My front garden is a nightmare

t.morgan1996

Hello all,

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to read this. 

My front garden (around 2.5x3m) is laid to lawn surrounded by a couple of lavender bushes and others which I don't know the name of. 

Anyway, the grass is in a VERY sorry state. There is a light smattering of moss, alongside extremely patchy grassed areas. 

I must admit that it has been neglected but I'd like to bring it back - if that's possible. 

Whilst on furlough, I'd like to make good headway and any tips would be very gratefully received. 

Please note that I am a complete novice and don't really have the second clue about what's good and what isn't where gardens are concerned!

I have attached an image (in shame) for you to see.

Thanks.

t.morgan1996

Also, please note that this is a rented property so I therefore don't want to spend lots of money on it.

Dave Humby

Welcome to the forum ‘t’. The lavender looks like it’s got pretty leggy but I assume it’s the lawn you’d like to focus on?

I see it was mostly in shade when you took the pic. Hopefully it does get a few hours sun or it will always be problematic trying to grow grass.

Taking on board your comments that it is a rental and therefore you don’t want to go mad with money I’d just give it a very hard rake with a springtine rake. If you can get a fork in the ground I would work that in every 6” or so and give it a wiggle to try and ease what looks like severe compaction plus it will also help air get into the soil. Then go with a light top dressing of lawn conditioner or top soil and seed it. If it is shady then choose an appropriate seed.

You’ll have to make sure you keep the soil moist for the first two weeks at least to help the seed germinate. Use a fine rose or spray so you don’t disturb the seed too much. 

Fairygirl

Hi @t.morgan1996 - don't worry - many of us have had grass that looks like that!
Are you allowed to alter it much, or does it have to stay as grass?
The drain access can make it trickier, but the grass will improve once it gets a good soaking. You can give it a good raking, and sow some seed, which will help. It won't take long to germinate, and that will help very quickly, assuming you can get some seed.
It would also help if you can give a proper 'edging' by cutting the turf back right round the plot, and that will help avoid grass growing into the borders where the plants are. 

If you load a few pix of the plants, you'll get help with IDing them too. A good close up is helpful 

t.morgan1996

Thank you both very much for your helpful comments. I'll be able to grab some shady seed online or can pop to a Homebase. Fingers crossed!

Fairygirl

Ah - @Dave Humby and I posted at the same time 
You can come back at a later date for help with your plants too if needed