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Last post 30-03-2009 12:28 PM by Lennie. 4 replies.
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Hello Everyone,
I am new to this forum, so thank you in advance to anyone who reads and responds to this post.
I am 21 and have recently moved out into my new home, a tiny Victorian terrace. I have spent the time here turning what was a concrete yard into something resembling a garden, but would like some advice on how to make it really beautiful.
The garden is very small, north facing and I haven't got an outside tap (for the time being) so I am limited to how much watering I can do on a daily basis.
I currently have lots of 'hand me downs' from my family, but would love some ideas on what I can plant to make the garden 'mine' and something I can be really proud of.
I'd like the idea of a kitchen garden, and already have a selection of herbs, some courgettes, strawberries, a cranberry and blueberry bush.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thanks
Victoria
The plants you've been given are an excellent start as they'll show you the things that grow well in your conditions. You could visit gardens that are open to the public and look out for the plants youhave that are growing well and then note what else is growing with them - you can then select your favourites to go with what you already have.
When watering, it's best to give an occasional good soak than a regular light sprinkling, so try to concentrate on those plants that most need it rather than trying to water them all if you don't have time. New plants need most water, so don't put in too many new ones all at once.
Welcome Victoria - everyone has been so helpful to me I am sure you'll get some good advice. The blueberry, and I think cranberry, need ericaceous compost to grow well. Most veggies need sun but you might get away with runner beans as a climbing plant on the sunniest wall/fence - Painted lady has lovely flowers as well as good beans. if you mulch everything after a good rain you can cut down on the watering you need to do.
Greenback
For decorative / bees - pulmonaria or lungwort,
dead nettle white nancy
violas, tricolour wild one.
omphaloides verna
geranium salome ok in shade, small mat covering.
geranium gracile, delicate pearly pink.
Food: claytonia - miners lettuce plant seed in late summer, overwintering salad
wild strawberries - contain them as they spread like a weed
herbs - mint but plant in a bottomless bucket to stop it spreading.
Apparently there is an edible honeysuckle I heard somewhere, ok in shade and decorative.
Decorative leaf blackberry
As you have a north facing garden, remember that means the plants will get the sun at the furthest end of the garden and near the house you will have shade. If you remember that rule, then you will have a happy garden.