a mower? If you mow it, it'll immediately look better and you'll be able to see what you're dealing with a bit easier.

  You can also get tools for weeding between paving slabs quite cheaply (or an old kitchen knife works quite well).

  Can you see if there are any flowers beds at all or does the grass go right to the fences?

  'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'

  - Cicero

  0
• The_herpetologist Posts: 481

  May 2016

  This isn't a mess, it just needs a mow. I tend to let my grass grow at least that long before its first mow in late spring - that way you get really thick, healthy grass all summer. You may want to spray your patio with weedol, but it doesn't look too bad. I wouldn't replace the cracked slab as it would look strange with a new slab - just get some ready mix cement and fill in the cracks.You've got 2 sheds. I'd pull down the smaller one and make a patio area for BBQs.

  0
• Rainbowfish Posts: 276

  May 2016

  Not a mess, just needs some love

  Pretty much looks like a blank slate. Lots of opportunity to make it your own

  0
• Posy Posts: 3,601

  May 2016

  If your baby is nine months, she will soon be a toddler so your first job is to look at your garden for safety. She will get into everywhere and everything so look at the sheds - can you shut them securely if you have tools or chemicals in there? Could she stumble on little steps, or get caught up in bits of broken fence? The grass only needs a cut and then you can decide where to put the paddling pool!

  0
• The_herpetologist Posts: 481

  May 2016

  The wooden slatted wall on the left is made for a lovely climbing plant, eg virgina creeper. 

  0
• Landlubber Posts: 396

  May 2016

  Def need that lawn mower!  With some climbers on the fences and say a few pot plants on patio area = it could add up to a sweet little garden.

  0
• Jo104 Posts: 10

  May 2016

  After you have mown it I would suggest hop on to Amazon and buy a jigsaw alphabet and number play playmat made of EVA foam, for £8 this would be a good investment. If it still feels very uneven put an old blanket underneath. It will make those uneven paving stones less hazardous while your little one is toddling and makes a great base for a paddling pool too. You will get years of use out of it as long as you put it away each night so it's not sitting out in all weather and will instantly make the garden look cheerful.

  Dig a little patch by the fence in the sunniest part of the garden and pop in some sunflower seeds in. Follow the instructions on the pack and you will be fine.

  It sounds obvious but plants love sun so make sure you dont plant in places that are in permanent shade. ?

  Hop on to freecycle and see if anyone has a few large flowerpots of good soil they could share, and ask if any plants going spare they don't need ( often people have too many tomato plants at this time of year as they let too many seeds get started; make sure you plant tomatoes in the ground as they get too thirsty in pots and snip out the tops when they are a few feet tall and pull off the lower leaves and any sappy little branches so the energy goes into fruit.)

  I would also suggest plant nasturtium seeds ( look for the climbing variety ) as they grow so easily and look very cheerful covered in red and yellow flowers. you can plant so they other grow up by the fences. And collect the seeds that fall ready for planting next year, you'll end up with dozens next year.

  Remember any young plants in pots need watering every day in a hot summer so if you have a holiday planned, bear in mind you should water really well before you go and move pots somewhere shady.

  Don't invest in expensive plants until you have got the hang of things, but do buy a good trowel and a mower. And a watering can. 

  Have fun ?

  0