Please help a gardening novice with a neglected garden!

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So my garden is not pretty at all. Have really neglected it since last summer. I haven't got a lawnmower, so cut the grass with a handheld one last week as it was so long I just didn't want it to die 🙈 so looks a bit scruffy (though better than before) and am going to ask the gardener who does next doors if he will mow it for me every few weeks. It's tiny, like 7m by 3m if that so think he might do it for £20 or so.

But I want to make it pretty (today ). I've got the paint for the fence and shed so I want to give it a fresh lick of paint. I have three rectangular flower bed trellis things attached to the fence (I'm definitely a novice! No idea what these are called) with dead plants in. What sorts of things will grow nicely in there, with not too much effort? Should I literally just pick the prettiest ones and stick them in some soil in there? Is there anything else I could do to pretty it up? I have two chairs and a table out there, will clean them up. Got a solar lantern and solar trees. Maybe could get a few bright pots dotted around the patio (v small as well, maybe 2m x 4m)? Happy to spend about £60 (though could go up to £100 if I was irresponsible ). I'm not sure how expensive this sort of stuff is? Also the garden centre is only a 5/ 10 minute walk from my house (I don't drive) but I'll have my toddler so may struggle with 20lb bags of compost or whatever!

I do fancy growing some fruit/ veg, in particular blueberries, but I have no idea where or how I would do this.

I know I sound like an idiot, I'm not really. I'm just young and have always lived in flats

We need pics!

Gardening is lovely to do with your toddler so now is a fab time to get started.

I assume the rectangular trellis things are troughs with trellis behind that fix to your fence? First off, root out all the dead stuff. Then the soil will probably need improving with compost. Give the whole lot a good dig through right to the bottom and make sure the soil is hydrated right through.

You are probably best with annuals in the troughs. See what the garden centre has, or Morrison's and Wilkos are fantastic for cheap plants. Sweet peas, black eyed Susan, all pretty easy. Get some bedding to put in front, like snapdragons (kids love watching the bumble go in and out). Make sure you water daily.

Buying pots can get pricey, so maybe work with what you have, and add a couple of pots next spring?

A great project. Don’t try to do everything at once, just keep it tidy and you’ll feel more positive.
Before you plant anything plot where the sun is as the day goes by. Then you’ll have a good idea about plants for sun and shade.
You probably need to enrich your soil with some compost. Lots of places deliver it, the garden centre will probably do it for free, as your so close. Worth asking. Often 3, 50L bags for a £10 deal can be had.
Up against your trellis you could grow honeysuckle, it easy going. Perhaps a climbing rose, also not too difficult.
At this time of year there are lots of trays of annual bedding plants. A few of these will pretty things up, while you think about ( ask on here) and get more advice.
We all started in a similar situation to you, so enjoy your garden journey. It’s all experiments!

Let’s see some photos! I’d love to get my hands on a new garden.

I’d look for some lovely flowering shrubs and perennials and add a few bedding plants to fill in the gaps.

You can get a small electric mower for less than £50. So if you have somewhere to store it, it will pay for itself in a few weeks

One of your trellis things you could plant peas up. Very easy starter veg will grow in most soil conditions and even in a semi shady spot.

Lidl do packs of peas for 49p.

You can plant them straight in the ground or start them on a windowcil. An empty toilet roll tube makes a good pot filled with soil/ compost and sat on a saucer. Id stick two or three peas in the top of one toilet roll. When you've got a plant growing you can burry the whole thing to the top in the garden where you want your peas to grow. You can harvest pea shoots to top salads, or wait longer till the peas grow and eat the peas raw or cook them. Shelling peas fresh of the pod and eating them is a fond childhood memory of mine.

Do you look out over your garden year round? If so, maybe think about having some evergreen plants to give you year round interest.

Biggest thing is enjoy. Just potter. If you see something you like and it's not going to break the bank try it.

Oh man! Only just seen these posts. Well I've chucked out all the junk that was building up next to the shed (), weeded as best I could and sprayed weed killer on the bits I can't get, potted one plant in a big pot and lots in the trough thingys. My lawn is such a state - I didn't realise mowers were so cheap, I'll order one and try and make room in the shed for it. Need some seed? Feed? For the dead patches. I was looking at the Astro today but Astro's so bad for the environment isn't it?

The patio so needs a pressure wash but don't have money/ room for that. Is there any other way to get it clean? Could I just scrub with fairy liquid or something? oh and the hole in the fence I rent and it was like that when I moved in so don't really want to lay out loads to fix it. I'm guessing it wouldn't be cheap?

I do really want a fruit/ veg patch, but there's not really room is there? I thought maybe under the tree where the paddling pool is, but my mum said it would be too shady.

Didn't get round to painting the fence. I know it's still awful to you guys standards but it's loads better than it was. Thanks for all your advice, going to read it properly once DDs in bed (she loved all the gardening). And I'm gonna sit and look at my flowers with a large glass of wine

Soda crystals are cheap and an effective way to clean patios.

You need sun for fruit and veg . Maybe a tiered planter would give you space to grow some without encroaching too much, or hang pots from the fence for tumbling tomatoes, strawberries, herbs etc.

Oh no! That was just showing you guys my horrible garden to get your advice. They won't let me upload the pretty ones of my flowers I planted today; it's saying I've uploaded 6 but I haven't. Wahhhh @mnhq I'll show you all tomorrow.

Oh that's a lovely space to start playing with!

I only really got started 3 years or so ago when I was on sick leave, although I managed a bit in the previous place.

I am the last person to ask about lawns, mine are half moss half dandelion, but you can get "weed and feed" things that will improve it a lot. Just cutting it generally keeps it green and tidy, though.

Soda crystals! I'll get some. And will have a look at your suggestions for the fruit & veg - I'd love to grow tomatoes and strawberries! What I'm desperate for is to grow blueberries - me and dd spend about £20 a month on blueberries, we love them any tips on how to grow them?

Oh, it could be lovely when it’s done! Feed and weed in the grass a few days after it’s cut. Get some roses on the fences or clematis Montana will also do well and get loads of flowers. You could have some raspberry canes near the fence at the shed end or some strawberries in planters.

Car boot sales are very good for cheap plants, well the ones around here are. 10p per plant for sweet peas and runner beans etc.

Lots of regular lawn cutting starting high and picking up the clippings could even get a little electric one, not a big area. A good lick of paint on the shed and fence will make a massive improvement

Ok so on my list:

Paint the fence and shed.

Get a lawnmower and some lawn seed.

Get soda crystals for the patio.

Buy a tiered planter, put strawberries/ tomato's, herbs etc in.

Just found some big blueberry plants in pots, three different types for £20, get those.

Throw away those hard paddling pools and get a blow up one so I can store when not in use.

Get some stick things so my hanging baskets hang properly instead of being chucked over the top of the fence.

Think about one of the plants suggested which climb up the fence.

Is this a good plan? Can only really afford maybe £50- £80 a month so it might take a while 😁 but at least I can work my way through.

Oh and look for some evergreen plants, I like the idea of it looking nice all year round.

Yes you can grow blueberries and they are good in pots. The thing to note is they need something called ericaceous soil. It is essentially slightly acidic soil and you just need a bag of compost that says its ericaceous (certain other plants also need this rhododendrons, camellias etc). You can try at the garden centre or there are online places that deliver. Plant wise I have seen some cheap plants at Asda, Morrisons, Wilkos etc. If it's rented best to not buy expensive plants - they have a horrible habit of dying, even for those that know what they are doing. Also pots you can take with you. For the trellis I'd look at clematis. Asda had them in for £2 the other day. Clematis Montana - Elizabeth grows quickly so would be something to try. Also sweet peas grow up. Roses are lovely but it looks like you have a tiny one so the thorns could be a pain. Also an electric flymo lawnmower and a rake to pick up the cuttings will do wonders for the grass and will not cost much. Not worth spending more for a rented place.

Given the size and it's rented. How about a box ball or some other shape. They are evergreen and can be grown in pots. Another one for shape is Acer and will grow in a pot - lovely red colour. That way you could take to next house. Buddleia grows like a weed and has pretty flowers to attract butterflies for children. Lavender is a nice plant for children. You can chop it, dry it and then make little satchets with fabric. Sunflowers perennial favourite with children. Also put in a pot but lemon balm/ Melissa always amuses small children. Slightly boring plant but rub the leaves and you get a lovely lemon smell.

Ps putting a paddling pool out on the grass for several days will kill the grass. Not much you can do - except possibly move frequently. It normally comes back over Autumn/ winter but is a reason not to get too fussed about the grass.

Also, good place for cheap plants are school and village summer fetes.

Thanks for all the info. Good tip on the blueberries, and those evergreen plants look great. Love the suggestions of flowers too - my dd would definitely get a kick out of the lemon balm. I have to smell the dandelions she picks me whilst looking enthused on a daily basis

Yeah, I have that problem of the grass dying with the slide. Hence, I've moved it to the back of the garden where I'm not as fussed the padding pools under the tree where it's all dirt, so not a massive problem, just looks a bit messy. Really want to do something with that area eventually. I guess I can't grow anything due to the shade. Was wondering about a built in sandpit. Could I do this myself? Would it cost much?

I think (hope) I'll be here for a good few years, so don't mind spending a couple of hundred on things I can't take away. I've been here two years already and the landlord has said he's definitely not planning on selling anytime soon. Won't be able to buy myself for at least 4-5 years.

And yes, good idea about the fetes and car boots for plants. Will keep my eyes open.

Wilko have an extensive and very affordable gardening section (most of it's on the website too, available for home delivery). Home Bargains/B&M/pound shops can be a good source too.

Weed, feed and mosskiller will sort out your lawn but apply it sparingly as it will turn the lawn black if you apply too much
It's a good idea to water it in well in the cool of the evening if minimal rain is forecast. A tip - grab a plastic cup/ something from the recycling and weigh out the recommended amount per metre sq. It's smaller than you think! Draw a line on the plastic and use that as your guide.

Wilko is cheap for hoses/connectors - do you have an outside tap?

Regular mowing will improve the lawn. Start with the lawnmower blades high but adjust them lower as time goes on and your lawn starts taking shape! It will encourage the grass to spread into any gaps. If gaps persist you can scrape the soil using a rake/hand fork etc and sprinkle some grass seed mixed with compost.

Are you allowed to paint your shed a different colour? Cuprinol Seagrass is my all time favourite garden paint colour It really brightens up a gloomy corner and complements plants and lawns. Wilko do an own brand one too, think it's reduced at the moment. You wouldn't need much to do the front/ side of the shed.

You might just have time to get some sunflowers going indoors in little pots. Plant out by the wall in a month and watch out for slugs! Is there any soil under the pebbles or just concrete? I wondered whether you could dig down. If not bigger troughs/ small raised bed kits/ tall planters (better for root growth/not drying out) could be the solution. B&M and The Range often have large plastic planters for peanuts.

I've seen lovely children's picnic benches with an integral sandpit in Aldi and Lidl in previous years. Haven't seen them yet this year but hopefully they're coming. If you get a ground level sandpit choose one with a lid to keep cats out

Looking forward to your latest set of pictures, you've made a fantastic start

If there are allotments anywhere nearby they sometimes sell surplus allotmenteers plants at negligible cost. Or stalls outside people's houses.

Wilko Seagreen paint currently £5/litre (maybe a bank hol deal), covers 10m sq:

here

Extra large 55cm plastic planter (fill the base with chunks of polystyrene/plastic recycling before adding compost to aid drainage and save on paying for quite as much compost! Make sure there are drainage holes in the base before you start):

here

45cm version:
here

32cm diam but 42cm tall:
here

I prefer these bigger planters as they don't dry out as fast and you can grow a larger variety of things (even shrubs, small trees) due to the root capacity. They do require a lot of compost however

The shady corner is trickier but not impossible. Does the tree belong to a neighbour? You can trim back the growth on your side but you're legally obliged to offer the cuttings back! Do you have any better photos of the tree height/density - is it more of a shrub/hedge? I think I'd start with the other projects first and come to this in due course.

I've seen people do lovely things with Ikea decking tiles on dodgy concrete but I don't know the first thing about laying them. I've heard it's quick and easy? Definitely transforms the look of the garden. Not sure about the cost and whether there are better budget options available. Trying to think of something that's budget friendly or that you can take/sell if you leave!