You don’t have to be Alan Titchmarsh to get over the most common garden design dilemmas.
With regards to planting, the answer is simple. Observe what grows well, what doesn’t, and keep a beady eye on gardens in your local area – particularly ones that leave you green with envy whenever you walk by.
However, there are more garden design dilemmas than simply what grows well. From starting a new garden to gardening in urban areas, here’s how to overcome common garden dilemmas.
Where to begin with garden design problems?
f you have a sudden urge to take up gardening as a hobby, then every seasoned gardener will salute you. You’ve made a great choice. Health, happiness and fantastic vegetables are sure to be yours for the taking by getting your fingers green.
However, an experienced gardener will also tell you to stop what you’re doing. Hold off for a year and put down the credit card that is poised to buy every plant in the garden centre. Instead, bide your time by making a garden diary that notes down the important information you’ve observed throughout the seasons to have the best chance of making your garden bloom the following spring.
Of course, you can (and should) buy plants, but keep them potted. This way, you can shelter them from the storms and decide what’s the best course of action for each plant. This method also allows you to effectively research before finally planting for good. If you already have bare soil, plant buckwheat, marigolds, peas or ryegrass to maintain soil structure and suppress weeds.
Is decking the solution?
Not likely. A light use of decking can complement certain areas of the garden, particularly near water or as a path through a meadow-style flowered bed. It certainly works as a hint of civilisation within a wild space.
However, decking for decking’s sake is money that could be put to better use. Decking isn’t a quick fix for any gardening woes. It is too obvious and best when used to complement another feature, rather than as a coverall for concrete.
Added to the side of a bespoke summerhouse, decking makes for an impressive veranda especially when paired and partitioned with a small fence utilising 6mm polycarbonate sheet inlay . As a path, decking is striking in its organisation of natural elements, such as timber and grain patterns. Whatever you do, think hard about priorities for your garden and attempt a more original design solution than decking the side of the house.
What to do if your garden is paved
You can have a backyard made of – you guessed it – concrete and still be a competent gardener. Buy a bag of compost and assemble an arsenal of pots. Choose many different sizes, and either mix and match or stick to traditional terracotta styles. If you live in a block of flats and have a balcony or shared courtyard, same applies. Transform boring unused space into a lush and cared for garden in a very short amount of time with hanging baskets and window boxes.
Gardeners with limitations, such as space and soil, quickly learn to make the right choices and have a surprising amount of adaptability. You cannot argue with a garden that allows you to bring plants inside when frost is forecast.
Research your best options, such as hosta plants and lily of the Nile – both of which do very well when potted with quality compost, drainage and soil.
So, now you know how to overcome common garden dilemmas, it’s time to get out in the summer sun and make your dream garden happen.
