No idea where to begin!

FlowerNewbie

So I have the task of growing container veg on the go, but the actual garden itself, I want to encourage wildlife and to make it look a lot nicer. I don't have any experience, the picture is from my window sorry for the glare. Anyone have ideas for positioning the plants? The raised area is a no go as it's a bigger task than expected for a numerous amount of reasons so hence the container gardening for now. But how can I add plants To this weird layout of a garden. The fence will also have flower boxes at the right hand side.  Also I stay in scotland- when it's sunny the sun really gets in at the garden good, but as you could guess when it rains it's constant. 

Last edited: 27 February 2017 11:54:29

FlowerNewbie

Note: hopefully the shed will come down summer time but again I dont know exactly when.  

hogweed

You could dig up the grass either side of the decking and use that for borders for flowers. Vegetables like lots of sun so if your raised bit at the end is in shade, use one or both of the dug up bits for veg and grow more flowers in pots on the raised bit. That will get you started and not too big a project for a beginner. Buy the 'Vegetable expert' book which will give you lots of tips. It's by Dr Hessayan, an old book but very useful. For wildlife friendly flowers have a look at the rhs website.

Fairygirl

Is everything going in containers? Is it all veg or are you growing other things too? If it's all containers, you can just position them where they're most suited, ie if you're growing plants which need full sun, position them facing south with as little blocking the sun as possible. Plants needing shadier conditions, position them facing west or even east if they won't be affected by early morning frosts. 

Sorry if I've misunderstood your query, but it's a little ambiguous 

FlowerNewbie

In the containers at the raised part is: raspberries blueberries and a blackberry. In the summer, I'm pretty sure the sun hits that bit very well. The veg will be in containers/ flower boxes to the right against the fence as it gets quite a lot of sun. I just want to try incorporate a bit of colour into the garden to encourage more wildlife/ pollinators. I quite like the idea of digging up the side of that decking near the raised part, it does get a lot of sun there. Just worried it's not great drainage though It's turned mossy under the grass. not the ideal garden ha! 

honeyandeggs

Nice garden FlowerNewbie - if you're wanting to encourage wildlife I think you couldn't go wrong with adding more plants by digging up that ground. Maybe some verbena or some foxgloves? A water feature will also help with this, although I can see from the wee trampoline that kids are involved so a pond is perhaps out of the question. If this is the case, even a bird bath can be great for birds, bees and butterflies. Plus any extra bees will be good for your fruit plants. 

For drainage, you could maybe add organic matter and grit? 

FlowerNewbie

Thank you! It looks ideal but will be hard work this year the grass is full of moss im almost 9 months pregnant and I don't trust my other half- he has no patience would rather burn it all and start again ?? so hoping I'm not going to miss out And start too late!

I was thinking of a water feature, just a mini one in a large barrel container sunk a little, but your probably right wouldn't be good for my daughter. Unless its disguised Extensively. 

i have bought some foxglove Seeds and got a few summer bulbs recently, thinking a border of some sort next to the decking at least to start off with bird bath and something for feeding them. I'll definetly add organic matter and grit, think it would benefit from it. 

I don't want to add chemicals to the lawn is there another way to get rid of moss, is it just a case of taking it all up?

Overgrowth

So much potential - The garden is big enough that you need a fairly concrete plan before you start.

You have quite a lot of ideas to pack in so maybe consider dividing the garden up into defined areas? That way, at least with it set out you can work on one bit at a time when you have time! (I have a three day old baby but I'm itching to get outside!)

I'm guessing you're watching it but "Big Dreams, Small Spaces" is a fantastic show and has loads of interesting ideas for gardens of a similar size.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b071c28x?suggid=b071c28x

Last edited: 03 March 2017 11:36:42

honeyandeggs

Wow! Good luck with the baby! I agree with Overgrowth - "Big Dreams, Small Spaces" is excellent, and is very inspiring. (There's nothing like seeing a real-world example rather than a Chelsea show garden to help with ideas). 

With the lawn, getting a rake and getting in there is probably your best bet. Or you could use a scarifier, but I don't have much experience with these so couldn't tell you how successful they are. One thing with lawns I've found that regular cutting in the summer is essential for a healthy lawn, and that a pristine lawn can take time. 

Another drastic option would be to rip out all the lawn and re-turf it. But that's a mammoth job, not to mention costly! 

FlowerNewbie

Thanks ? Yeah I love that programme I binge watched it all last week ? It definitely gets you wanting to get out in the garden. I tried a little section with a rake this morning to see how difficult it was, not as bad as I originally thought but doing the whole garden is a different story ?  Yeah a section at a time sounds best! i always tend to jump right in the middle to get something started. Just finding it difficult in choosing the right plants for the areas. And how to place them. 

FlowerNewbie

does anyone think a Kilmarnock willow would be nice in the middle? Or too out of place?