Â鶹Éç

Garden inspiration  permalink

Need to make my garden lovely but fast

• Message 1. 

  Posted by ingrid85 (U14439404) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  I'll try to keep it brief. Moved into a house with a hugely neglected garden. Have spent absolutely ages clearing it of all the usual horrors, including 30 foot high privet and tons of rubble and glass. Have finally got to the point where I laid a new lawn last weekend but have not a single plant in the garden. Am now trying to work fast to create a lovely space for my husband to enjoy. We found out earlier this year that his cancer has returned and is inoperable. How can I make our garden have colour and plants and quickly so that he has a lovely place to sit in summer. I just don't know where to start to create something fast - I've always been a patient gardener. I have about 40 square metres of bare earth to fill with something and hardly any money as illness has wiped out our income.

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message1

• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Amazing (U7102651) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  Hi Ingrid, this is just a thought to get a quick solution. Do you know any of your council gardeners or where their depot is? Go along and ask for their help. Is there a 'your town in Bloom' committee that could help?

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message2

• Message 3

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by nanpickle (U14258493) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  Oh Ingrid I am so sorry to hear your sad news, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. Have you thought about putting a "wanted" post on your local Freecycle ? Ours often have plants, shrubs, etc either wanted or on offer. I am sure if you explained your situation you would have lots of response from kindly folk in your area. I know I would find you something if you were local to me. All the best. Nan x

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message3

• Message 4

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Berghill (U2333373) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  Rake over the soil and scatter hardy annual seeds all over. You can get a fair number of different ones from almost any outlet. Check prices first as some places sell them at a lot less than others.
  

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message4

• Message 5

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by As_Iff (U13951957) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  When I`m faced with a big task, I cut it down into bite-sized sections.
  I`d create a small space for him to enjoy, and consider the rest of the garden later.
  When we are ill, we often get pleasure from simple things, and they may be things that other people wouldn`t expect us to be in tune with. So I think he will get pleasure from the outdoor space you create, whether it`s looking like a fully-planted garden or not.
  I send love to you and your husband.
  

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message5

• Message 6

  , in reply to message 5.

  Posted by nooj (U13729031) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  You know how friends, family and neighbours always say in a situation like this
  If there's anything I can do, just ask.
  And you can never think of anything?
  Now you know what they can do to help.
  Ask for a mature plant from their garden that won't mind being moved.
  Or if they want to spend some money, ask them to buy something..
  have they got any spare seed going begging for quick colour?
  People really do want to do something, but quite often don't know what to do for the best.
  Just let them know what would help you - then its up to them.
  PS sometimes it can be good just to ask someone to get some shopping for you if you need to be at home - it will give you more time for the garden, and not take up much extra of their time when they are already at the shops.
  Good luck

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message6

• Message 7

  , in reply to message 6.

  Posted by jo4eyes (U13654107) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  Oh Ingrid, so sorry.
  
  I do hope that your OH is claiming the Disability Living Allowance? R4 just said that many people in your situation aren't even told about it, let alone claim it.
  
  I agree with the previous replies- seeds, Freecycle/ carboot sales/ asking any local gardeners/ garden clubs for any spare plants etc. Gardeners are generous folk & lots of hardy plants will split now & make a good show for you in a short time. J.

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message7

• Message 8

  , in reply to message 7.

  Posted by Goggomobil (U14202831) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  That is so sad.
  All I can think of is scattering wildflower seed for quick colour. I don't know if you get the 'meadow mix' type of mixed seeds there. poppies, daisies, linaria, cosmos etc. They're mixed with a moisture retaining gel to aid germination so you just add water and scatter handfuls of gel/seed mix on the ground.
  

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message8

• Message 9

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by ingrid85 (U14439404) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  Many thanks for such kind, lovely replies and advice so far. I had one of those moments just staring at all that space and not having a clue as how to start. I had visions of a couple of very lonely looking plants. I think a combination of all the ideas so far is going to be my approach.
  
  I've just registered on Freecycle, I shall certainly talk to the park keepers (we have a park at the end of the garden), I have already asked friends, family and work colleagues who have gardens for any spare plants they might have. I shall hopefully be able to post a link to before and after pics to show you the results. I was also thinking of growing some runner beans up wigwams and any other ornamental veg in amongst the flowers. I thought the beans would be a great way to add some fast-growing height in the garden and be tasty too.
  
  Thanks also for the practical health advice. I've found that doing the food shop on the internet has been super helpful. DLA we do claim and what a lifeline it is. It's been good to talk - thankyou.

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message9

• Message 10

  , in reply to message 9.

  Posted by nooj (U13729031) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  Onwards and upwards then - you can make it lovely

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message10

• Message 11

  , in reply to message 10.

  Posted by daisydelight (U14163419) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  I am so sorry. I wish you the best and quickest garden in the world but don't try to do too much yourself. People will be so willing to help if you can somehow let them know.
  
  Ask somebody for sweet peas. They're really cheap and easy to grow and your husband will appreciate their scent when you bring some into the house or put his chair by them. All my good wishes. x

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message11

• Message 12

  , in reply to message 11.

  Posted by saintmissfluffy (U12195645) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  Nasturtium will be up in a jiffy and thrive away, the pound shop did a mixed bag of 6 different ones last year for £1. I could have covered my entire garden with that lot. Very quick to flower.
  Marigolds you could sow direct and would flower within 8 weeks. Loads of colour there.
  Cosmos are also quick, Sweet peas for a bit of height and nice smell. I would stick with stuff you can sow direct and ignore. Good luck

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message12

• Message 13

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by yorkist1transplant (U13875723) on Thursday, 29th April 2010

  very sorry to hear about your other half
  
  i came across this on one of the other message boards they might be able toi help.
  
  Best wishes
  
  yorkist
  
  i belong to 2 on line seed swap groups
  www.gardenswapshop.co.uk and yahoo seed swap.
  Great when you can get some very exciting seeds for the cost of a stamp!

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message13

• Message 14

  , in reply to message 13.

  Posted by nooj (U13729031) on Friday, 30th April 2010

  And make sure you allow for instructions from your other half!
  Just because you are very poorly doesn't mean you can't have infuriating opinions!.
  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
  

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message14

• Message 15

  , in reply to message 14.

  Posted by LeadFarmer (U13864996) on Saturday, 1st May 2010

  Where abouts do you live?
  
  There might be some kind folk on here that would be willing to lend/give you some plants?

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message15

• Message 16

  , in reply to message 15.

  Posted by daisydelight (U14163419) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010

  I was thinking this too, but is it allowed to give addresses - in such important exceptions?

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message16

• Message 17

  , in reply to message 16.

  Posted by garyhobson (U11055016) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010

  I don't think it's ever a good idea to post your full address.
  
  Perhaps the personal might tell us their general area, eg, SW London, West Midlands, Cornwall, or whereever.
  
  Then if anyone in that area would like to help, then perhaps E-mail addresses could be exchanged, and then, privately, their real addresses, or phone numbers.
  
  I have seen people post an E-mail address on this Forum. I don't know if it stayed up very long.

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message17

• Message 18

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by ingrid85 (U14439404) on Wednesday, 19th May 2010

  Just thought I'd update everyone on progress. I put a message on Freecycle, no offers yet, but early days. I had a brainwave and asked my friend who works for a large neighbouring council if she could put up a notice at work asking for plant donations. Plants have started arriving at her desk - she says she feels like David Bellamy "cwalling fru the undergwoff". I have bought and started sowing sseds that will flower where sown this year. And yesterday, I popped into B&Q, where just by chance they were selling off loads of bedding plant packs for 50p or a pound. Hanging baskets £3.00. Some looked a bit tired but with some TLC they'll be fine. Some poppy seedlings have appeared too in several places. My husband thinks it's all wonderful. PS. I live in Birmingham (if that's allowed to declare). Many thanks for all suggestions.

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message18

• Message 19

  , in reply to message 4.

  Posted by bootymole (U5550360) on Wednesday, 19th May 2010

  Ping

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message19

• Message 20

  , in reply to message 18.

  Posted by LeadFarmer (U13864996) on Thursday, 20th May 2010

  Good look with your mission, ingrid85
  
  If you didnt live so far away then I would be happy to give you some of my plants. Ive one or two plants that I want to clear out to make way for other plants, but I dont want to throw them away, and I dont know anyone local who wants them.
  
  All the best.
  
  

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message20

• Message 21

  , in reply to message 18.

  Posted by tattiebogle (U11728394) on Thursday, 20th May 2010

  We live in Birmingham too, and have a few plants you could have. We're redesigning our garden and one border will be lawn next year. I looked on Birmingham Freegle for your message but couldn't find it. Is there also a Birmingham Freecycle?

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message21

• Message 22

  , in reply to message 21.

  Posted by ingrid85 (U14439404) on Tuesday, 25th May 2010

  Hi there tattiebogle. Very many thanks for your lovely offer. I'll gratefully take anything you have spare. I'd never heard of Freegle but I'm just about to investigate it. I put my posting on Birmingham Freecycle but I think you might have to be registered to get full details:
  
  
  
  I've just been given some tomato, courgette and pepper plants from another Freecycle member.

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message22

• Message 23

  , in reply to message 22.

  Posted by tattiebogle (U11728394) on Sunday, 27th June 2010

  Ingrid I missed your reply 4 weeks ago, have only just read it. I looked at the freecycle link, but as you say, unless you're registered you can only see a limited amount. Strange that there's freecycle and freegle in the same place, I thought you had either one or the other. I'll keep looking, see if I can see you on there, we still have plants spare. Glad you have got some, anyway.

  Link to this forum: Need to make my garden lovely but fast

  Report message23

Back to top