Looking for Inspiration...

Hi guys! Newbie here!

I'm looking for some inspiration on what to do with the current garden.

We had it cleared, partially levelled and some decking put down so we've more usable space. I'm struggling to think of what to do with the rest of the area though.

It's on a very steep slope (as you can probably tell by the steps) and it's pretty tough going in terms of digging (lots of stones and clay about 6" down).
Another thing I struggle with is horsetail/mares-tail which is coming through from the neighbours side. I do have some Curtail which seemed to kill it last year but it was a bit late in the year to start properly.

I'm thinking some shrubs of some sort towards the top just below the flag stones, and perhaps some turf at the very top between the flag stones and the fence?

The rest of the area I've no idea really!

I'd prefer not to have too much towards the bottom as the retaining part of the decking is used as a bench also.




You'll have to try and ignore the crap on the right hand side, and the piles at the top, they're going to the tip shortly!

 

Hi Phil1 and welcome.

Your garden already has a nice slope, why not put it to good use and create a rockery garden with a water feature?
The rockery (plus bark chippings) will also help with drainage.
Judging by the number of steps, I guess that the height difference between the back and the front of your garden must be around 1.6 meters or there about, something to consider for the water feature pump as this (together with the required flow rate) will determine the "head" required.

 

Wow cheers for that. Appreciate the effort, however I don't really think I'm after a water feature. The rockery idea seems a good one though. What's the best sort of stone to use for something like that?

 

Hi @Phil1

The type of stone/rock is entirely up to you.
If you want a modern look then go for the more "rounded" black and white ones.
If you prefer the more "classic" or natural look, rather use more jagged stone but stick to one type/colour of stone or it will look a bit odd.

Which ever stone you use, keep in mind transportation costs (hence look for local stone )and where it can be delivered relative to your yard.
Carrying several tons of stone and boulders 100 meters is no fun.

 

Just my two pence. But to me your garden lacks division. Even though it's small doesn't mean it can't be divided further. I would put a pergola over the decked area and then create another area of some sort with the bare patch of earth.

For this area you need to be a bit more specific with your needs. Do you want something low maintenance? Flowering plants, wildlife interest etc?

 

Nice idea.

 

Good idea, a pergola would add a sense of privacy. I think it needs another path so you don't just go up and back the same way. Maybe replace the rill with a stone diagonal path - but would need a set of steps to bring it down onto the decking.

 

What also looks nice is a mix of stone and railway sleepers.
Something like this:

 

Agreed. Perhaps maybe dividing up the bare patch into terraces so the paths go from right to left rather than just straight up the to of garden.