Hi Finuala

I wondered if I could take you up on your offer of help with my ‘garden’? If you can’t spare the time, or I am asking either too much or the impossible, please tell me to go away – I will not be offended!

By the end of this week we should say goodbye to workmen. I feel as if we’ve been living with them all year. But we are fenced, built, paved and almost ready to plant!

I have drawn a plan which may or may not make sense, and attached 4 photos.

Garden Layout

Garden Layout

The ‘garden’ area is a 26m x 36m rectangle, which we drive across, both with the cars and tractor. The perimeter is dog proof, but within the area the dogs have free access. The main ‘chase’ area is across the diagonal B to D.

 I have identified 4 areas (A,B,C & D) that, over time, I would like to develop and plant. It will be a long term project, as the dogs, business, and food (growing and rearing) will always take priority.

Area A

Area A

Area B

Area B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Area D

Area D

Area C

Area C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I think I would like each area to be ‘different’ but I have no great master plan – yet!!

I want to start with area A. It is an upside down ‘L’  13m along the long side, 5.5m along the short. The planting width is 1m along the long side, 1.5m along the short side. It is the area that we will ‘live in.’ I have no idea what to plant, but the following thoughts are going through my mind…..

  • The planting area is very narrow, and I feel the fence needs breaking up with height, but I am not a lover of climbers.
  • I need it, when planted to be low maintenance.
  • I would like year round ‘interest’ but not necessarily lots of bright colours.
  • I would like to try and incorporate some herbs, but this is not essential, and I’m not sure about the ‘pee’ factor!!

 Soil is fertile, well drained, morning sun, but then in shade of fence.

 Does any of this make any sense????!!!!!

 I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or advice you can offer.

 Many thanks

Debbie