With actual Chives, the only solution is to dig, but that shouldn't be a huge chore, since they are shallow rooted, slow spreading, and not apt to come back once dug out. Wild Garlic is another matter, since it multiplies like cockroaches, digs deep, and sprouts back from both missed bulbs and persistent seeds.

Thankyou Tugbrethil, maybe I'm just being a weakling today as it certainly feels like a chore !! Once I have them all out do you know of any plants/flowers that I should avoid putting into that same soil ?

Well, I'll grant you, I would find it a chore, too. But something of a one or two day project, rather than the three year, "in death ground" battle that wild garlic would be!

At least at this time of year they do have attractive flowers! Are your borders sunny and how tall do you want the plants to be? Is the soil heavy or sandy?

The borders are partly sunny and partly shady ..... something quite colourful but no higher than about 10 inches ...... maybe I should post a photo as it's 4 very small square beds in a cross design. They have had herbs in them but have been untouched for about 4 years so are needing cleared and started again. The garden although small is needing a lot of work but I'm looking forward to the challenge (with a lot of help and advice hopefully from you lovely lot !)

I've just acquired a dwarf scabious only about 9" tall which would look great in the sunniest spot. Geranium sanguinium stays small but spreads into good clumps- comes in shades of deep pink to white. dwarf Asters would be colourful too and don't mind semi shade.

Fibrous rooted bedding begonias and/or Busy Lizzies would see you through the summer and give you time to think and plan for perennials for next year..

Thankyou Steragram that is really helpful I really like the dwarf Aster suggestion ..... I love Busy Lizzies but have never had any luck with them they just curl up and die ! At this rate it'll be next year before I have the beds cleared - it's a lot tougher going than I thought it would be. I have been at it for days but I'm sure it will be worth it. Have one or two interesting plants and no idea what they are. I will post some photos for ID as I'm sure you and the other clever green fingers on here will have them identified in seconds. Thanks again for all the help.

Busy Lizzies had a serious mildew problem in recent years and many people lost them, but last year they seemed to be OK so you might risk a few when you get a few feet cleared, just to encourage yourself. So much more rewarding than a patch of bare soil.

Smashing I will hop down to the garden centre tomorrow - any excuse to take a break from the hard work !