Never posted here before, but I need some help with a couple of things, if you would be so kind!

[MaureenMLove]

Right straight to the questions - no messing!

I've got a very uneven lawn and its very big. Can't afford to get it levelled and re-turfed BUT I've got lots of sand. Someone said, that I could use the sand to level it out - er how?

Secondly, I've got a flower bed that is in the shade 90% of the day, what's the best thing to put in it?

Thanks, hopefully, for your help.

RE the turf- Dh says you would be better off to get a lorry load of topsoil, use it to fill the low points, compact and seed.

Hi
I'm a newbie too and am waiting for someone to answer my cry for help so thought I'd put my 2 pennyworth in!

I have a shadey part of my garden which hosta and fern type plants seem to thrive well in.
A good site for plants is
www.gardenguides.com/plants/find-plant.asp#

I have heard the sand theory before, although never used it myself; if memory serves correctly then you just rake the sand over it, putting more in the dips etc, then levelling with your rake and then over time it seeps down filling any gaps, lumps and bumps, allowing the grass to grow through.
Hope you have a strong back!!

Mix the sand with some topsoil and griddle (seive) over the lawn Do it a thin layer at a time

Thanks guys! So hostas, ferns and top soil needed! I've had a really good day in the garden today and I'm all inspired!
Katy - Your turn for a question again!

Hostas or lily of the valley good in shade but are slug magnets. Busy lizzies (impatiens) are cheap and cheerful and do well in a shady border.

Good idea! I might get some bizzies to see me through the summer, whilst I start getting some permenant stuff in.