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Ideas please

smileysmile1966AMmtNsyZsmileysmile1966AMmtNsyZ Posts: 74
in Garden design
I've removed at least  7" deep of surface clay and replaced it with type 1 hard-core in the attached photos. What was there before was clay then builders plastic sheet for weed membrane *rolls eyes* then sprinkle of grey gravel.
Now I've improved the foundation my intention is to lay a weed membrane then decorative gravel that compliments the house brick.

I'm thinking of placing octagon planter
 boxe in middle of square, also I'd like to camouflage the ugly gas meter box.
Another idea is to plant a small tree. This is the front of my house and the tarmac car stand is next doors but they don't have a car. 

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.



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Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,152
    Do you mean that outlined rectangle with the blue plastic and pile of rubble is next door's car park?
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • delskidelski Posts: 274
    Eh? I don’t understand 
  • smileysmile1966AMmtNsyZsmileysmile1966AMmtNsyZ Posts: 74
    Bit of a mess atm.
    I over estimated the amount of hard-core I needed hence some left over where the blue sheet is. That is parking place only for next door. The border around the house is mine.

    All clay removed now has plenty of drainage. Need to decide what goes there now. 

    •Decorative gravel
    •planter boxes 
    •tree in middle of square area. 6ft? Surrounded by Decorative aggregate 
  • smileysmile1966AMmtNsyZsmileysmile1966AMmtNsyZ Posts: 74

  • delskidelski Posts: 274
    I’m confused because you’ve had a poll and multiple threads about this and still can’t decide what to do. Do you want someone to choose for you?
    If this was my area I’d choose gravel since the neighbours car parking will ruin any enjoyment I might have of plants there. Not easy maintenance if you have to manoeuvre around a car. Even if your neighbour doesn’t have a car, a future one might. 
  • smileysmile1966AMmtNsyZsmileysmile1966AMmtNsyZ Posts: 74
    Will post better photo ASAP 
  • smileysmile1966AMmtNsyZsmileysmile1966AMmtNsyZ Posts: 74
    Delski 
    I've only just managed to have had clay removed and replaced by type1 now what you see is left overs.
    I've still not decided on what decorative aggregate  but was looking for ideas of what to place in middle of square area? Maybe dig a hole and plant a small tree or or octagon plant boxes?
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,152
    I echo the confusion given the poll etc.

    A tree needs depth to get its roots down to seek water and nutrients and you can't give that firstly because of all the hardcore and gravel and secondly because of the rain shadow from being surrounded by walls on 3 sides.

    Even if you put in a big planter and fill it with top quality loamy soil and compost you're going to need to limit yourself to drought tolerant plants suited to your local climate and exposure to bad weather as well as how much sunshine it will get. 
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • smileysmile1966AMmtNsyZsmileysmile1966AMmtNsyZ Posts: 74
    A tree is probably out but maybe a octagon planter box with evergreen shrubs? The sun starts from front to back. I'll have to check how much sunshine hits that square area 
  • gerard mcmanusgerard mcmanus Posts: 41
    Its a shame that's the neighbour car parking spot. I would just create a plant bed in those areas if it was me, a few Hardy shurbs can add some hieght at the back to cover the gas box.

    You could also add a bench along the side of the car parking spot against the wall with your neighbours permission, to make it a usable space for you.
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