Author |
Message |
aine Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree

Joined: 25 Jun 2009 Posts: 90 Location: carrick on shannon
|
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 4:37 pm Post subject: advice on new beds |
|
|
i am planning on constructing some shrub beds and i need some advice. the area is currently covered in hardcore (think thats what you call it)....since our house was built. it is edged on one side by the lawn, and on the other side by a brick edging with a concrete path. the bed is 6 foot wide. it runs 64 feet on one side and 5 on another
i was thinking of digging the hardcore away...what should i do then? i have a supply of top soil. should i add fertiliser? i want to bring the beds up to the level of the lawn which runs alongside the area...so the beds would be approx half a foot high....once i get rid of the stoney hardcore. what would grow in an area like this...is the depth adequate enough? anything otehr tahn alpines? any shrubs? |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
walltoall Rank attained: Orchard owner

Joined: 25 Aug 2008 Posts: 706 Location: Thurrock RM15 via Dungarvan and the Banner County
|
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 6:15 pm Post subject: advice on new beds |
|
|
"Hardcore" in itself is not an issue. Hardcore is often builder's rubble, lots of concrete broken up, oul cement sweepings, bricks, maybe timber. It gives great drainage and is (usually!) high in lime. Depending on what you can and can't do, it is possible to cover over hardcore with a depth of FARMYARD manure. This is from cows and can be wet or dry. Leave it over the winter and in Spring on top you put a few inches of topsoil and away you go. Shrubs will grow in the craziest of conditions, but steer clear of those that need acid (bog) soil unless that is what you got. (Camellias, rhododendrons, heathers). If you are in an exposed site there are scores of hardy shrubs that cope with wind, cold, salt, wet, dry. Sky's the limit Áine. BTW, try to get your hands on a copy of Tree and Shrub Expert. _________________ Retired trouble-maker. twitters @walltoall and dreams of being promoted to Pedunculate Oaker. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You can attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2006 - present IrishGardeners.com (part of GardenPlansIreland.com)
|