Just starting

Hi everyone
Just joined today to gets some advice.
I moved in with my partner in November. We dont have a garden just a very boring looking yard that I want to cheer up.
I was hoping someone could help with some suggestions.
I looked around this morning and space wise we have
1 raised area in the corner which is 90cmx100cm
3-4 hanging basket areas
and plenty of space for pots.
The only things iv decided i want to grow so far are Catnip and Lavender which I was thinking of getting large pots for.
I also love lillies so was thinking of trying my hand at growing them
Any suggestions/advice are welcome :D
Thank you

 

hello vicky

i had a second floor flat with an outside walkway and sitting area, it made a lovely garden in pots - i would suggest you go for very large pots if you can as it makes watering easier and the plants dont dry out so quickly. have a look at rosas thread - an amazing balcony garden. herbs are a good idea as i found they did very well in pots

loopy

 

oh, just one question - which way does it face? is it sunny or shady? as this will effect which plants are better for the space


loopy

 

Im not sure to be honest, when you come out of our door to walk across the yard the sea is on the right(east) so i suppose its a north facing yard
If that helps

 

Hi
Thanks for everyone replies so far.
I believe the garden is north facing, iv love a mixture of both flowers and things to eat.
I was thinking of starting with things i use in the kitchen so some garlic and onions to start, maybe some carrots for me and my guinea pigs.
I will take a pictures of my yard. Was thinking of growing some veg is the raised area but not sure if it will get alot of sun, and flowers in pots and hanging baskets
What about this?Would it be any good?
http://www.greenfingers.com/superstore/product.asp?dept_id=221&pf_id=LS2544D

Thanks

 

Welcome vicky! I'm a new member also

Looking forward to seeing how you cultivate your new garden.

That is a cool looking pot, but would it be big enough (judging by the tomatoes that are next to it in the photo). Perhaps I am overly ambitious though, haha.

Best of luck with it all.

 

nice thread, i am wondering what to start on with limited space as well.

 

Hi Vicky.



Whilst it may be a slightly usual choice - one of my favorites is this. Its Salvia microphylla - the pink chap in the centre. There are others in the group that go under the name Salvia greggii, or Salvia xjamensis (which is a hybrid of the previous two). But often garden centres don't give the full name, and they go under the name of Blaccurrent Sage or Salvia "Hot Lips" or Salvia " Rasberry Ripple".

They are all small 3' by 3', perennial, reasonably hardy shrubs. They are attractive, but the greatest bonus is that they can flower for up to 5 or even 6 months of the year. They like good drainage and plenty of sun. They are also fairly drought resistant.

Another long flowering , drought resistant plant, and favorite of mine, is Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian). Have a Google. Its a native wildflower, but cheerful and very long flowering - 20 weeks or more. When the flowers go over in about July - you just cut it back by half, and within 3 to 4 weeks its back in flower again. Easy from seed.