What would you do with this garden?
Mulchie
7 years ago
The sun is out and I want to be outside! Any suggestions for how you would set out this new garden? I'd like a patio, raised bed for growing veggies, lots of green tropical type plants etc. Any advice would be gratefully received 
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Mulchie
7 years agoMulchie
7 years agoRelated Discussions
What would you do with this front garden?
Comments (19)Hi, If you want simplicity I'd go for removing the grass and replacing with pebbles. There is an easy honeycomb system that holds the gravel in place, so good for driving over and still looking tidy. Have a look at "cedagravel" (there are cheaper alternatives but make sure there is a base membrane attached to the system to stop weeds). If you leave empty area in the middle you can plant Karl Foester Grasses which will blow gently in the breeze and stay upright with low level planting surrounding it. If you don't like grasses choose a small tree like a Chanticleer Pear Tree which will give interest most of the year - white flowers in the early spring and golden leaves in the autumn (a longer lasting deciduous tree). Always try to go to the nursery and pick your plants directly - or get actual photo as they can vary! Look at Round Box Balls, Hakonechloa or Mugus Mop to plant around the base. These will make the look tidy as the base of the grasses can get a little messy in the winter season. Good luck!...See MoreIf you had one of these in your garden, what would you use it for?
Comments (15)My husband would use it as a dojo lol. My children would like to ride their scooters round it and maybe add a climbing wall and definitely bunk beds for sleep overs. I would fancy it as a seasonal ‘me’ room where I can vent my design ideas in peace and only invite people in if I felt like it....See MoreWhat would you do? Garden needs love and help!
Comments (5)Hi honeyry. I don’t think it would look weird having the lawn on the left as it would be more central to the patio. Hope you don’t mind but I took the liberty of doing a quick sketch as well. It still uses the full length of the garden so should keep your footie fan happy 😊. What I do think is that you need more definition to your borders so using a lawn edger to keep grass encroaching on plants/shrubs/trees (see pics). This will keep plants healthy in the long run as they won’t be competing for nutrients. Also added a patio and shed in the top right NW corner. This might be a nice little sitting area in for a morning cuppa, the shed and the addition of some trellis would give you some privacy from the neighbours. Something like this wouldn’t need doing straight away as I’ve kept the basic layout with the path relatively unchanged. Did add a little extra in the way of a little semi circle of hard landscaping in front of the seps. This is just a transition between borders, lawn and patio and could be anything...paving, tiles, cobbles and so on. There are a plenty of plants that are suitable for your garden. The RHS website is a valuable resource when researching. Two that spring to mind which are virtually indestructible (great for stray footballs) are red valerian and buddleia. Both need hacking back to near ground level in late autumn and will grow like the clappers come spring. Be aware that red valerian (also grows well north facing) can be considered invasive in some parts as it self seeds prolifically and usually where you don’t want it like in the walls or in between paving slabs but it’s easy enough to pull out. For improving the lawn I’m sure there are plenty of tips and tutorials online. I myself have a dog that makes a right mess of the grass. I’ve recently purchased this stuff https://www.envii.co.uk/shop/neuturine/ but I’ve yet to test it so can’t vouch for it and its a little expensive for what it is. Supposed to to change the Ph of the soil so that urine doesn’t burn it (or something scientific like that 🙂). Just hope it works! Here‘s my sketch and pics. Red valerian Buddleia example of curvy border...See MoreWhat would you do with the end of this garden?
Comments (1)As some simple budget friendly ideas, id go simple with maybe something like these images below that look nice but wont cost too much and make the space still look really nice....See MoreMulchie
7 years ago
Flo G
7 years ago
Marie Wright
7 years agoMulchie
7 years ago
PROAce Your Space
7 years agolast modified: 7 years ago
LONDON - Parsons Green · More Info
Hi. Given that it is North the patio should go at the end to catch whatever light there is. Raised beds will definately help catch the light and will make it more interesting as they add height and bring smaller plants closer to the eyeline.
The route to get to the patio would be best being winding or with a dog leg, i.e. not straight. If the existing path interferes with planting beds this would be a good place to put a raised bed. Tropical style plants would probably work, as would Japanese. You could try to add some colour and interest by using paint or mosaics. Vegetables are tricky in shade, you might need to research this to find those that will work and consider permaculture. Good Luck and post some picutres of your progress :) Regards, PhilippaMulchie
7 years agoMulchie
7 years ago
PROElite Outdoor Living
7 years agoMaybe a nice decked area would help in setting the space within the garden, then you can have a dedicated socialising area with the decking and your green veggies separate
Mulchie
7 years ago- PRO
Elite Outdoor Living
7 years agoHi we would suggest covering up your right side with a nice level decking. You can then keep your narrow pathway and maybe have some planters on the right side after up the grass. You can then arrange for a nice seating area on your decking and still have some green in the garden and the pathway to the gate. Low maintenance, virtually looks after itself so more time to enjoy the space.
championcat
7 years agoMulchie
7 years ago- PRO
Ace Your Space
7 years ago Mulchie
7 years agoMulchie
7 years agoQuick update on progress - the garden is now completely clear, completely flat and much brighter now the massive hedge has gone. What do people think?
Carolina
7 years agoMulchie
7 years agoCarolina
7 years agoThink about where the best spot for a seating area is, which part gets the most sun? Also, you could consider doing raised planters perpendicular to the fences, to break up the long rectangle and add some interest. Enclosing an example
Carolina
7 years agoYou could do raised beds with a wider edge, so you can use that as seating. I've had some fun with your garden. I 'planted' beans at the back fence.
Mulchie
7 years agoCarolina
7 years agoSandra Marshall
7 years agoMulchie
7 years ago- PRO
Ace Your Space
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MulchieOriginal Author