Hi from sunny Surrey

Hi there,

I found this website whilst searching "how to deal with an overgrown garden" on google.

I have recently moved to a new property with a long narrow garden (5.7m x 33.5m) and the garden is wild - I mean really wild! I have no experience in this area so I am hoping that I can pop in and out for advice as and when required... you never know, one day I could be giving advice here.

I have noticed that a lot of the comments mention the most important starting point is having a plan of what you want to do before you even attempt to tackle the serious business of gardening... I am at an advantage here as I recently won a competition for a free garden design service worth £1000. My problem is not knowing where to start, what tools are required for what jobs and how to level everything ( I did warn you). My confidence, or lack of, in this area has resulted in me completely avoiding tackling the problem and I am now stuck with a wild garden with weeds nearly as tall as I am. I am hoping there are some kind forum members who could talk me through the best course of action. I also have photographs of the garden but have no idea how to post them here.

Thanks,
Samantha

 

Welcome to Gardeners Corner

You can copy pictures from a host such as Photobucket or flickr, or press the "upload a file button at the bottom of the post to search for pics on your computer

 

Thank you

These are the pictures of the garden when I first moved to the property in November:

 

A few more from November/December:

 

The above pictures were taken in November/December when I first moved in; however, it's a lot worse now:

 

And here is my garden plan (well the cartoon version):

 

Hello and welcome.

It can be daunting, but don't bite off more than you can chew and you'll be fine. Do a bit at a time, and don't try to get it perfect first time because you can always revisit bits. Start with the first bits you encounter, just outside the window and near the back door and work outwards.

As for tools. A good spade (don't scrimp on this, a cheap spade will just give you pain before it snaps and then you need a new one anyway). A cheap fork, rake and hoe, and a trowel. Oh, and a mower and strimmer. In the case of the latter, you can get cheap sets compromising both for under £70. They wont win any competitions for quality but they're fine (I know, I have one such set and its into its third year now).

And as for a plan, just work out some rough ideas of what you want. Use that garden design prize you won, ask us lot, ask friends, family and neighbours, look at pictures. Anything you need for ideas. Then come to us again whenever you need any pointers as to how to make it happen.

 

Oh, just seen the pics. Maybe first step is to pay someone £20 to take a petrol strimmer/brush cutter to it first.

 

Ahhh, thank you very much. Step one is the petrol strimmer/brush cutter then. I have a friend who manages a hire shop and can get the equipment I need. I will probably be back in a few weeks with the next problem. Thanks again

 

Welcome to Gardeners Corner Samantha. Well if nothing else your new garden is a blank canvass to work with. Enjoy it, don't rush it and look after your back!

 

Thanks.

 

Welcome Samantha - Looks as if you have quite a project there at least starting from scratch you can put your own stamp on it.

 

Hopefully it's nice and sunny this weekend because I really want to make a start on it now. I'm going for it!

 

When you get started take it steady - don't over do it. But there's so much pleasure when you start to see it take shape. Look forward to seeing the progress you make.