What the heck to do now?

[mimimomma]

We've recently moved into a new home (not a new build) and have been keen to embrace the garden and create something lovely for us to enjoy. My husband has a few weeks off work so keen to make use of his time, he has dug out a long border along the fence. But what next? Is it too late in the year for planting? I like purples and greens, and like plants with a bit of structure. Feel a bit overwhelmed about what to do next! The garden is south facing and the fence is west facing....so lots of sun (hence parched grass!). Any advice on how to tackle this please?

Now would be a good time to plant some irises, they are normally dormant in the summer and that's when it's best to plant them.

For larger things like shrubs I would wait until the autumn.

You can certainly put a few things in there now if you are willing to water assiduously. You'll be fairly constrained in terms of what you will find available, but on the plus side you could find some bargains. Just don't expect them to do too much this year.

Do you have any Open gardens or National Garden Scheme gardens near you?

I find them great for inspiration, and some sell plants too which would be much cheaper than a garden centre if you have a whole new border to fill.

www.opengardens.co.uk

ngs.org.uk

If you have a handily placed outdoor tap and any spare finances I would massively recommend putting in a leaky hose type irrigation system on a timer. It has transformed our garden, hugely reduced watering needs (just the pots now), and now is the time to do it before you have loads of established plants in the way.

I’d also put in some trellis or hooks and wires on the fence for climbers to grow up.

Actual planting - I’d probably wait till it’s a bit wetter and cooler tbh. Especially if you’re going away. You could put in some cheap annuals just for temporary colour.

If you're not going to plant up the border now (and as pp have said, lots of good reasons to wait) I would cover it with weed membrane so it stays relatively weed free.

now is a good time to map what's already there and where the sun is at what time of day.

also see what kind of soil there is. do hydrangeas flower blue or pink kn you area? are there rhododrendron growing? (both indicators of the soil acidity).

best time to buy & plant shrubs is october - april (bare root plants are good value).

Agree it’s best to keep it covered, both for weeds and also so it doesn’t become a huge litter tray for all the local cats - that’s what happens to any bare soil in my garden.

Thanks so much for your replies. It's a long border (about 12 metres), so will need a lot of planting. Maybe now I'll plan what shrubs to get in the autumn and plants for next spring.... as a novice I'm enthusiastic, but a bit clueless. Have visited Wisley and various NTs for inspiration....so much choice!

he has dug out a long border
Is that literally all he has done i.e have you done anything to improve the soil?

Senua, good question. We've added some compost along the border. Anything else we should be doing now?

Finally managed to add a pic!

Here is a video you may find helpful.

I would widen that border and curve it around the corners

Put some curves in it x

Widen the border, the wider the border the better really, from a watering and plant spacing perspective. Especially if you want shrubs and perennials.

If you do plant anything, now or later, make sure you water it in well and then give it a good drench of water every week or 10 days - probably a bit more if its very hot or dry.

And add some manure, wood chippings etc to the border now. It'll discourage weeks and help everything get started. Local garden centre delivered several bags of manure free so for about £60 I've got a decent lot of manure to put on the soil.

When you do plant you'll have gaps - highly recommend sowing some seeds - a wildflower mix or cornflower or poppies, they'll grow a bit, stall over the summer and then be fantastic in late spring.

If you have Instagram then I would recommend following Pollyanna Wilkinson. She has a series about planning borders to ensure there is interest all year. I've found it really helpful.

the wider the border the better really
Within reason. Basically you want a maximum of three feet i.e. an arm's reach. Or six feet if you have an access path hidden at the back.