Hi! I'm looking for some advice, we've recently bought a house with a front and back garden and I'm looking for some suggestions on what to plant!
We are in the west of Scotland, the front garden is south facing but fairly shaded due to the hedges, and the garden is north facing.
I want to clear the front border and plant some bulbs/greenery but I am completely overwhelmed by the options and need some advice on what would work best in our conditions, ideally I'd like some options to see us through to summer.
The plan for the back garden is to clear the bricks where the previous owners kept chickens and plant this out too, I am totally open to suggestions for this area.
Thanks in advance from a very overwhelmed new garden owner!
by lottie_bunny
10 Comments
The garden looks in a reasonably good state and looks like it’s been actively gardened. I would just keep it tidy over winter and see what come us in the spring.
stop planning what your going to do just now, i would get out deal with the weeds, get the slabs powered washed, brush some sand into the gaps of the slabs and tidy up the grass.
then live with it till the spring and just ponder what you would like on how you end up using it. while just browsing about reddit etc or just being nosy into others gardens for ideas.
Research cottage gardens, I think that would fit with the settings.
[https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-design/design-with-plants/cottage-garden-plants](https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-design/design-with-plants/cottage-garden-plants)
You have the bare bones of a great garden there. See which of the plants are doing well and then Google stuff that likes the same conditions. Not every garden can grow every plant.
For some reason heather that grows wild on harsh mountains won’t grow in my garden.
Like others have said, definitely wait. Probably best to wait a year to see everything that’s already in the garden come into bloom, and get a full idea of the sun patterns so you know for sure which areas are full shade, what gets summer sun etc.
As mentioned start by clearing it out before winter. First, figure out what you’ve got. There are loads of apps to help, reddit can and maybe see if anyone you know likes to garden. Lovely red acer in the back, work out your hedge etc and write it all down.
Then look up if they are permanent or annuals that die back over winter. Anything that dies back you can just take it up now. Anything that doesn’t and that you like, Monty Don has amazing guides to pruning.
See if you can bribe some extra hands and you’ll get it done in a day.
Spend the winter looking at how much sun you get, what plants pop up in spring, and have a flick through some garden magazines for inspo.
You got this!!!
Others say tidy up and wait which is great advice. Gardening often needs patience unless you intend to garden with B&Q bedding plants and lots of miracle grow. If that was you I suspect you would not be seeking advice.
When I’ve ended up in a new location I’ve also spent time getting to know the local gardeners and picking up their plant knowledge. It can be beyond invaluable and a source of free seeds and plants.
The front garden being South and shaded by a large hedge tends towards semi shade. There are so many plants that will enjoy that. Being Scotland the soil is probably acidic but may lack in organic matter, so one thing you can deal with is adding that ready for planting.
Considering the time of year now, if you fancy snow drops you had better source a bare root supplier now to be able to order in time for late winter/spring planting. They don’t do well in pots and are best planted as bare root plants after they have flowered. Getting to grips now means you plant 2026 and get quality flower 2027.
The back garden is North facing so again you will have a mixture of deep shade and semi shade. If you want some stunners that will take the shade, start digging into the plants available by post from [Crûg Farm](https://www.crug-farm.co.uk/) – the preeminent nursery in the UK for shade loving plants.
The West of Scotland is a big and diverse place with many microclimates. Get to know that diversity – get to know the local Womens Institute – find out if there is a local Horticultural Society you can join and tap into. There is nothing quite like having local gardening experts coming to visit and have their imaginations and knowledge spill all over your garden.
Above all else, don’t feel guilty is you decide to buy a plant and have a go. Just consider that if it’s a fiver you don’t have much to lose, but when you start shelling out fifty quid you had better know what you are doing and being ready to put the work in. Consider that when you pay fifty + quid for a plant you have to invest the same amount in the hole to get anywhere near guaranteeing success.
One thing that does spring to mind is the issue of frost. If you avoid frost because of proximity to the coast, camelias can be an amazing winter plant – pre Christmas and January to April/May. You just have to find out the climate and microclimate you are dealing with and work with it, not against it.
Also do look for the sunniest spots that you have so you know which spots to reserve for sun lovers like Thyme. Even in Scotland there are sunny dry spots.🤣
such a beautiful garden! it could be a good place to rest with the family
Don’t do too much in the first 12 months, There could be some real gems in there.
Personally I’d clean it all up just do edging maybe leafs and weeds but till spring I’d wait
Get in the bushes and clear out the dead and rubbish and then ready for winter