Borders/beds from scratch

[LIZS]

Is there anywhere online to view different styles of bed with a list of what plants to use to achieve it. A sort of planting by numbers! We are looking to start planting this spring, shallow borders with height to screen at back. Also fruit/veg beds, but not sure what can be combined and how much room to allow.

There are some border design packages on Crocus, but I wouldnt buy from Crocus simply because its very pricey, but its not bad for ideas.
www.crocus.co.uk/designing-with-plants/

Of course what you chooise will depend on your aspect and soil conditions, so you'd need to bear this in mind as the Crocus plans are quite generic.

Have your recently moved or are you just re-doing your planting?

You can always ask for ideas on here...

Thansk that was what I was thinking of. We've had a section(100' x 30') of formerly weed-infested garden laid to grass and now the weather is warmer are working out what to do with it longer term. Currently there are a couple of established buddleias and holly bushes on one side but rest is blank. Soil is a rich sand and that part gets a lot of sun but faces north.

Quite a project!

I also have a huge garden project so you have my sympathy as it can be quite daunting.

Your best bet is to work out the backbone planting first, such as any trees/large shrubs you want to put in. After that you can decide on smaller shrubs, perennials, ground cover, bulbs etc etc.

You might find it helpful to get a border design done. Some nurseries offer this service and you off-set the cost of the design against any plants you buy, which is a pretty good deal I think.

These are two I'd recommend

www.woottensplants.co.uk/border.html
and
www.specialperennials.com/Designs/designs_frame.htm