Apologies, in advance, I feel a rant coming on. I don't quite get that your son needs artificial (plastic) grass to play footie on! Then you are suggesting more faux (plastic) foliage up the fencing. Could you perhaps introduce nature into your garden and educate your children about its importance and our connection to it?

Im not a fan of plastic grass for environmental and aesthetic reasons, but I can see the advantages. I live in a climate where it rains a lot. Letting my kids out into the grass, which is usually wet, means Ill be cleaning their mucky boots and my mucky floors afterwards. I also hate having to cut the grass!

Sorry I didn’t realise I was going to upset so many just asking for advice,

unfortunately the area used to flood and we ended up with a mud pit with no grass so that’s why it’s artificial there with real grass on the top garden. The fence panels were just idea so they could still be painted without any damage. I would like an abundance of planters with flowers and plants but don’t know where to start, hence the post. As for educating my children, we live next to Ings with an plenty of nature, but I guess you wouldn’t know that.

I think it was just me you upset, so apologies. As a wildlife gardener, I feel strongly that plastic should not replace nature in the garden; it's a poor replacement.

I would love to hear ideas too about what type of plants / climbers could be suggested rather than fake ones ( I must admit I thought they would be handy but perhaps you’re right Jennie plastic doesn’t & shouldn’t replace nature) we have the same thing , low wall with a fence on top and we are on a slope so can‘t hide the fence with a hedge.

Ah Jennie , as a wildlife gardener - so could you enlighten us as to the best plants for grass like coverage, that could be used in a boggy area ? As I have a muddy patch too ? Thanks !

Hi, your garden just needs some plants. What you plant depends on the aspect, whether an area is sunny or shady. Knowing your soil type will also help you choose the right plants. Soil is usually alkaline, neutral or acidic. You can get a tester kit for a couple of quid from a garden centre,

You could choose climbers like Honeysuckle, Star Jasmine, Clematis and roses (these all like sun). They will need trellis or wires strung across the fences for them to climb up. In shady spots Climbing Hydrangeas are lovely as is Virginia Creeper, You can then plant some perennial flowers and grasses in front of them for extra colour. Flowers like Hardy Geraniums, Crocosmia, Hemerocallis and Anemones are really easy to grow and just need cutting back of old foliage in spring. Bulbs are also great for colour.

if you prefer larger shrubs rather than climbers you could grow Viburnum tinus, Japanese Maples (need shade), dwarf lilac, Cistus and Cotinus. They will however have a larger girth than climbers so will intrude into the garden more! Small dwarf trees are another option such as dwarf fruit trees or dwarf ornamental cherries and apricots. The dwarf version grow to about 10 feet.

if you wanted to keep the shed you could plant a Clematis montana up it. It’s vigorous but doesn’t mind being hacked back when necessary.

CLIMBING HYDRANGEA

CROCOSMIA

CLEMATIS MONTANA - WHITE AND PINK VERSIONS

Thanks Sonia, these are really helpful. I will definitely look at some of these. Thanks for the tip with the soil also.

You have a great patio. How about keeping the summerhouse and repurposing as a 'gin' bar with paint, lights/signs. A fire pit and some seating in this area would make it a usable space. Perhaps some lattice and a planter with some climbing plants on the section next to the summerhouse would give you a screened storage area and add some visual interest. The astroturf is perfect for your needs and the fencing all looks neat and tidy.

The top section is where i'd concentrate as that is viewed from your house. Tall Bamboo in pots across the back fence will screen the other houses and give something to look at. I'd be trying to extend the patio so i could add a dining option in the area perhaps as far out as the shed. Put some more astroturf betwee the end of the patio and the fenceline (sell the lawnmower to fund it!). Create a large flower bed where the grass seems to be having problems and plant with ornamental grasses/ferns and 'ball' resistant planting. Colour can be added by painting the shed and pots around the patio.

Thanks these are good ideas. I like the ideas of 2 zones for dining and relaxing.

Just wanted to say thanks Sonia.

Ive made a start, its made a massive improvement already. I’m going with a pink/white theme on the to coordinate with my interior here.

Look at that, well done. Looks like lovely soil too.

Perhaps a small ornamental tree at the lowest part. This would give a visual lift to stop it feeling it is sliding away. Plus eventually give some screening - something not too bulky,like a birch or ornamental cherry.

Looking better already, well done.