Garden in Ireland
Gal2
Posts: 36
Hi all, I am starting work on my mother's garden and would like some ideas from you experienced folk. This will require a long-term plan as the garden has not had work in decades apart from having the grass cut.
Does anyone have any interesting ideas? I'm thinking the trees in the centre will be dug up as they do little for the garden. I would love to put plants or flowers (preferably perennials) around the sides. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
G
Last edited: 02 March 2017 17:53:04
0
Posts
I'd love to suggest somewhere to sit and enjoy that view, perhaps from a panoramic summer-house. I fear, though, that if no attention has been given to the garden in a long time that it might not get used.
There are lots of perennials that are hardy enough and flower well and many that are not tempting to slugs. After removing the tree, what about 'pinching' the garden into an hourglass shape creating two beds on either side and pack these full of small perennials (standards, lavender, hebe, etc.) that will produce some effect flower displays during the summer. This will leave you a bit of space in the front for a few annuals that flower better than the perennials and maybe some bulbs for an early spring display. If you don't want the effort and cost of a summer house this would create a screen behind which you could put a nice bench on which to enjoy your view.
If you put beds around the sides don't make them too narrow, the odd curve is more graceful unless you're going for something starkly modern. The earth may need improving with compost and manure. Watch where the sun is and how much shade falls where. Different plants have different needs.
I would stick with easy perennials, like hardy geraniums, salvia nemerosa, campanulas etc. Not orchids and meconopsis which can be tricky. Don't plant too close to the trees on the sides where the soil may be dry and poor from the trees taking up the moisture.
It depends how much work you want to do and how much money you have. Also future maintenance. There could be loads of options, like paths, pergolas, seating areas, flower beds not just around the edge, dividing the garden into different areas, trellis, fencing etc. Or just keep it simple with some flower borders.