Topsoiled says:Don't be scared to cut some of the shrubs/trees back hard, they would have been put in as much smaller specimens a long time ago. The holly bush, if you don't like it - get rid of it. There's a long shrub on the right of 4th photo - pretty sure that's not what the original plan was - I'd get rid of it . You choice obviously but don't be scared is the point. See original post
Hi Topsoiled, thanks for your response.
Do you mean the one which looks like a hedge almost? If so, how would you recommend getting rid of this (as it does look really messy) and what kind of tools do i need to be purchasing? So sorry if i sound stupid, i have no clue - but can't wait to learn. LJ x
I've only really got into gardening over the past couple of years - it's now a bit of a passion - and would say the main things for you would be to:
1) come up with an idea what you might like the garden to (eventually) look like - this gives you some kind of criteria as to what you might want to keep (eg "that tree's overshadowing the best bit of the garden for a patio") but also crucially gives you "buy in" to help keep on top of things - some gardens are periodically blitzed and tidied up but then slip back into their overgrown state becasue there's no "buy in" from the people doing the work - yourselves! Buy-in is also helped by perhaps putting a few things you like in there - perhaps friends / family / neighbours have some bit and pieces they can spare to get you started, as seeds take time and plants can be pricey! Put in your diary now that spring bulbs (daffodls, tulips, crocuses, alliums) become available in garden centres (and supermarkets / hardware stores) starting Septemberish, and they're a relatively cheap way of getting a bit of colour for very little work. If you're feeling daring, summer "bulbs" (dahlias, gladioli, lilies) are now on sale at knock-down prices in garden centres & hardware stores and MAY come up for you this year.
2) gardens are really, really granular - doing 15 mins work every day is usually better than blitzing it and leaving it. You probably know that "weeds" are weeds for a reason - they're very very good at recraeting themselves, so getting them out before they produce seeds (or at least whipping the flower heads off - as I did with dandelions for 3 years before I could be bothered to dig them all up!) at least contains the issue if not gets rid. Pulling up's always better than weedkiller I'd say, especially if you want wildlife in your garden - you'll be surprised how different plants are - some come up by pulling gently, some you have to dig metres down(!). The grasses will come up with a tug, and I think nettles too, so 15 mins every day and the odd mega-session could well clear a lot of what you don't want - at which point all manner of new stuff will pop up, some of which you'll want to keep possibly, some which will be exciting new weeds to try to deal with.
Probably need a good spade and worth making sure the bottom edge is sharp other than that - brute strength and determination! you might want to cut it back first so pruning saw or long handled pruners. I would guess you will need to work around the edge of the shrub - maybe 12 - 18 inches and try to dig under it - a decent fork may be useful depends on the soil. Just keep going bit by bit,
One thing to remember - it is an offence to disturb nesting birds - normally you wouldn't do this work between end of Feb to September but if you do a survey and can confirm there's nothing nesting in there then its fine.
thank you so much for all of your help - i will make a start clearing over the next few weeks as it's clear that's the most important thing for now. No doubt i will need some help again soon.
Posts
Hi Topsoiled, thanks for your response.
Do you mean the one which looks like a hedge almost? If so, how would you recommend getting rid of this (as it does look really messy) and what kind of tools do i need to be purchasing? So sorry if i sound stupid, i have no clue - but can't wait to learn. LJ x
Hi Leahjade
I've only really got into gardening over the past couple of years - it's now a bit of a passion - and would say the main things for you would be to:
1) come up with an idea what you might like the garden to (eventually) look like - this gives you some kind of criteria as to what you might want to keep (eg "that tree's overshadowing the best bit of the garden for a patio") but also crucially gives you "buy in" to help keep on top of things - some gardens are periodically blitzed and tidied up but then slip back into their overgrown state becasue there's no "buy in" from the people doing the work - yourselves! Buy-in is also helped by perhaps putting a few things you like in there - perhaps friends / family / neighbours have some bit and pieces they can spare to get you started, as seeds take time and plants can be pricey! Put in your diary now that spring bulbs (daffodls, tulips, crocuses, alliums) become available in garden centres (and supermarkets / hardware stores) starting Septemberish, and they're a relatively cheap way of getting a bit of colour for very little work. If you're feeling daring, summer "bulbs" (dahlias, gladioli, lilies) are now on sale at knock-down prices in garden centres & hardware stores and MAY come up for you this year.
2) gardens are really, really granular - doing 15 mins work every day is usually better than blitzing it and leaving it. You probably know that "weeds" are weeds for a reason - they're very very good at recraeting themselves, so getting them out before they produce seeds (or at least whipping the flower heads off - as I did with dandelions for 3 years before I could be bothered to dig them all up!) at least contains the issue if not gets rid. Pulling up's always better than weedkiller I'd say, especially if you want wildlife in your garden - you'll be surprised how different plants are - some come up by pulling gently, some you have to dig metres down(!). The grasses will come up with a tug, and I think nettles too, so 15 mins every day and the odd mega-session could well clear a lot of what you don't want - at which point all manner of new stuff will pop up, some of which you'll want to keep possibly, some which will be exciting new weeds to try to deal with.
Good luck on your journey!
Hi Leahjade
cutting back or removing the hedge/shrub
Probably need a good spade and worth making sure the bottom edge is sharp other than that - brute strength and determination! you might want to cut it back first so pruning saw or long handled pruners. I would guess you will need to work around the edge of the shrub - maybe 12 - 18 inches and try to dig under it - a decent fork may be useful depends on the soil. Just keep going bit by bit,
One thing to remember - it is an offence to disturb nesting birds - normally you wouldn't do this work between end of Feb to September but if you do a survey and can confirm there's nothing nesting in there then its fine.
thank you so much for all of your help - i will make a start clearing over the next few weeks as it's clear that's the most important thing for now. No doubt i will need some help again soon.
thanks again, LJ xxx