Are you new to gardening?
Would you like to create a beautiful garden but are not sure where to start?
See below our 5 easy steps to getting started:
Be Inspired
Pick a theme
It’s a great idea to visit local gardens and use websites, books and magazines for inspiration of styles – such as modern, cottage and Mediterranean.
A mood board can bring ideas together including colour schemes – why not try Pinterest or Canva?
Top Tip – visit Beth Chatto, RHS Hyde Hall or private gardens via ngs.org.uk
Consider Soil and Aspect
Some plants will prefer particular conditions so it’s useful to know what type of soil you have. There are four main types:
- Clay – water retaining with a sticky, clumpy texture.
- Sandy – a fine texture that easily breaks up and will drain quickly when watered.
- Chalky – shallow, stony and free draining.
- Loam – the perfect combination of sand, clay and silt.
Improving the soil will give your new plants the best start. Ask one of our team to help you choose the best products to add to your garden.
Aspect
Is your border in full sun, partial shade or in full shade?
Knowing this will determine what variety of plants would grow the best in your new border.
Pick Your Plants
Make a list of plants that will fit your theme, soil and aspect. Try to choose plants with wildlife in mind – providing year-round nectar, food & shelter.
- You can use our Plant Finder, there’s a selection of suggested plants for beginners.
- Shop our Right Plant, Right Place displays instore – clay, hot & dry, shade etc.
- Make sure to check plant labels to ensure they are suitable.
Top Tip – Aim for twelve months of colour or interest. Mixing evergreen shrubs for structure and perennials for seasonal colour works well. Less can be more!
Why not try our free plant advice service?
One of our expert team can help you make the right plant choices for your garden. Book a slot today.
Get Planting
Set out your design
Lay the plants in their pots onto your newly dug border to give you an idea of how it will look.
Top tip – to create the best impact, plant larger plants alone and smaller plants in groups of 3 or 5.
Spread out structural shrubs as a backdrop to perennials that die down in Winter.
Once planted, water well and then regularly for the first few weeks. For the first year, you will need to water them during dry spells.
Applying mulch such as gravel or bark around the base of the plants will help to reduce watering.
Finishing Touches
Now it’s time for those finishing touches to make your garden unique and personal to you.
Refer back to your mood board for inspiration.
Why not try?
- Wildlife habitat
- Obelisk
- Statue
- Water feature
- A feature urn or pot
- Wind spinner
- Mirror
- Driftwood, logs & rocks
