SHOULD IT STAY OR SHOULD IT GO

I certainly wouldn't clear it all out. Just cut all shrubs hard back at the appropriate time which is autumn or spring, according to the species. Any you do not like, remove completely and restock with something you personally like. If you are selling the property however don't spend too much money on it, but keep it in good trim as it is a good selling point !!!

I agree with the above, I would just tidy it up if you are selling it I wouldnt rip it out as it would look quite "bare" until things get growing again.

I doubt it will influence a potential buyer.

I certainly wouldn't rip it all out especially as you will be showing prospective buyers the garden. It would be better if it looked nice & lush & plants grow well. Just keep the hedge trimmed nicely & plants dead-headed & under control. You could cheat & hide the odd pot of something bright in amongst the foliage. i.e. Lillies, Gladioli or other summer flowerig bulbs, then you could take them with you when you move.

That border is lovely, perhaps just trim back so they can walk on the path other wise II would not rip it out you will have nothing to show but fence and soil for 2-3 year. The new owners will like it t or hate it so leave them to do what they want save your energy and purse for moving.

If i had moved to a house with borders like that i`d be very happy !

I agree with Denise - prospective buyers get an 'overall impression' when they look round, so a tidy colourful garden is a good selling point. Your buyers will want to put their own mark on their new property - they may or may not be gardeners! Pots of colour is a great idea, as Pam said.

Judicious pruning would be my advice. Most people want to get in and live the good life until they get over the trauma of moving. Your buyers may appreciate the luxury of a mature garden until they can find their feet. If you show to an enthusiastic gardener who complains about it, invite their suggestions and tell them their vision proves this is definitely the house and garden for them. Pamd it is not cheating to put pots of attractive colour amongst the foliage. Lily & Gladiola bulbs are cheap, put them in black flower pots from the supermarket and just leave them. As Drc says do cut back enough to allow walking on the path but leave enough to cover the hard edges if possible. If you are taking anything with you make it clear to potential buyers. If I was in the market I would be happy to buy your garden knowing I would want to widen the path so that two can walk side by side. I have just been looking at your photos I would have some of them either in an album or as a collage showing areas at their best and the fun your family have had in the garden. eg 98,99 104. Tell them GOY members are on call to be supportive if they need advice or ideas. Have I been watching too many Location, Location -- programs? I hope all goes smoothly for you.

looks good to me,I would leave it.

This looks good dont take it out very neat and tidy

Scotsgran that is sound advice, in fact if ever we need an estate agent can we call on you I`m sure it would be snapped up in minutes.

I'm in a similar position sueb~, I have received some very sage advice from a real estate agent ...and I'll just pass along one small point... Most people buy for reasons unfathomable to the observer...but...if they are gardeners they will have plans of their own and might just dig up and dispose of...or remove the present garden altogether... so I'd agree with the points made above... just make it as neat as you can and don't worry about this garden...concentrate on plans for the next one!

i wouldnt alter it sue, your moving and the next people may just revamp anyway, not everyone likes the same thing, dont waste your time or energy,,

If you were going to actually live there - fine rip out the border. As you aren't leave it alone it is established and looks good.

I agree with Moon Grower Leave it, and established garden always look better if your selling......

Thank you all for you comments. I have shown my OH your comments and begrudgingly he has agreed to leave it alone (thank goodness). The border gets pruned back twice a year and is kept as neat as possible. I think deep down he does not want to move but the house is too big for us two now the children have all grown up and left home. I think I’m just going to have to convince him a bit more.....to move that is!

Leave well alone, as you are moving it is better to see a full flower border than an empty one, a good selling point a nice garden. (also it is costly, replacing plants)

Agree with all the above...it is looking good..will be a selling point am sure !

I moved into a house with nothing in the garden, and now nearly 4 years on, I'm only just beginning to see a bit of difference, I would have loved to have a border that well established

Thank you DD2, Bonkers and Grindle The border is staying, I have warned OH if he goes any where near it with the scatters or anything else their may be more than our long departed hamster under the patio lol!!

I think we have a consensus. I agree with Drc, MG, Spritz and anyone else who said do nothing more than trim next to the path. I also agree with Spritz and Pam who suggested a pot or two of colourful annuals will give what you want, added colour.
Good luck with your sale and move.

Agree if its looking good leave it for next buyers to sort it.

Thanks Mad and Clarice :0)

I have Just noticed my big blunder....thats what you get for doing two things at once I was talking to my sister about scattering seeds what I should have put above was secateurs!!!!

I'd allow the secateurs Sueb. Anything else would be too fierce. We have been empty nesters for nearly 20 years now and the house is still full of our offsprings "stuff". We need the room when they come on holiday so I can't see us ever moving away, tempting as it is. We live in an upside down house, lounge on the first floor beside the bedrooms. I'd love a bungalow but I don't know how we could ever declutter enough to show the house to prospective buyers.