Hi Laura, we moved in last year too and also inherited a paving slab-filled backyard with a giant laurel bush!
We found that it was such a Cowboy job that the paving slabs actually lifted quite easily. Thankfully, there was only sharp sand underneath and they were not set in cement. The uncouth way we did it was to borrow a mattock and sledgehammer and smash a couple! After that they lifted quite easily. Soil underneath was parched of light and nutrients so we have rotavated twice and added a generous amount of compost. When it warms up, we hope to roll turf. As you are in Devon, I would imagine that you have a sandy soil - is this correct?
Hi Laura, we moved in last year too and also inherited a paving slab-filled backyard with a giant laurel bush!
We found that it was such a Cowboy job that the paving slabs actually lifted quite easily. Thankfully, there was only sharp sand underneath and they were not set in cement. The uncouth way we did it was to borrow a mattock and sledgehammer and smash a couple! After that they lifted quite easily. Soil underneath was parched of light and nutrients so we have rotavated twice and added a generous amount of compost. When it warms up, we hope to roll turf. As you are in Devon, I would imagine that you have a sandy soil - is this correct?
I have no idea of soil type (I'm not a native Devon-er, originally from Newcastle so we've never really done any sort of gardening here before!) I did a quick search in google, and it describes North Devon, w here we live, as 'slightly acid loamy soils', I don't know if that is relevant?!
I think we may try to lift one, just to see how easy it is and what it is like underneath, we can always pop it back down again if we change our minds!
If you're in Devon I would imagine you have acidic soil. When you're out and about tomorrow, check whether you can see camellias growing - and later in May - azaeleas and rhododendrons in your neighbours' gardens. My friends on the Dorset and Devon borders get lots of these, something we can't grow here in S. London because of our alkaline soil.
You can get a soil pH testing kit, but I find the results always go to the extreme, therefore not accurate.
Set aside a few days to remove all the hard paving you want. It might be tough work but it'll be satisfying! ( also think about where you will dispose of it as it bulks out). Then towards summer, you can add your structural plants, soil improver like compost and eventually some easy, hardy plants.
I recommend watching the BBC's Big Dreams, Small Spaces. Inspiration for beginners
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Busy-lizzie wow I love that corner pergola! Lovely way to have plants draping in a small are.
Hi Laura, we moved in last year too and also inherited a paving slab-filled backyard with a giant laurel bush!
We found that it was such a Cowboy job that the paving slabs actually lifted quite easily. Thankfully, there was only sharp sand underneath and they were not set in cement. The uncouth way we did it was to borrow a mattock and sledgehammer and smash a couple! After that they lifted quite easily. Soil underneath was parched of light and nutrients so we have rotavated twice and added a generous amount of compost. When it warms up, we hope to roll turf. As you are in Devon, I would imagine that you have a sandy soil - is this correct?
Last edited: 06 March 2017 19:51:30
I have no idea of soil type (I'm not a native Devon-er, originally from Newcastle so we've never really done any sort of gardening here before!) I did a quick search in google, and it describes North Devon, w here we live, as 'slightly acid loamy soils', I don't know if that is relevant?!
I think we may try to lift one, just to see how easy it is and what it is like underneath, we can always pop it back down again if we change our minds!
If you're in Devon I would imagine you have acidic soil. When you're out and about tomorrow, check whether you can see camellias growing - and later in May - azaeleas and rhododendrons in your neighbours' gardens. My friends on the Dorset and Devon borders get lots of these, something we can't grow here in S. London because of our alkaline soil.
You can get a soil pH testing kit, but I find the results always go to the extreme, therefore not accurate.
Set aside a few days to remove all the hard paving you want. It might be tough work but it'll be satisfying! ( also think about where you will dispose of it as it bulks out). Then towards summer, you can add your structural plants, soil improver like compost and eventually some easy, hardy plants.
I recommend watching the BBC's Big Dreams, Small Spaces. Inspiration for beginners