what sort of plants are you after, Nik? There are lots of specialist nurseries around the place, including organic ones, if you're after fruit trees, etc. I was planting a garden from scratch, with not much available locally (so I thought, until I recently discovered some!!) which is why I was using the internet as a source. For most basics, Thompson & Morgan, J. Parkers, Suttons, - they're all good. Crocus is a bit expensive, but produces rather bigger plants, very reliable, and speedy delivery. I've looked at Architectural Plants, but a bit pricey - best if you can go to them to pick up anything you're after. I liked Viv MArsh Postal Plants, and ordered a lot from him, and tried Plantasia, which has recently changed hands. Just google the names, and the sites will come up. Happy hunting! P.S. - plants like roses have very specialist nurseries, like Peter Beales Classic Roses, Pococks, Gandys, David Austin, to name but a few... :rolleyes:
I was going to start with ever greens and a coupld of trees, just to start filling out the empty borders. Thanks for your help.
Hi Everyone, I notice that quite a few people keep little websites about their garden restoration and construction. I have recently explained the advantages of using blogs for diaries and photos. Take a look at the posts and if anyone needs any help then pop me a questions in the relevant comments box. http://www.landscapejuice.com/2006/08/blogs.html http://www.landscapejuice.com/2006/08/website.html Go on, become a Juicer
Not much happening I'm affraid, the weather has stopped me laying the lawn edging every time I've gone out! The walls are being rendered in a couple of weeks, so I'll put some pics once that all done. Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Nik
A few more weekends later and I've arrived at this. (Has it really been two months?) Looking a little less "bombsite", but still plenty of stuff to do. Finish the lawn edge, a bit of paving, levelling etc. but nice to see that it is progressing, oh yeh and planting... Nik [ 11. September 2006, 02:15 PM: Message edited by: nikthomas ]
Thanks for the update Nik. I was worth the wait I must say it is a joy to see someone do a shape (the circle in your case) and actually get it accurate (did you use a string and centre pin?) I am, personally a stickler for this. When it goes wrong the impact is doubly the reverse of Brill! Will the borders be herbaceous planting? What aspect is the garden and lastly is your soil a good one? All the best Juicer
I used a high tensile polycarbonate measured length and machined stainless rod..... or string and nail to me! As long as I didn't let it drift it worked great. The levels are the hardest thing. You can't see the drop in the photo, but the garden dips by around 3 1/2 feet, so there is a step between the circles! Check the measurements and keep checking, it was very difficult. I've not really thought about the planting yet, but you'll see from earlier posts evergreens are my favourite, but it's up to my wife, I'll hand that over to her. The soil is awfull, a bit of top soil then solid clay. It'll have to be dug out and filled with some nice top soil. Another job to add to the ever growing "jobs left to do" list.
I just hope you're not having second thoughts...."Wouldn't it be nice to have a few corners......?" :eek: Only kidding, Nik!! Looks good - but it needs some plants..............
Looks fantastic Nik, like a giant pinball with deck flippers and bonus points to be had round the back of those genius walls at the end. :D
Hi Nik Don't throw all your heavy soil away will you! It is easier to ameliorate sand and compost into heavy soil to improve drainage than to bulk up a free draining poor sand. Double digging with the addition of a gritty sand and even some granite chips <10mm and BOM etc will be good. Your plants should romp away with the added benefit of reduced watering too. Keep up the good work
Well, after what seems a lifetime it looks as if I'm at the final hurdle... This weekend I finished all of the hard landscaping. Placed the order for all of the plants, I've got until easter weekend now to clear, level and prepare the soil for all of the planting. We decided to go with a small nursery called AYR near Sawtry in the end, but thanks for everyones suggestions. Now, should I turf or seed????? I'm thinking seed! What do you all think? Watch out for update pics, I can't wait to finally get some life in the garden. Nik
