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Inspiration & Ideas

p_smith100p_smith100 Posts: 10
in Garden design
Hi all.

So we have recently had our patio completed and we live in a rented private property so there is little in what we can do to our garden.

However, after the works there is some earth left available and I have asked for permission to work on it as absolutely everything is currently in pots and I really want to utilise this new bit of space.

I am quite new to gardening in general and I am struggling with ideas and what I can do. I am open to ideas and what anyone would suggests.

Soil is quite dry (sandy) and always some form of sun in this spot. I do have an extra slate to put down to allow some path/walkway between grass and patio and I would also quite like a rose shrub/bush but again, no idea what one.

Only other thing is, as it is privately rented, it has to be easy to maintain for when we move.

Thank you all in advance.

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 28,818
    As it's a rental property you don't want to spend a fortune on soil improvers and perennial plants and shrubs.   Put those in big pots you can keep going for a while and also take with you when you move.

    Why not plant some cheap and cheerful annuals to give you colour? There will be plenty available in local GCs and supermarkets this weekend.  Or maybe some herbs if you can find a rosemary, sage, thymes, dill, parsley......
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,354
    As the soil is sandy and in the sun it will always be dry.
    Rather than spend money on improving it, in a rented property, I would think you would do better to invest in a few good sized pots and some decent compost and then you can grow whatever you want, whether it needs acid soil or any other  type. The water and feed will be delivered where needed, instead of disappearing into the sand and when you move on you can take your garden with you :)
    With careful choice and a large pot you could grow a small tree, or ornamental shrubs, a wide range of flowers or  fruit and veg to eat and enjoy. The pots could shield or decorate your patio and enhance the lawn and be as imaginative as you like. Plenty of people have made entire gardens just with pots, so go for it!
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 28,818
    I'd do both @Buttercupdays - more and bigger pots on that terrace and cheapo annuals in the soil.   Annuals will give instant colour and the pots can be added as and when budget allows, especially if bought at the end of the season in September/October when they're often sold off to make space for the lovely Xmas displays.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 10,811
    I think one big shrub in that new space would make all the difference in that garden but don't know what would grow in sandy soil. Roses might not do well unfortunately but as the others say, could be potted ones. 
    Obviously the length of rental is a consideration but I would consider some money well spent in order to improve my surroundings.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,278
    It would be nice to edge the patio with lavenders. I would 2-4 of the intermedia type, they grow quickly and they grow big (2-3 on one side as a hedge, on on the other side of the path, where the slate is, or just one in the corner).
    Other herbs for dry soil and sun like rosemary, oregano or thyme would work too, they are cheap to get and you could use them in the kitchen.
    For the rest of the space, you could grow some annuals from seeds like zinnia, calendula, cosmos, poppies - these are ok with poor and dry soil. Ornamental grasses like stipa tenuissima can be grown from seeds too, aren't too expensive and are very easy-care plants too. And they go well with easy wildflowers.
    If you want to invest more and grow plants like roses, you would probably have to improve the soil. It's up to you how much you want to invest. Some shrub roses can grow in relatively poor soil, but they can also grow in pots :) So I would choose some very fragrant rose for a pot on the patio and go for the lavender edge.
  • p_smith100p_smith100 Posts: 10
    Hi all. Thank you so much for ypur feedback and ideas.

    I have started to work on the soil this weekend and it is solid as a rock so needs some TLC.

    I love the ideas of some shrubs etc in pots so i think i may go with a 50/50 pot and easy maintenance pots.

    I have also started to dig out the far right in picture for a small vegetable raised bed.

    Thanks again but feel free to share more ideas.
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