New gardener.

Hollywilson · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 01 Jun 2015 Posts: 12

Hi there, new gardener here. Hoping to turn a wasteland of a front garden into something that makes the house look occupied. Then the jungle of a back garden into a restful haven. 'Twill be really easy guys, yes?

kindredspirit · Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 12:38 pm Post subject:

A real doddle, Holly, a real doddle. Smile

Welcome to the forum.

tagwex · Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 1:44 pm Post subject:

Ahh a good weekend should do both. Welcome aboard.

Good guy · Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 8:23 pm Post subject:

Hello Hollywilson! Take those two with a very large pinch of salt!
It's always good to have a new person join us, I hope we can be of assistance. Hopefully, your gardening will be fun, if not always easy.

Greengage · Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 7:48 am Post subject:

Welcome your the 1-1st ive wellcomed dont mind the other 3, hope you can keep them in check, stick to gardening topics and you will get lots of responses.

Geranimojess · Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2015 7:53 pm Post subject: Re: New gardener.

Hollywilson · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 01 Jun 2015 Posts: 12

Thank you all for your welcomes. So far my gardening cannot be described as FUN. Very hard work and quite boring to tell the truth. Not like the peaceful, restful pictures I had in my head.

tagwex · Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 12:20 am Post subject:

Buuuuut the end result will be worth all the work. Yes?

kindredspirit · Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 6:45 am Post subject:

Good guy · Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 9:10 am Post subject:

I remember the feeling, Holly, only too well. Be reassured, things do change!
A way I've found useful in talking more ardorous or boring jobs is to break them down into manageable units. Then I can shift, say five barrows of manure, stop, take a back-straightening break and appreciate the progress made. Same goes for clearing ground or digging: one square metre at a time, and weeding is often one square foot at a time.😃
KindredSpirit's advice about a plan is spot on. You can't do everything at once and having a drawing, however simple or "unprofessional" you think it might look, will help you to prioritise your work so you get maximum reward for your efforts. No one is paying you to do this, you are on your own time, so give yourself time to appreciate your efforts.

tippben · Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 10:50 am Post subject:

Great advice! Setting up a garden is always hard work. Definitely do it in little bits. If you get sick of one task, swap to a different one. Whatever happens though, no matter how fed up you get, do everything as thoroughly as you can. If you don't get rid of all the roots of perennial weeds, for example, you will regret it later, as you will end up having to do the whole crappy job all over again. If you do it right, you get to have a small smug smile in years to come when everybody else is cursing their weeds, and admiring your garden.

Sue Deacon · Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 7:39 pm Post subject:

Hi Holly and welcome. All good advice there. I would add, try to work with what you have. You'll never grow delphiniums and sunflowers in a wind tunnel and you won't stand a chance with camelias on limestone. You'll break you heart trying.

Some sketches and a wish list will help. Then read up on the style/plants you want. If you have a picture in your head it will give you something to work towards.

My latest project has been hanging around in my head for years. It's changed a bit in that time, but now the picture has become clear and I can't wait to get started.

It would be nice to see some photos of your garden.

Edlyn12 · Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2015 7:07 pm Post subject:

I know you already got a lot of replies,but trust me you will have a great time on this forum,just as I am having a great time on this forum.

Have Fun,
Edlyn12

emerald32 · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 06 Jul 2015 Posts: 12

Hi Holly, all the back breaking ground work will be soooooooo worth it in the end. Once you have good soil planting will be a dream! Take plenty of breaks and while contemplating your hard work drink plenty of tea !!

tagwex · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 10:06 am Post subject:

Holly has gone on holiday or else the garden jungle has got the better of her.