how can i improve my lawn/garden?

[vnmum]

Hi, I am not a very keen or knowledgable gardener but have recently moved into a property where the garden hasn't had much done with it in some time.

The border is full of weeds, the grass is full of dandelions and moss and there are a few bald patches. There is a tree in the garden but as of yet i'm not sure what type (it's big and mature).

There is also thick bramble plants at one end where the previous occupants have left a rubbledump-- rockery.

So what can i use to get rid of all the dandelions and moss etc and improve the lawn and whats the best way to get rid of mature brambles?

I do have 2 children and 2 cats so any products have to be safe.

TIA

....

You can get systemic weedkiller that kills off broad-leaved plants in grass (so the grass stays, the dandelions go). Or dig them up. That's all you can do with moss really and then reseed over the top. There is stuff that you can get that's called Miracle Grass or something which you sprinkle on and just water when it's dry and it seems to make grass grow in the most inhospitable situations. Keep it cut regularly and that will help.

Borders and brambles you can use a glyphosate weedkiller which gets absorbed into the plants so safe for children and pets. Then when the top growth has died back, dig it out. Brambles are a bugger - you need to keep on top of them because they grow underground. Basically, nothing that a bit of hard graft won't sort out :)

Thanks Christine, looks like i had better get some gardening tools then , it will keep me and the kids busy over the easter holidays.

I looked at some complete 4in1 granule stuff today that is meant to feed, weed and kill moss, is that the sort of stuff you are talking about?