The Landscapers are here, it is better than the arrival of Santa

[grannygarden]

Back in late summer, I posted asking for advice about changing my garden into low maintenance. The reason is my deteriorating health and physical ability. Well the advice and support I got was wonderful, particularly from those who recognised the emotional difficulty of destroying a garden I cared for for 40 years and having dispose of lots of plants.

I spent weeks drawing plans, making plant lists. Anyone would have thought I was developing the whole of Kew Gardens rather than by 26feet by 14 feet plot. The landscaper introduced me to a designer who I liked immediately. She produced 2 designs one of which was exactly what I had sketched out, but just improved.

So now they are here and I am so happy, I have let go of the angst and am now happily antipating the new garden. Thank you again for all the hand (spade) holding.

oooh ! My amelanchiers are just thinking of breaking bud, that gorgeous pinky feathery look just prior :)

We are in London, so everything here is very forward. The Acers particularly are galloping away

Another month, another name change. I cannot believe how much everything has grown.

Acers in particular have done really well now they are out of the pots and into the garden

I searched for your thread pansy and here it is. It's lovely to see your low maintenance garden. The landscaping is gorgeous and I see how it suits you. Thank you for the photos.

In the two days of sunshine we had last month I splashed out on a sun parasol. Since then the only splashing has been in the puddles. The constant rain however has meant everything practical.y doubling in size as I look at it.

Bit brighter here today

It has filled out loads hasn't it! Looking really lovely.

Update 6 months fro. When they started

Oh, now that is looking pretty gorgeous.
I also have slab envy!

Those slabs were not even on my radar to begin with. But I am so happy that I was persuaded to them.

Looks amazing! Hope you get lots of opportunity to enjoy it

Wow looks great, so good to see its progress. I think that's the hardest thing about gardening is that it can take time to get the effect you want.

Filling out now, helped along by next door's hibiscus. He is helping me to train it through the trellis.

Looking fabulous! I love the bonus hibiscus

I really enjoyed this thread- loved seeing the transformation?

I am curious to know what it cost ( but then I am uncouth like that!)

Without any plants £16500. This included paving the front garden and building a double wall around the front garden. Lighting, for the garden and garage and putting 2 electric points in the garage. The new wooden door to the garage was £650. It was quite an expensive stone and the trellis down the 2 sides was £2,500. It included all top soil and they have returned without any additional charge to put in the bigger plants as and when they have arrived.

Although I had a good idea what I wanted I paid £390 for a designer, who was well worth the money. That fee would have included helping me with plant choices had I needed it.

I spent about £ 800 on plants, but that included £450 for 2 x 20 feet Amelanchier, supports and planting medium
Back garden is 27 feet by 15. Front garden is 15 feet by 6. It took 4 guys 4 weeks.

I had no idea of costs so I don't know what I was expecting.

One thing the guys told me that if they had not been able to remove everything so easily it would have been much dearer. Also the cost of removing and disposing of rubble and plants are huge.

Happy to answer any questions.

It was a year ago that I made the decision to do this. On my birthday, in fact. So happy with the decision as it has revived my interest. The daily enjoyment with very little work is such a blessing. I was quite depressed this time last year, it this project has lifted my spirits.

It looks completely amazing

That looks really really lovely. So pleased you can enjoy it without the stress of maintenance.

Early Autumn and the colours are just starting to turn

Photos did not load

just gorgeous Astrantia :)

Love seeing your updates. It's amazing how your garden has matured in a year.

Thank you for those lovely comments. The landscapers are coming back today to take photos for their website.