Grow Your Own Magazine

Hi everyone!

Well, its finally happened - having previously been only interested in growing veg, I've now got the plant/flower growing bug!

I'm planning on converting my original lottie site (behind our bungalow) which you can see if you look closely on dexter's photo - into a small flower/plant garden -

Question 1: but I haven't got a clue how to plan it - has anyone got any ideas, or know any web sites that I could visit for ideas, or any good books?

I would like a seating area at one end (opposite to the greenhouse) and a small (v small!) pond at the greenhouse end. Question 2: How do I build a pond? I am also keen on attracting wildlife to my garden Question 3: any plant recommendations for attracting wildlife?

The sun shines on the fence side during the morning then moves round behind the greenhouse from left to right (as you look at Dexys photo) so that at the end of the day the sun is on the bungalow wall (where the flagstone path is on the photo). Question 4: what plants grow well in the shade, is there such a thing?

Obviously it isn't going to be massive - but I'd like something I could work on over winter. Question 5: if I pull my finger out and get the layout sorted, what kind of plants can I plant now?

Many, many thanks in advance for all your helpful tips and advice!

Bernie aka Dexterdoglancashire

PS Be gentle with me guys and gals - any plants/flowers could you use the normal names not the latin type ones 'coz I haven't got a clue what they are!!!

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Appreciate the little things in life because one day you will realise they are the big things

question 4: we've planted christmas roses in our shady area and they seem to love it. http://www.thegardenhelper.com/helleborus.html
and i've got a couple of seeds (really not very many, probably 4 or 5) if you'd like them.

EDIT: actually, also, have a look in the seed swap at my flower seed post - and if you want anything from there and i'll gladly send them on. you might not be interested in growing from seed, but perhaps a few annuals would give you some immediate gratification?

[quote=dexterdoglancashire;131025] Question 2: How do I build a pond? I am also keen on attracting wildlife to my garden

Hi DDL,

Ponds are not difficult. First dig a hole deeper in the middle and shallower round the edges. You neeed to decide what you are going to do with all the soil you excavate, there will be a lot!!!!! You will need a shelf for marginal plants and the deeper but in the middle, at least 2ft, for a water lily. Don't make the sides too steep or the frogs won't be able to get out and they will drown Make sure that the edge is level. I have found that the best way to do this is to make the hole and then fill it with water and then adjust the ground level round the edge before finishing it but don't rush to do so, let the soil settle.

To line it make sure that there are no stones protruding and line the hole with old carpet or the soft stuff you can buy for the purpose before the waterproof lining of Butyl. Buy a good quality liner or you will be forever replacing it.

Consider how to keep it full, I have piped a gutter to mine so that it is filled naturally with rain water, but it is big 3m x5m, it takes water fron 2/3 of the roof of the house. If you do this you will obviously need to provide an over flow, The best way to do this is to leave just a small area of the edge slightly lower than the rest so that the water runs into the ground in a controlled manner. You can then plant some bog plants in this area.

Evaporation from ponds is a problem and the smaller they are the greater is the problem. For this reason you need to cover the surface with vegetation ie. a water lily so that the sun does not beat on the surface of the water.

The best time to make the pond is in the winter. A winter project for you

Once there is water in the pond the wildlife will arrive on its own very quickly. Don't wory if the pond goes Green in the early stages it needs to find it's own balance and this can take a couple of years at least. Mine actually went red due to acidity. A dollop of Bicarb sorted that out Don't be tempted to add Algicides as they reduce the oxygen levels and kill lots of creatures. Dont forget to introduce oxygenating plants as soon as you can.

If I can be of any more help PM me.

Best of luck.

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Gardening requires a lot of water - most of it in the form of perspiration. Lou Erickson, critic and poet

Thank you so much for your advice and offer of seeds, I'll certainly have a look over the weekend and let you know! Bernie

__________________
Appreciate the little things in life because one day you will realise they are the big things