Garden early days for Whistonlass

It gives you a lovely access to your garden, Tetra. My mind is in dream mode here....thinking...scheming and dreaming!!! lol

It appears you have no grass? Are you happy without? It's up for debate with us...grass vs. no grass....the jury is out on that one...

We decided no grass for better or worse, gravel so it drains and when its slippery on the slabs, no cutting of grass, less maintenance (and no leatherjackets either!). But its a matter of taste. It would look good with grass paths too...softer.or you can have grass some places and gravel others..the more awkwardly accessible the more I would recommend gravel. Think of 10 years down the line. If you end up happy with your shape, what can be converted to "manageable for 10-year older bones"..

It took us 10 years because of a) Should I wait to have what I could afford and b) when could we afford it. As you can see, things got done over a period of time..2001/3 with the metal arch. 2004 for the arbour and arch (they were pricey), 2005 I think for "terrace dahling", 2008 for lower terrace and "birdcherry beach" and 2009 for the edgings and the Walks. But I was always aware of the long term plan of making it easier as we got older without losing the original shape.

I am sorry that we didn't start our garden clearance and design a few years ago. We've just retired and have the time now...but of course finance always plays a part too. We've lived here for 20 yrs. so could have developed a beautiful oasis if we'd started a few years back. Alas....that's history!

I really like your layout and balcony....and it does look easily maintained. I'll take all this in and plan over the winter what look we want to achieve. I think getting the hard landscaping done through autumn/winter is the best plan and then planting/borders in the spring.

That sounds good to me. Also if you can get hold of some old garden bricks, we used them to plan out shapes and curves, anything around that size will do. Also couple cans light coloured paint spray. Then you can move the bricks around.

I've watched some of the gardening makeover shows and noted they use spray paint to mark out boundaries.....sounds good....and bricks/stones for determining shape.

Thanks for the tips.

You can do it, our garden did not exist 10 years ago, and the house was a dreadful mess and OH was 65 when we took it on, and now it is so high maintenance we have to spend an hour at least every day to keep it looking respectable, so be warned, keep it simple, unless your mad and want to get in the Yellow Book!!

Not aspiring to the Yellow Book, Dotty....no worries there. We'll get there :) I notice from your "about me" Dotty....you are going into the Yellow Book so I can understand your cautionary note to me! I just want a pretty and practical space and one where I can potter...not be a slave to the garden. It's only the beginning days and the garden isn't enormous....I just have to get on with it!

I do admire your achievement Daisy, and all those here who get into the YB..Ive watched the progress of a few on tv..makes my hair curl what you have to go thru!

I dont know about curl more like turns it grey lol

not surprised!