Seeking advice on small, north-facing, front garden

[Woods]

Hi,

I am seeking advice on what to do with my small front garden. It is on a road that is busy at times and the present hedge functions well in reducing traffic noise (so don't want to do anything to that) but the rest of the space is redundant. I was thinking of removing the slate (and membrane underneath) and replacing with deep bark and planting maybe some rose bushes nearest the bay window and some shrubs in front, but have no idea what might work and look attractive. I was also wondering if anyone had any alternative suggestions? The garden does get a little sun in the morning but faces roughly north east.

Many thanks
Woody

 

[Meadowlark]

.... I was thinking of removing the slate (and membrane underneath) and replacing with deep bark and planting maybe some rose bushes nearest the bay window and some shrubs in front,

If it is some of that weed blocking membrane, I would definitely remove that stuff.... highly ineffective. Roses need sun...like 8 hours a day and that should factor into your decisions. The pictured hedge appears to reduce sunlight to that space...but I could be wrong about that.

Personally, I would go for some color there. Azaleas would be my first choice, and they tolerate some shade very well. Gardenias are beautiful and fall into that category also. Camellia (Camellia japonica) is another good choice. I really like the Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) as it blooms great and requires little care...just some suggestions.

 

[Sluggy]

The sit looks fine to me. Go to your local garden centre and buy some colourful pots, compost and buy some shade loving plants. They will give you some suggestions there I am sure or use your search engine for advice. You can also buy feet to put under the pots to help drainage along with some of your slates at the bottom of your pots to help. I am not very green so I would suggest killing the weeds with pet and child friendly weed killer or buy a wand gas burner to destroy them but watch your toes. Good luck.
PS Place your pots in position before filling with compost as they will be difficult to move on your slates once filled with compost if they are large pots.

 

[Sheal]

On removing the slate and membrane the soil will need digging over and compost dug in, particularly if it's clay.

You have the advantage of being in warmer southern England but the fact your garden faces north east will restrict shrub choice owing to the lack of sun. As Meadowlark said roses will need a lot of sun and will struggle without.

Weigelas and some Fuchsias will be happy there. Berberis (if you don't mind coping with thorns). Also, some Viburnums are happy in full shade.

 

[Woods]

The sit looks fine to me. Go to your local garden centre and buy some colourful pots, compost and buy some shade loving plants. They will give you some suggestions there I am sure or use your search engine for advice. You can also buy feet to put under the pots to help drainage along with some of your slates at the bottom of your pots to help. I am not very green so I would suggest killing the weeds with pet and child friendly weed killer or buy a wand gas burner to destroy them but watch your toes. Good luck.
PS Place your pots in position before filling with compost as they will be difficult to move on your slates once filled with compost if they are large pots.

Thanks for the suggestions Sluggy. We did try some pots before but were unsuccessful (though they were smaller ones). The ground elder weeds sure are a problem at present though!

 

[Woods]

If it is some of that weed blocking membrane, I would definitely remove that stuff.... highly ineffective. Roses need sun...like 8 hours a day and that should factor into your decisions. The pictured hedge appears to reduce sunlight to that space...but I could be wrong about that.

Personally, I would go for some color there. Azaleas would be my first choice, and they tolerate some shade very well. Gardenias are beautiful and fall into that category also. Camellia (Camellia japonica) is another good choice. I really like the Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) as it blooms great and requires little care...just some suggestions.

Many thanks Meadowlark! Yes wasn't sure about roses and maybe wanted something with more body as well. Azaleas and gardenias do look lovely and Hydrangea is a great suggestion as well!

 

[Woods]

On removing the slate and membrane the soil will need digging over and compost dug in, particularly if it's clay.

You have the advantage of being in warmer southern England but the fact your garden faces north east will restrict shrub choice owing to the lack of sun. As Meadowlark said roses will need a lot of sun and will struggle without.

Weigelas and some Fuchsias will be happy there. Berberis (if you don't mind coping with thorns). Also, some Viburnums are happy in full shade.

Thanks for the tip re compost Sheal - the garden wasn't loved much before us so I'm sure it will need it. Neighbours have a lovelly Fuschia at the back that borders ours already and might steer clear of Berberis - I have bad memories of pruning Pyracanthas once upon a time! Weiglas and Viburnums look great though.

Many thanks to all of you - those are some great suggestions! Now for the hard work - shifting all that slate!

Cheers
Woody

 

[Meadowlark]

Post a follow-up when you can @Woods ...we would enjoy seeing it.

 

[Sluggy]

If you use pots again put them on feet and soak the compost until the water runs out the bottom. Just because the top is wet the bottom might be as dry as a bone. You also need drainage so roots do not sit in water all the time. You could also buy a water gauge which has a long spike to insert into the compost and a meter at the top.