What type of soil should I buy to make a big bed to plant flowers / shrubs?

[ilikeyoursleeves]

I have a new raised bed measuring 3x1m and about 30cm deep. Theres nowt in it so I need to fill it with soil but I have no idea what type of soil to buy. Ideally I will buy it in bulk (think I will need a tonne!) all ready made so to speak so I can basically dump it in the raised bed and plant some shrubs.

Can anyone advise me. Thanks!

Ps when is the best time to plant shrubs? Now or will I wait til spring?

I would get good quality fine screened topsoil and add plenty of Organic Matter - soil improver, compost, whatever. Don't get cheap topsoil. Also remember it will sink and shrink so you may need more than you think.

Now for shrubs - nice warm soil to get their toes into without the stress of supporting flowers or leaves.

Yes, good quality topsoil, plant the shrubs now so they can get established before winter and mulch with something organic.

What's underneath the bed? Do you need to sort out drainage before you plant?

Under the bed is some leftover hardcore from building work ie stones, then some soil and then blaze stuff (the red stuff that's often on football pitches). Would it be ok just put the soil on top of this?

I found this soil, would this do? ...

www.rolawndirect.co.uk/products-topsoil-blended_loam.html