Complete Beginner in Lovely Garden!
kat0163
Posts: 1
Hi everyone 
I have recently bought a new house with a lovingly landscaped multi level garden.
It is absolutely full of plants, flowers and I've even noticed some strawberries and raspberries growing!
It's looking slightly overgrown right now but I am a complete novice and have now idea where to begin! I will upload some photos when I get the chance, but I'm really looking for some recommendations, any books or tips that will help me at least keep the garden alive, and make sure I'm getting rid of weeds not plants!
I also want to make sure I prune and cut things back correctly, as I do want to try and make sure that it grows/flowers each year!
Any advice is much appreciated even if it's referring me to book/link/website that you think would give me the advice I need! A lot of the beginner stuff I've found is about starting a brand new garden rather than jumping in at the deep end which is what I've done
Posts
Hi Kat and welcome
This forum is where it all happens, advice, plant/weed IDs and entertainment. Read a few threads and check us out
In the sticks near Peterborough
Welcome to the forum Kat. As nutcutlet said, there are loads of great folk on here with lots of knowledge about all things hortcultural who love helping out everyone.
Hi Kat and welcome.
Don't feel overwhelmed.
Have a wander round your garden as often as possible and get to know it. If you know what a plant is put it's name in the search box (top right of the page) and squillions of results will come up, relevant and not.
If you don't know what it is post a pic (camera icon at the top right of text box) of plant, leaves, flower, if any, and we'll all argue/discuss about what it is for you and then argue/discuss about the best way to deal with it.
Top Tip...don't let it get away from you. Maintenance is ten times easier than cure.
Hello Kat. Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new home and garden. ?
This is my tatty old book from 1988, it's full of pencil scribbled notes and post its as I've added info over the years. I also have a couple of "Hessayon" books which are great for the basics.
It's been a little redundant this year as I've been using the forum for all my questions and query's. This is a great place for almost anything you need to know and there are loads of helpful and knowledgeable people willing to help.
Look forward to seeing you photo's. Kitty ?
Hi Kat & welcome
This forum really will be of help to you!
If you can upload a couple of general pictures of your 'estate' it will give us an idea of the size and general 'feel' of the garden & might help us target some good reference material (eg for ponds & bog gardens, or formal gardens, or cottagey, informal gardening etc)
If you then put on a couple of pictures of one area you feel is starting to get a bit overgrown or out of control we can help identify the plants and guide you how best to deal with them.
Then you can show us the next area - and so on
As a general rule it's best to just give us one area at a time to look at - otherwise the answers start to merge and get a bit confusing
Why not invite your most knowledgeable gardening pal round for a coffee and wander round the garden. Books and forums are fine for the odd question but nothing beats hands on knowledge. That should give you a start on weed identification and hopefully your friend will be able to tell you what plants and shrubs you have. Then you can look up books and find out how to look after them.
If you haven't a knowledgeable friend/relative, have a look at all the neighbouring gardens and find the best well kept. Most folk love to help a beginner and it is a good opportunity to get to know your neighbours.