Budget garden makeover
Hello, first time poster!
Garden is approx 70ft by 20ft, with crazy paving patio, small rockery at the start of a 25ft lawn area, with a 20ft by 15ft garage with asbestos roof at the end, backing onto an alleyway.
Want to improve the quality of the lawn, have all-year round colour in border; and keep conifers (which acts as the boundary). Pear tree doesn't look healthy but does produce fruit.
I hope to replace the garage roof and try to refurbish unless you think otherwise - this would push up the budget. I'd like to renew the patio as the pointing is shot in most places.
I like lilies, otherwise anything that's low-maintenance will do.
Have a budget of £300.
Any advice greatly received.
Shaz
Comments (47)
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Back garden needs total makeover!
Comments (12)You need some earth to plant in. You could do it all in pots and planters but in the ground is better and less demanding on the maintenance front. You'll be removing the raised decking but may be replacing the pergola above it, shading the area probably too much for effective planting. Put something else such as seating or table and chairs there for now. The rest of the ground is currently covered in bricks and concrete apart from the barbeque area, which is decking. From what you've said that decking is in decent condition. So now we go to work. I'm setting this work out in sections as a DIY project which could be done stage by stage over any period of time, or periods of time with gaps between, that you choose. I would extend the period of my plan if progress is slow, speed it up if progress is better than anticipated. My plan would start with removing the weeds and dried out plants from the raised beds, both the brick walled and the wooden walled ones. They would be planted with what I want to put there after the soil had been seriously refreshed by mixing in a good amount of fresh compost. Something like three or four inches depth of compost mixed with the top four or five inches depth of soil in the raised bed. My next priority would be to create more growing space. To do that I would remove quite a lot of the bricks from the ground, clean them off as well as I could and store them for now. Some will probably break up, and those would be dumped. The good ones can be used as temporary access paths and pot stands, which will be moved around throughout the following stages. Lots of compost would be added to the newly revealed soil and that is where the next stage of planting would occur. The concrete next. We need to know how thick it is and that will be easy to see at the previous stage with a few bricks removed. Very thick? That's a tough job. Two inches thick? An inch? Less? The thinner the easier. A few whacks with a heavy hammer should break a thin layer up. If it is too thick for that you will need to hire somebody with the effective machinery for the job. I can't see the access in the pix so cannot guide you on what machinery. There is nothing broken up concrete can be used for so it has to go. The revealed earth needs to be revived in the same way as the rest was before planting takes place. We have ended up with bare earth, maybe some bricks left in the ground but otherwise just what we've planted and the loosely laid bricks. Where do you want your path now it's to become a more permanent feature? Don't forget access to the raised beds so you can tend the plants. Where do you want your potted plants? The path and the bases for the pots can now be made stable by putting the bricks back into the ground. I prefer them on their sides but that is up to you. Flat as they are now, on their sides, or a mixture, perhaps side on for the paving and flat as pot supports? I would experiment a little if I hadn't used bricks this way before. No way is right or wrong. It is all down to personal preference. Any bricks still in the ground from the beginning can now be either taken out and used in the plan or perhaps a few have happily ended up just where they're needed. So there is a way forward with very little spending involved. Seeds are mostly very cheap. Plants are cheaper than other materials, labour or professional services. You will swear a lot, sweat a lot and have lots of fun. You will also learn a great deal. If you do end up still feeling you need help you will understand exactly how to brief the professional you appoint....See MoreGarden/backyard makeover
Comments (1)Well, you have plenty of issues there to deal with. :) The best way to deal with compacted soil at your lawn is to get a proper aerator, run it over the lawn, remove all arisings and then fill in the holes by raking in a sand, topsoil, grass seed mix. The sand will help keep the soil aired and non-compacted while the topsoil will retain moisture for the grass seed. The worst lawn areas (e.g. underneath tree) I would consider turning into low maintenance planting beds, You can use evergreen perennials like turf-lily, which will grow in those harsh conditions, without giving you more gardening work. Finally, find attached an example of really cute, easy to build, pallet seat/loungers. These ones are by an austrian company (palettenmoebel.at)....See MoreConcrete Jungle to Urban Cool - A London Garden Makeover
Comments (6)Absolutely lovely, such a warm atmosphere. Love the ambient lighting, seating area and the planters behind the seating....See MoreGarden advice on a low budget
Comments (10)Hi, I think the row of bins is more of an eyesore than the garage wall. You can make or buy bin stores that will cover them up. As already stated, painting the wall will be an improvement. I would try white or sage green (my go to colour for any garden!). Is the area going to be a sitting area? If so, then an outdoor rug to cover some of the concrete will be nice. Mine is made of recycled plastic and is weather proof. Then some large pots, the biggest you can afford, and fill with colourful planting....See More
innovation999
7 years agoinnovation999
7 years ago
shelleyuk
7 years agoinnovation999
7 years ago
S Niko
7 years agoI had success with some stuff I'd picked up in the garden centre for the last house. Bit of disaster with the 4 in one weed and feed in the current garden as it burnt patches in the lawn where I amy have over applied and then not watered it in properly! Think you can pick up some thing for about £10, it will take you 5 minutes then do the same again later in the summer. I know the garden isn't much to look at currently but we had a good result from waiting for our tiny plants to grow in the last house.
S Niko
7 years ago
Flo G
7 years agoHello (again), a good trick I picked up for planting on a budget is to find plants that are easy to propergate with cuttings. Last month I picked up a potted basil you can find in super markets from just one of the stalks I have now grown five more individual plants. For basil all you do is cut off a stem section with leaves and put it in a glass with tap water (leaves above water level) changing the water once every few days until roots grow, then you leave them until they are a few inches long and plant them up, hey presto two (or more if you took more sections) plants out of one. Depending how much sun you get basil might thrive outside or do better in the warmth but there are other plants out there (such as carrots) just as easy to propergate.
innovation999 thanked Flo Ginnovation999
7 years agonilpac
7 years agonilpac
7 years agoFlo G
7 years agonilpac is right, with lilies grow from bulbs so cuttings won't work seeds from plants with bulbs take about two years before they can be put in the ground and some plants take around seven years to show their first flower... if you are looking a plants that grow from bulbs here is what the RHS have to say on propergation: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=101 you can however take cuttings from you pear tree but if veggies aren't your thing I'm not sure if an army of pear trees would be your cup of tea either either way here's a good explanation http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/pear-trees-from-cuttings.htm it is possible to take honey suckle cuttings but you'd need something with a little more umph than a glass of water I'm afraid, I found a list of some other flowering plants you can just use water for and have attached pictures in the same order as I have listed them:
African violet (Saintpaulia)
Coleus (Solenostemon)
Geranium (Pelargonium)
Impatiens
Philodendron - there isn't enough space to post a picture of this so I will make another post, the flowers look a bit like calla lilies but don't appear often, they are more of a leafy plant.
Flo G
7 years agohere are the philodendron pictures, one of the leaves one of the flowers (each of the variations have slightly different flowers but this should give an idea)
EllesBelle Joseph
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoinnovation999
7 years agochampioncat
7 years agoI gave up with our clematis. it was a very old, woody one that came with the house. most it was a snail harborage and it never flowered because the 20billion snails that lived in it ate all but the woody stalks. now it's gone I'm in control of the snail situation at last. against our rear wall I have grown a David Austin rose bush. can't recall the name but it is fast growing and produces hundreds of fragrant big blousey flowers and almost entirely covers the back wall now (I think this is year 4 possibly 5). I haven't got a photo of the plant in situ, but the blooms look like this. it flowers from mid may til October and is v low maintenance
mayfly182
7 years agoinnovation999
7 years agoQuick update - mowed the lawn at 50mm and raked afterwards; bit disappointed as it doesn't look that different. Strimmer wire broke and couldn't work out to thread , so You Tube later.
mayfly182, i definitely have weeds - dandelion, I think.
Still, on the plus side, the banana tree that i thought had died, has started to sprout. Anyone for banana pudding?
the last picture is today's cut and the dark patches are weed, so I def need some weedkiller.
Do you think the grass should be cut higher - 60mm or lower at 30 or 40; I don't really want to shock the grass?
S Niko
7 years agoS Niko
7 years agoinnovation999
7 years agoAlecia
7 years ago
Ludo Gallagher
7 years agoDon't be scared of seeds!! They are super cheap with high yield. Pick something easy and quick to produce like nasturtium. Buy them from an online nursery or seed emporium and not a DIY store. I planted some nasturtium last weekend and they have sprouted already.
£300 isn't a lot but paint is really key to transforming a garden so I would commit to that if you can afford it. We've had ours done for 5 yrs.. No upkeep at all. Also, we painted all our fences even our neighbours, it's on our side not theirs.
key for you I think, is breaking up the shape. If you can read a space as soon as you walk into it, it looks boring. You need to draw the eye to at least 3 different zones to keep it looking interesting.
i would build a little round seating area out of pallets at the bottom of that big tree. YouTube has lots of examples. A nice place for morning coffee. I would add potted bamboo or acer willow to the edge of your patio to create a little screen or arch to walk through. You could plant chamomile grass or moss in the cracks of your patio so it releases scent when you walk on it.you could leave the shed as it is, accept its ramshackle charm and attach curios to the outside of it like vintage scrap yard mirrors, old frames, plates, anything you find and love.
if you like anywhere near London, Covent Garden flower market in Vauxhall is a third of the price of stores. It's for trade but after paying a fiver parking, anyone can go.
also, whilst not cheaper, fake plants have really come along and won't die! Here are some picks of my curio areas. A work in progress. That giant banana tree - fake. No one ever knows.
littlelady58
7 years agoSmall garden don today pick a colour mine is purple looking very pretty and a herb pot as well!
Petite Maison
7 years agoHi, we had a similar garden.
1. Asbestos roof will be cement bonded s we removed it ourselves and took it to the tip in double wrapped thick tarpaulin. Your civic amenity site will advise.you. Costs the price of the thick tarpaulins ie less than a tenner! My husband is luckily very handy and put a plywood and felt roof on the garage. About £150
2. We clad the external walls of our concrete sectional garage with shiplap wood (button first). A total transformation. £150. Folk think it's a fancy garden room costing thousands!
3. Laid stepping stones diagonally across the lawn to draw the eye to the end and make it appear wider and longer. Plastic, slate looking ones in B&M are about £12 for 8.
4. A quick growing evergreen is the Eucalyptus, also known as a Gum Tree. Lovely colour and grow a about 10 ft in a year!!! Just train it along your fence.
5. Willow also covers a fence fast but is deciduous.
6. Clematis is a great fence coverer but only if you get the right kind. Look for one that flowers on last year's growth or you have to wait all spring for it to make new growth leaving you with an ugly bare fence again for half the year.
7. Lay weed control fabric over your crazy paving and put down some nice light coloured stones.
.Hope this helps!
innovation999 thanked Petite Maisoninnovation999
7 years agoDear all, hope the sun was shining for you today; London was glorious. Quick update; bought some weedol which I hope to use soon and have borrowed a jet wash for the patio.
Championcat recommended TK Maxx for outdoor rugs which I bought today. Really love the colours and now thinking of using it to inform my planting colour scheme.
Ludo Gallagher - hadn't thought of fake plants; the purist in me thinks try to grow the real thing. Liked the idea about seating by the pear tree but actually thinking of getting rid of it as it looks quite poorly. Also it squeezed right beside the shed so may not be easy to build.
Annarocks123 - just looked up Thompson and Morgan and liked their gardening FAQs as well as their extensive plant range.Littlelady 58 - i like your pop of colour and feel inspired.
Mayfly 182 - you said it is easy to repoint the patio, do you have any top tips?
Thanks for all the tips - keep them coming.
Will continue to update soon.
ps nilpac - can you post some pics of you garden.
innovation999
7 years agoKittihawke
7 years agosilyab53
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoshelleyuk
7 years agoandrew_bowles
7 years agoUser
7 years agoHi all, great thread. I feel inspired. Here's my garden currently. I haven't longed moved in (Feb of this year). There's a lot to do in the house as well as outside but while the weather is good then there's no better time than to make a start on the outside. I've been thinking about getting some outside rugs, thanks for the tip on visiting tk maxx. Hopefully we can all help and inspire one another and update on our improvements within your thread? Happy digging x
innovation999
7 years agoHello All, hope you're having a lovely Saturday - just saw Wales win their first Euro 16 match; very happy, now waiting for England.
Quick update: cut the grass on a high setting following advice and did some weeding. Decided to jet wash the patio but found that my garden hose had holes in it. Had to dash, in the rain, to Poundstretcher to get a new one. I've never used a jet wash power and had a little taster. See below. Tomorrow, I hope to wash the patio properly but it's hard work.
Tommy Turtle's looking a lot better and you can the slabs that I've done so far. Think I need to sweep first as the moss was flying everywhere!
A little comparison, of what can be.
Hopefully, I will post the results tomorrow.
How is everyone getting on with their projects?
Keep posting!
User
7 years agoI also need to pressure washer my patio space. As you can see from my photos there's a huge oak tree at the bottom of my garden which causes not only a lot of mess but at the back the roots are pulling up the paving. I've contacted the council about it so hopefully something can be done as its a bit too big and close to my house.
Here's my update. It doesn't look much but it was hard work. I didn't realise how heavy bags of soil and turf would be and how many bags it would take up for not s very large area. I've dug to the left side so that I can buy and plant some nice shrubs. I want to go for the Mediterranean look. Any ideas for this? I'm looking forward to (when I can afford it) getting rid of and replacing that shed.
lynneamandahayes
7 years agoC Hutton
7 years ago
PROEsther Jury Landscape and Garden Design
7 years ago
S Niko