By Sparklysocks
Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
First garden and overwhelmed with the task ahead!! Grass either side of a steep path with steps? Any ideas on how to takle??
Photos to follow tomorrow! Don't know where to begin!
HELP!!!! Please
- 12 Oct, 2010
Answers
just remember that we all started off knowing very little about gardening. i am still learning over 50 years later from my first attempts. over the years i have had some disasters, but when it does go right it's great. you can get lots of advice from this site. you can also get books with lots of hints from your local library as well.
13 Oct, 2010
Keep Calm and Carry On, as the saying goes - it'll be fine, just take it one step at a time, looking forward to pics and questions.
13 Oct, 2010
the pictures will realy help . i also think you need to think what you want from your garden short and long term as this will sow the seed excuse the pun lol .
13 Oct, 2010
normaly what seams like the worst disadvantage if looked at in the right way can be turned around into a real benefit . also how much time you going to spend out there and how much do you want to spend ? sometimes putting one focal point like a choice plant,sculpture or water feacture will realy inspire you to easily do the rest .see you tomorrow sparkly .
13 Oct, 2010
As Bamboo says, one step at a time (although she is presuming that you have already built steps up the steep slope!). Slowly, remove the grass if ou don't like it, or cut it short. Replant with plants that like good drainage? Helianthemum, for low growers, or cistus for taller plants. Is it in the sun? Phil J
13 Oct, 2010
Thanks so much for your responses!!! I'm looking forward to your help!!
Sorry didn't manage to get photos today!!!!
I won't have a lot of time mainly weekends and holidays because i work full time.
It will need to be DIY and low budget too as money is tight! Just like for everyone else!
But i'm sure i can still make a difference!
13 Oct, 2010
you can always make a differance with know money sparkly .
13 Oct, 2010
Hello and welcome to GOY from me. We all start off like this so dont worry! One step at a time is good advice, advance slowly and tackle the problem in parts?. My second garden was very steep and I terraced it which worked very well. Some of the members have posted pictures on how they tackled this problem . so take time to have a look.
13 Oct, 2010
id love a sloping garden .
13 Oct, 2010
Photos added guys! Hope they help!
14 Oct, 2010
Had a look at the pics - that's a pretty steep gradient there in the front, I can see why its been lawned. On a slope like that, regular gardening/weeding/digging/cutting back would not be at all easy to do. Do you not like the grass? Or are you wanting to know how to cut it easily? Flymo is the answer, or a hover mower, without a box preferably, lighter to use. And you need a half moon edger to cut out about an inch of the turf either side of the steps and path, all the way along, so you can get edging shears in the gap to keep the edges trimmed and sharp, which will improve its appearance no end.
If you want some plants out there, I wouldn't mind seeing a pic from the gate upwards, to try to establish just how steep it is...
14 Oct, 2010
Thanks for your advice! I don't mind the grass! But as you say looking pretty unruley at times and need tips of how to make it look better!
Would like to add more interest in the way of plants but not really sure where to start!!!
I've had a look at some of the photos on here so many lovely ideas!
14 Oct, 2010
mite be realy smart to level your garden as such with clever planting . ie long at the front and short at the back and lose the grass . just a thaught .
15 Oct, 2010
I'd be careful with planting with such a steep slope - perhaps a couple of 'dot' shrubs placed carefully? Room for a Pampas Grass? Maybe a weeping cherry?
15 Oct, 2010
Welcome to GOY....will watch out for your blog/photos. Don't panic...there will be lots of help available to you via the members here. I know the feeling of being overwhelmed....I'm just starting out too and your space will be a challenge with steep path and steps. Wishing you success, Sparkly.
The GOYpedia at the bottom of the page could be of help to you for ideas. Take a peek and see if there are any categories for your type of terrain.
13 Oct, 2010