The pictures are the progress. The space was originally an apple tree. I live in MI. I dug out all the life I could dig out and reworked the stones into a new (almost) circle.
Please excuse the awful artist rendering but they are a general idea of what I'm trying to accomplish. The small red lines at the bottom of the drawing are the pavers, the blue squiggles are going to be wildflowers that are deer and rabbit resistant. The green and pink plants are going to be large feature plants arranged in a pretty way through the wildflowers.
I need advice:
What soil to use to fill this hole?
Do I mulch on top of the soil? Do I mulch the back between the two layers of stones?
Do the two layers of stones look stupid?
Do I complete the stone ring or leave it open to access?
What type of plants do you see yourself filling this space with?
Am I in over my head?
Please help.
by meshred47
15 Comments
What I don’t get is why you didn’t just design your border to fit the path. Now you are taking out a lot from your path. You could have even used the existing stones to make the edges of your borders instead of those big rocks that won’t stop any grass or weed or plants from taking over into other parts.
The concept is nice, the execution could use some rethinking though. Not trying to be rude, just want to help.
You will need Garden Soil, it’s easy to get at any garden center or home center.
Child-friendly gardens are great when they have stuff kids can do or play with (like water feature, chimes).
Visit your local garden center for ideas on plants for your zone and conditions. You can just put some annuals in for a trial this year. After planting your plants, water them, then add 1-2” of mulch on top, then enjoy!
It’s great that your encouraging your child to learn gardening at such a young age! I started with my son about the same age and he’s really into it now at age 9. It’s also a great way to encourage healthy eating as kids love to eat things they’ve grown. Fast growing peas, beans. Anything unusual! My son’s favorites are Japanese yard beans and Rapunzel tomatoes! Love what you’ve done so far!
POND! POND! POND!
We have a couple of ways to make them here (Rural Venezuela):
Diggin up a hole:
-Putting a thic plastic and covering in cement.
-Making them with floor tiles stick together
-Buying a large (wider than deeper, cut if necessary) container and dig it in.
When they have enough plants, substrate, etc. they dont need cleaning or even water changing, they can host and attrack life (birds, fish, shrimp, toad, frog, squirrel, also snakes and spiders and stuff) and the water is very clear, you could also make an activity of going to streams to catch fish and add them to your collection.
r/PlantedTank
r/PlantedAquarium
(for the plants ID)
Dont make it too deep just to be safe, but remember the kid grows fast and wont be a toddler forever.
Oooh, that’s going to be so fun for you and your 3-year old. Can’t wait for my grandson to get old enough to come out and do some gardening with me.
Teach your children well … good job!
I like the stone circle open. I might extend the back one a bit more so it looks intentional and not just unfinished. If your ground is very hard, rent a tiller and loosen it up. If not, just loosen with spade and hoe and mix in store-bought soil. I get the “for in-ground use” labeled kind at Lowe’s.
I love gardening with my toddlers; you guys are going to have so much fun!
Oh, by the way, when I built my garden I did raised beds because the soil was clay.
I don’t know if this was necessary, but I first tilled up about 12″ of the clay soil. Then I dumped garden soil, peat moss, and compost on top of that. Lastly, I tilled everything again to get it mixed up.
Has worked great for me
A butterfly bush is nice for kids. They are easy to care for and they attract many butterflies and hummingbirds…i think you are doing a great job. Its gonna be fun!
Awww. I wish my mom did this for me!
Good for you! 5 year old me remembers my dad helping pick out my first seeds (snapdragons) for my very first garden. I still grow them 50+ years later.
Look up some basics. Don’t sweat the details. You’re making memories and that’s more valuable than anything.
Pet Semetary?
This is so exciting! The thing I like about gardens is that they’re not permanent. And it will become a great learning experience for your child. My 5yo ecently announced a section of garden was *”his”* garden. Well ok then! I’m planning a special outing where he can pick put his own plant and he will be responsible for planting and watering it (assisted). I’m thrilled. Enjoy your garden time with your little one!
Very cool and creative
11/10.