I moved into a new house last year, first time buyer and first time I've had gardens – front and back. Sadly however, both of them were covered in gravel and when I took up the gravel and weed membrane it revealed compacted subsoil, and lots of builders rubble and hardcore which looked decades old. First pic shows the front garden we inherited.
I couldn't live with the lack of green but didn't want a lawn so I've spent the last two months gradually improving the soil, removing the rubble and doing lots of planting. I've got a temporary bark path which I'll be replacing with stepping stones. There's also lots of perennials which will take a few years to establish. But I'm already so much happier with how it's looking and feeling. And we have bumble bees!! Loads of them! Even starting to find earthworms – was a no worm zone at first as soil so poor.
Soil so poor and light conditions variable so it's a process of trial and error. I have chosen plants that thrive on poor soil for areas where it's the worst (scabiosa and salvia doing particularly well) and have also taken into account light conditions in different spots hence brunnerad, ferns, hostas and hardy geraniums for my shadier spots.
Wanted to share 🙂 I'm a brand new gardener having never had my own space before but I know what I like and that's a naturalistic vibe, lots of flowers that look like they could have been self seeded and a mix of textures, foliage and heights. Can't wait to see how it develops in years to come!
by ConsiderationBrave50
4 Comments
Forgot to add Im in the UK 🙂
Looks great
You’re doing an awesome job! You are right that there’s actually plants that thrive in those tough conditions. BTW, do you watch Gardeners World? I am in the US but love to watch UK gardening shows. 😊
WOW! You did a fantastic job of transforming the space. It looks amazing! Congratulations 💐🦋☀️