|
Post by bllyboysmammy on Oct 30, 2009 13:02:10 GMT 1
Ok My garden is about the size of the average postage stamp! But its also... North Facing Boundaries of house, and six foot fences either side, then picket fence amongst a large (15ft) hawthorn and elder hedgerow. Grass is difficult to keep growing - grows like kand of the triffids nearer the house, but just moss at the end. Nothing else in the garden... yet (apart from my little cold frame with my few pots and the little violets i won on here!) So..... Suggestions on what to do? I have children so i was thinking Corner nearer the hedge a bark area (not poisonous of course) for a playhouse large raised flowerbeds elsewhere - with nice shurbs and woodland plants (as its so dark) Gravel paths (cant afford to pave it) between the flower beds but no idea on design. I got my friend to do me a plan in paint feel free to make suggestions as to design and to what type of plants will like this sort of cold dark shaded garden! Attachments:
|
|
|
Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Oct 30, 2009 15:15:44 GMT 1
Bark chippings, I think, look much nicer than gravel, and as those rot down, they make a good mulch, and especially for woodland gardens. They will also encourage insects, and therefore birds into the garden. Ferns and other plants that like shady conditions can be really effective, and you can have a look for suitable plants for the conditions at this link: www.findmeplants.co.uk/default.aspx - even if you don't buy them there, you'll have an idea of what to look out for or perhaps swap or buy here, when members of the Grubby Fingered Gardeners have things available. I'll have some hardly geraniums spare soon, and those will grow in semi-shade and help to keep down the weeds. The little Welsh violets are woodland plants, too.
|
|
|
Post by bllyboysmammy on Oct 30, 2009 15:49:49 GMT 1
Thank you so so much!
That link is fabulous!
I was expecting my plant choice to be really low! But wow! I can still have a nicely beautiful colourful garden... even if it is in the shade!
Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Oct 30, 2009 20:31:56 GMT 1
You are welcome. I also find it a really useful link.
|
|
|
Post by RuthE on Oct 31, 2009 14:40:05 GMT 1
If you want paths to walk across and can't afford paving, how about trying to get hold of some broken/second hand paving slabs to make crazy paving?
|
|