Turning a 2 acre field into a garden.

[HelgatheHairy]

Long story short last year I inherited my uncles farm. I have rented the majority of it as neither DH or I are farmers but I've kept a 2 acre field for myself.

We have big long term plans but short term this year we were thinking of making a start by ploughing it and sowing grass seed. Would this be enough to get rid of the weeds (dock leaves, nettles and ragwort mostly) the nettles are mostly around the base of the trees so the plough won't be able to get to them, what's the best way to kill them off?

I see this as the kind of thread I will still be coming back to in 5 years looking for advice!

[LadyMud]

Please check this out with the local council, before you spend any money. We don't want you appearing in the Daily Mail, do we?

[HumphreyCobbler]

This is what Monty Don did at Ivington - a flat field turned into a garden. You could read The Jewel Garden by Monty and Sarah Don for some inspiration.

[mistlethrush]

You do need planning permission to change a field into a garden.

Ploughing and reseeding won't get rid of the weeds - you'd have to treat them or dig them out. Simply keeping it cut short would help - do you actually need a reseed? (the existing grass is likely to reappear anyway due to seeds and roots).

[HelgatheHairy]

I'm in Ireland, I'll look into planning but I really don't think I need planning permission.

No intention of being hasty, this is going to be a long term project. Our final plans include an orchard/fruit tree area, a veggie garden area, an area with kids play equipment and a flat area for football etc!

There are about 7 large trees (roughly 35ft high) and they are going no where. The ditches are mostly whitethorn (and sheep wire fencing).

I LOVE the idea of using curved hedging. I was also thinking of throwing wildflower seeds around.

Maryz don't tempt me about goats, DH is already afraid he's going to come home from work and find alpacas in the field!

[BreadHamBread]

Pigs are a really good way of getting rid of weeds! We kept 2 separate lots of 3 on an acre and they turned it over really well and got rid of everything including brambles. They just need a bit of shelter, feed and fresh water. We bought weaners then when they were big enough they went into the freezer in their component parts.

At our new house we have neighbours much closer so have had to forgo the bacon and use Round Up. A big industrial type bottle was £39 and a sprayer/diffuser was a tenner. Next week I'll get the big roots up then a quick harrow before slatting a load of grass seed down.

My plan is to have a veg patch, the kids have a 12ft trampoline which I've buried to ground level and their swing will be on there. We'll get a few chickens and the rest will be grass. Can't wait!

[beachyhead]

Take a look at the Prairie Gardens website and video of how they developed their garden. I often look at it for inspiration on shape of beds and stuff.

Sorry can't link on my phone, but it is in East Sussex..

Have fun

[HelgatheHairy]

maryz no conifers. There is a row of leylandii in the field, we've cut 2 down (as if they came down they'd hit our house roof) but about another 5 to go. They're about 30 foot high. Our house is actually surrounded by a wall, the field is garden no. 2! And our house is cream! So not doing too badly!

Carpet is a good idea, will keep a look out. Have a while to get it. PFB Isn't due for another 2 months! Will have a look at that website, thanks.

I'm too nervous to have chickens, there are a few foxes in the area and I know they come into the field (as evidenced by the dog rolling in their poo) PIL have chickens and supply our eggs for now! Although alpacas are kept by sheep farmers to see off foxes - so another reason!

Long long term, I would love a proper small holding. A few sheep, few pigs, donkeys, ducks but that's more like a 15 year plan as the rest of the land is rented for now.

[HelgatheHairy]

Well that's the long long term plan! At the moment we need the income from the rent. But it is a gorgeous farm

[onefewernow]

Hi.

If you are going to make such a large garden, I think it would be really really wise to have a plan for the whole space first. Even if you deviate from it, which I expect I would, in practice. Piecemeal garden making on this scalae could be both expensive and time consuming to put right. eg trees in the wrong place for what you eventually decide.


But lucky you. I think trees and hedges are a good start. Also you could read Mirabel Olser, who started a large garden with trees.

[FrankSpenser]

I am soooo bloody envious for the country life!! All the best to you, I hope it all goes to plan!

[HelgatheHairy]

Thanks all! Like I said its going to be a long (long) time coming together but think it will be worth it. And I quite like the idea of "sharing" the transformation with people.

[Sunnyshores]

wondering if theres an update? Ive got a 1 acre field