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New Border

Michael199Michael199 Posts: 175
in Garden design

Hi everyone.

We need more planting space so we are going to dig up some turf in the lawn for a new border. Being a beginner i'd like some of your advice please.

The border will be 25 ft long...but what width would you recommend? I was thinking 18 inches? Is that enough?

I shall loosen the existing soil and put a mix of compost, sand, grit and topsoil down a few inches deep. By the way soil is heavy clay. Is it worth installing a weed sheet? Was going to put wood bark down on the top of the soil to reduce weed growth. Is that enough? Or do I need the weed sheet too?

Thanks for any advice.

Posts

  • WonkyWombleWonkyWomble Posts: 4,478

    Hi Michael, I'm only a beginner myself but I personally like a bit of depth to a boarder so you can achieve a sense of distance with your planting, and don't forget like I did, that things grow! image afraid I crammed things in and have just had to dig a load of turf up and create a new boarder myself! Best of luck with your project image

  • Michael199Michael199 Posts: 175

    Thanks Wonky. How wide did you make your border?

  • FlyfiferFlyfifer Posts: 167

    Hi Michael, like wonky I am also new to gardening but would agree with wonky that you need depth in a border so would suggest a minimum of 1 metre wide.  If you intend having a few shrubs you may have to go a bit deeper. that way it saves  having so much lawn to cut.

    As for the weed fabric I would say no just dig in plenty of compost or F.Y.Manure.

    Last edited: 13 June 2016 20:56:56

  • Michael199Michael199 Posts: 175

    Thx flyFifer.

    1 meter a good starting point. Did you use weed sheeting?

    I didn't much fancy putting a weed sheet down to be honest. I don't mind the weeding and bark chips will hopefully keep the weed count down.

    Last edited: 13 June 2016 21:05:23

  • FlyfiferFlyfifer Posts: 167

    Michael as you may  not have noticed I edited my post to say i wouldn't advise using weed fabric but would dig in plenty garden compost or farmyard manure, then mulch with the bark

  • WonkyWombleWonkyWomble Posts: 4,478

    Michael, I only have a little garden but the lawn is getting smaller! image

    image

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  • Michael199Michael199 Posts: 175

    Very nice WonkyWomble. What a great feature the wall is. We have a tabby just like yours...he's only 7 months old though.

    Yes FlyFifer, I did notice it eventually lol...so I amended mine too. Thanks

  • Michael199Michael199 Posts: 175

    Wonky...We got Love in the Mist and Chives also!!!

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