This is the first time I've had a garden so I had no clue what to do with it. New build gardens tend to be boring and uninspiring. After a few months of staring out at the dull, messy plants and uneven grass, I decided enough was enough and redesigned the space to suit our needs. I'm still in awe at how our landscapers pulled this off in just 11 days!
Waking up to a colourful and bright garden every day has been a dream and it's made me go from having zero interest in gardening to getting excited about watering the lawn several times a day and I'm constantly researching new planting options. The garden somehow feels bigger now too as I am using different areas throughout the day. If you're thinking about going for a garden transformation, don't put it off as it will really change how you view your home!
by sunriseclocks
4 Comments
Very nice transformation so far! I love how sleek everything looks! But maybe don’t water the lawn several times a day?
That sounds like overkill, and the RHS advises not watering established lawns much at all as they can withstand drought even if they turn brown; they’re just dormant and they will spring back to life when the drought naturally ends. New grass lawns need regular watering but several times a day still seems like a lot to me?
Watering lawns is a waste of water and the reason for hosepipe bans.
Perhaps focus on growing more drought tolerant plants, especially those that attract lots of bees and other wildlife. Believe me, you’ll be far more excited to go in the garden that way! It always feels rewarding knowing my garden is benefitting the ecosystem, the many animals in it.
I’d also encourage wildflowers in the lawn unless you specifically plan to use it for sport or you’re deathly allergic to bees.
They tolerate foot traffic a little less than grass but their presence, especially nitrogen-fixing legumes like clovers which remove the need to fertilise, make the lawn lower maintenance, drought-tolerant and overall prettier and eco-friendly. If you don’t mow too frequently, all sorts of nice flowers can pop up, even orchids if you’re lucky!
Sorry if this comes across as bossy or anything, I don’t mean that at all, and your garden looks lovely. Just a suggestion to take a more eco-friendly approach, since our wildlife and the environment itself needs all the help it can get! 🙂
Can relate with the constant research of planting options too lol, I have so many ideas… not sure I’ll be able to actually make them all reality though 🥲
https://preview.redd.it/vqrpd471lnjf1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7ed2527f21b592290743919da10322e62a0e7229
Maybe go for a Star Jasmine to climb up the Pergola, cut/dig a little curved border in to the lawn for it to live in. Ours has been in a few months and seems to be doing well. The scent is amazing
Good start.
Needs some trees and bushes
I’d look at tossing the hydrangeas (research the variety 1st). It’s likely they’ll offer no benefit for pollinators despite the showy flowers.