I need help....

[grindle]

I like that design WL

[Rosie]

Feb 26, 2011 8:26:28 GMT @wildlifefriendly said:

I'm not suggesting this as a design, I'm using it as an example of how I use steps to arrive at a final design.

First you need to draw a plan of the area, it doesn't need to be exact but the closer you can get it the easier you will find it (I had to guess the area from your photos).


Next, have fun with shapes, scribble to your hearts content, you'll be surprised at what appears, don't stare at a blank sheet of paper.

I have used circles as an example. These make up the areas to be left as grass.


Finally, scribble again, join the shapes, add some details. I noticed a few trees/shrubs already in your garden, this is where you can include them if you want to.


I hope this has given you a starting point.

Wow Sue, thank you so much for doing that for me , i love the designs and will keep it as a reference point. we are starting the poltyunnel just now, i am glad we are not ready to put the cover on though, it's wayyy too windy

[Geranium]

Well, you can't say you didn't get any ideas, can you? ;D

[Rosie]

Thats very true Geranium, Your such a clever lot ;D

[Geranium]

It's easy when it's someone else's garden Rosie! ;D ;D

[sweetpea]

Hi Rosie. hope this is not too late but this is a tip I learned from a designer.
before you dig anything or any heavy work, lay out the outlines on the grass using an old hose or rope and even some polythene to delineate the shapes. Stick a few canes or old broomhandles with some rag on where you think you might want shrubs or statuary and imagine it when mature.
It is easier to move these things around until you are happy than to dig up an area for an island bed and find its in the wrong place.
if you look from different vantage points you can get a better idea of what will be visible and what might obscure other stuff.
Anyway, that's my ten cents worth for the day.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Rosie]

Thats great Sweetpea, i am just standing looking at it through the window most days and thinking about it, one i will get brave and do something.

Some great idea's from all of you

[Rosie]

I had finally decided where to put an island bed, so today i marked it all out, used a cane and string so i got a nice circle, i had started to go around the edge with a lawn edger and thought i had hit a stone,, so moved on another bit, hit something hard again, i thought it must be a big stone, went a bit further, hit something hard again.

When i investigated i found a drain inspection cover buried about an inch down and covered in grass

Out of all the land we have what are the chances of finding an inspection cover exactly where i wanted my flower bed

[peony]

That's rotten luck Rosie Back the the drawing board?

[sweetpea]

Mar 18, 2011 12:29:24 GMT Rosie said:

I had finally decided where to put an island bed, so today i marked it all out, used a cane and string so i got a nice circle, i had started to go around the edge with a lawn edger and thought i had hit a stone,, so moved on another bit, hit something hard again, i thought it must be a big stone, went a bit further, hit something hard again.

When i investigated i found a drain inspection cover buried about an inch down and covered in grass

Out of all the land we have what are the chances of finding an inspection cover exactly where i wanted my flower bed

That's rough Rosie. I'm sure you will be able to work round the problem somehow though.
my last garden I was doing the border and I came across concrete. tried digging round it but it was too extensive. All I could figure out was that it was curved.
never did find out what it was. Possibly a large drain, maybe even a wartime shelter, who knows but it did restrict planting somewhat.

[Rosie]

I am going to 'borrow' one of WF's idea's and build up a small wall where i want the bed to be and kink it in around the inspection cover. Then i shall buy a stand and put the fab sun dial Emma bought me years ago and stand the whole thing on the drain cover ;D
(btw this was Graham's idea not mine!! he's not a gardener but comes up with a good idea :

[Deleted]

One of my dads gardens had grass circles and large borders for his rhodendrums and azealas filled with spring bulbs.

I should have a photo of I coudl post.

[merlin]

Rosie if you really really want your raised bed there you could raise the hatch with a few of extra courses of brick. You wouldn't see the lid when your plants get going.

[Rosie]

I decided just to move the bed forward by about a foot,so it shouldn't cause any trouble there

[Geranium]

There's always a solution to these problems - glad you've sorted yours!