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SEPTEMBER
I have been given an open hand with this project. An area of a rather large garden had been untouched for over a year. It was dry, overgrown with weeds and ivy and the existing plants were being strangled by nettles. You can see from the photo one of the 2 beds I have been asked to restore.
I have a budget of £100 for extra plants. The beds are quite large and ideally some low maintainance ground covering species would best suit this area. Some structural plants would be ideal for height and contrast. The client has only just had a rear tap and hose fitted to the house so irrigation will no longer be a problem. The first bed, and the most damaged of the two measures approx 15 foot in length by 10 foot at it's widest part. It took just one hour to clear the debris and weeds and remove any damaged plants.
This project took a total of 4 hours........plus a little extra time spent on a task we didn't expect. Read my 'Over Thyme' page for details |
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The next 90 minutes were spent digging deep, turning and breaking the soil. The soil was in suprisingly good condition. The plants which are to remain in this area were cut back and pruned as deemed necessary. Some structural plants were planted in groups, some shrubs were added for colour contrast and texture and several areas were planted with bulbs. This bed will have quite a colourful display as early as Spring next year. 
One plant which remains, and makes quite a statement is a bright fir tree. A bright rock rose has been planted next to it on it's right and will have more than enough room to spread. This will give a bright flash of colour when viewed from the patio area at the top of the client's garden. A nice contrast also against the dark hawthorn hedge.
The second bed was much easier to clear and the plants in general seemed to be healthier, although in need of pruning. The roses were cut back to almost ground level as they were tall and sparse. A small acer tree was being severely strangled and there was no alternative but to remove half of it. Some low level plants were placed around the acer, which will give a nice contrast when they mature and the acer's health returns. 
Once cleared and given a good turn over the plants were placed in groups for maximum effect. We'll have a colourful tonal display of soft blues, burgundy's and bright greens by Springtime and I'll be sure to show a photo of both beds next year so you can see the contrast. Although many areas of the bed are left clear, we have to remember, if plants are well looked after, fed and watered on a regular basis, they will soon grow and spread, filling the gaps at a very quick rate. Before you know it, the only chore to do in both these beds will be to prune back now and again.
