Removed trees from border. How much soil improvement before replanting?

[deplorabelle]

I've had some small trees and very overgrown shrubs removed from next to my fence and am left with an almost empty bed. My plannwas to spend the summer replenishing the soil a bit and then plant a cottage garden style border come autumn.

What do you think? Is this a good plan, time wise and if so, what shall I do now to prepare the soil?

Put in 'well rotted manure', compost, rotted leaf mould etc - as much as you can get/ afford.

I think the modern way is to mulch on top, and let the worms do the work!

You say 'next to fence' - make borders as wide as you can, and ideally not straight, but sweeping curves.

Thank you that's really helpful. I don't know if I can manage sweeping curve but there is a little bit of shape to it and a lovely curve on the facing side. I have grand visions in my head but no money for a landscaper so I'll just have to hope I can do a good enough job

I agree, mulch now. In the autumn, sweep all your leaves onto it and when you know what your planting plan is, swipe the leaves and mulch aside [don't dig it in], plant your plant, put the soil back around the roots, water in and replace the mulch.

We had similar when we moved in. Ripped out shrubs, poor soil remained. Dug it over (had to buy a pickaxe!). Spread composted farm manure over it, about 2 bags per 3 square metres. Covered entire border with permeable anti-weed membrane, and covered that with bark chippings. A year later, started cutting through the membrane to plant. Lovely, soft soil, lots of lovely earthworms. Everything I planted took beautifully.

Wow Gumdrops that's heartening. And I like the idea of mostly mulching not too much digging. Thank you all