Help for a beginner

[swedishgirl]

I've just bought a new house with a large garden. It has a small patio area and a much larger area with just grass. It's a compete blank canvas. I want to spend lots of time making it beautiful, but I have no idea where to start. I feel I need to learn so much. I know very little. What are the best resources for beginners? Where can I learn/research?

I've been gardening for about 20 years in my own and other people's gardens and am still learning, so don't feel like you have to learn everything in one season.

First thing to do is to do nothing. Decide on how you are really going to use your garden and just start small. Watch how the sun moves across the garden. What soil do you have? Is it a new build with rubble under the lawn? Is it level? What is the aspect? Is there shelter, is it windy?

What do you actually want to grow? Start with a few of those. Or buy a grow bag and two tomato plants and canes and have a go at those this first year.

Try watching Gardeners World on tv. They keep you informed about what’s in season and what you should be doing right now.

Try to find out what your soil is like..you can get a cheap soil test kit from a garden centre or online.
Find out if there is a gardening club in your area. The members will know what grows well and can advise you on all sorts of things. You might even be gifted plants or seeds.
Have a good look round your neighbourhood and note anything that you particularly like. Most people are only too happy to talk about their gardens if you show interest.

If there are any small independent nurseries in your area... please support them... they grow their own stock in many cases and really know their stuff.
Enjoy!!

Oh and please keep an untidy corner for wildlife!! A few logs or bits of UNTREATED wood piled with some nettles or ivy make all the difference to the little creatures who will help to keep your garden healthy! Throw some annual flower seeds over it... it really is that simple.

I'd recommend buying a book like 'Right plant, right place' to get you started on plants.

Visit gardens. National Trust or RHS gardens are good. Note what you like. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' style. I love Salvia Hotlips, widely condemned by professional gardeners.

You could buy a soil testing kit, or just look at the soil and rub it between your fingers to tell what type it is, then plant appropriately.

I did an Alan Titchmarsh intro to gardening course on the BBC website which was very good, although some of the content is no longer available as it's quite old.

Bottom line - get to know what you like, then plant as close as possible to that taking into consideration the conditions you are working within.

Good luck!