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New garden, what to do with blank canvas



So newish garden which is rather long! And all grass and im getting fed up of mowing it all the time.

Looking for something low maintenance, was thinking few trees at the bottom and one side gravel or some patio?

Opinions please.
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Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,282
    60 ft by 24ft approx? 
    Depends on what you want to do with it. Is it an entertainment area or do you want to grow your own veg. ?  Trees etc drop leaves which have to be gathered up. How much time do you want to spend doing the garden as opposed to looking at the garden. ? What is your budget?
  • ArfanArfan Posts: 8
    I just want something that will be easy to maintain. Im on a tight budget as the wife is pregnant so funds are for that but also something for the kids to play in in the future maybe
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    Grass is a good, safe play surface, especially for ball games, so I'd keep at least part of that sward.  I'd be inclined to plant shrubs rather than trees, so the children can hide in them and make dens.  Bear in mind that a lot of popular garden plants are toxic if eaten, so be careful what you plant until they're past the stage of putting everything in their mouths.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,282
    How about planting a fruit tree on a dwarfing fruitstock for each child when it is born.  By the time it is old enough to know what is is, they will have their own special apple etc. There are lots of fruit trees with good names.. William pear, Katy apple, James grieve apple. Victoria plum etc.
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    Stella cherry!
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,282
    What do you plan on calling the baby?
  • A couple of small trees (think cherries or apple trees) at the bottom would be a wonderful addition and shouldn't take over your garden either. Plus they can be picked up at reasonable costs from all sorts of places these days.

    They'll add seasonal interest in terms of foliage and blossom, as well as providing a really good opportunity to bring wildlife in the garden. Plus, if you go with an apple tree you'll also be able to get some produce out of it! 

    I also agree that a good stretch of grass is good when kids are involved. A couple of evergreen shrubs and maybe a Buddleja which is sturdy and will take care of itself practically. (Plus will also do wonders for wildlife).

    Happy gardening and good luck with the baby! :)  
  • A couple of small trees (think cherries or apple trees) at the bottom would be a wonderful addition and shouldn't take over your garden either. Plus they can be picked up at reasonable costs from all sorts of places these days.

    They'll add seasonal interest in terms of foliage and blossom, as well as providing a really good opportunity to bring wildlife in the garden. Plus, if you go with an apple tree you'll also be able to get some produce out of it! 

    I also agree that a good stretch of grass is good when kids are involved. A couple of evergreen shrubs and maybe a Buddleja which is sturdy and will take care of itself practically. (Plus will also do wonders for wildlife).

    Happy gardening and good luck with the baby! :)  
  • JellyfireJellyfire Posts: 1,139
    If your main motivation is not having to cut the grass, rather than spend a fortune on paving it over (which will be far from maintenance free btw) have you thought about a robot lawnmower? They are expensive but nothing compared to the cost of paving it.
      
    Also with a young un on the way, lawn is far more fun for them, and there will be a lot less running out with plasters when they fall over on the stone (I speak from experience).

    Id agree with @honeyandeggs you cant go far wrong with a few evergreen shrubs and a buddleja, once a year cut it back hard, and in the summer it'll be covered in butterflies which the kids will love. 
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