Potential Vegetable garden?

[Plocket]

Ok - outside our garden wall there's a stretch of land, much of which is taken up with shrubs and a few years ago we started a holly hedge along the garden wall. There's still a long area of grass that we've never really done much with except plant spring bulbs, and the whole lot is shaded by sycamore trees only about 10ft away. The grass is edged by a long driveway leading to some houses, and then there's council land and the road.

I've just found out, using the Land Registry, that the land immediately beyond our wall is in fact ours. I guess we are talking about an area of grass about 15 metres long and I could dig a bed about 1 metre wide maximum.

So what do we do with the land? I would love go grow some more vegetables but am worried about the shade created by the trees. Can anyone suggest what I can grow if I remove the soil and create beds - bearing in mind the shade. And being near a drive and the road should I worry about pollution etc.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[Deleted]

Oh wow Plocket, I am deep green with envy ... to discover that you have another 15 metres of garden ... cheers ...

[Plocket]

Thanks CC - it is outside the garden wall and I guess there's potential for people to pinch my produce, if I grow it! But it's GARDEN!!! HURRAH!!!

(Sorry - but I'm excited!)

[Spruance]

Hi Plocket,

What a windfall! ;D

I'm not sure about growing fruit and veg so close to a road, especially without the protection of a wall or fence.

So how about moving some of the plants currently in your garden to the outside area, and using the new space inside your garden as a veg plot?

That way you'll have the best of both worlds.

[Plocket]

Gasp! I couldn't possibly do that!!! It's a good idea Spruance in theory, but that would mean moving my clems and not SEEING them!!! And I've worked so hard to get our little garden to be a haven rather than a mess.

Perhaps I'll have to consider putting up a fence or something, but that would create even more shade, and I'm on a mission to get the trees (Sycamores - grrrrr!) taken down. One argument I thought of using was offering to pay for birch trees to be planted instead - they look so much nicer. My new arguement is that the trees will shade my vegetable plot!!!!! (Cunning hey?)

Anyway, I'm still thinking - hence my request for suggestions and input!

[sleepysunday]

If it is well shaded and not suitable for edibles how about ferns and bluebells and cyclamen and wood anemones?

[Plocket]

Well it gets a little bit of sun, but not a great deal. I love your idea Sleepy and could really warm to that - IF my vegetable plan doesn't work out. I think OH would prefer your idea too!!! I'll try and see if I've got a photo I can post to show you the area.....

[Deleted]

Plocket ... this may be a silly idea, and I realise it would mean moving climbers ... but is there anyway that you could move the existing wall to enclose the 'new bit' of the garden? Might that involve short term pain but long-term benefit? ... Cheers ...

[Plocket]

Ok here's the photos - you can't see the trees but you can see that it's not heavily shaded. I know they aren't brilliant photos but I'll try and take some more tomorrow some time.

[Alicat]

plocket said:

Thanks CC - it is outside the garden wall and I guess there's potential for people to pinch my produce, if I grow it! But it's GARDEN!!! HURRAH!!!

(Sorry - but I'm excited!)

Hi plocket.

WOW thats great news.!

I've just popped on to see whats new and saw your thread.
OH, also wants a veg patch but thinks we haven't got room.

I have a few ideas but not sure if you will like them or if it would work.

1.... could you plant a small hedge (say box.) next the path so as not to take away to much light./ or put up a small picket fence to deter thieves/vandals.


2....or mix plant. Veg and flowers so that it's not so obvious (I'm thinking veg that grows under ground like carrots, swede beetroot, etc.) You can then keep Your runner beans, peas, etc. for the back garden. (Also OH. because it will look pretty but practical.)

These ideas have just sprung to mind as i read your thread. So if they are naff I'm sorry.

must go and cook tea now before the kids get back, and say 'mum I'm starving'.

Alicat.

Ps. which way does the wall face.

[Plocket]

Oh I like your ideas Alicat! I think we'll need a hedge or fence a bit higher than box would be, but would be prepared to consider wire fencing if necessary. The area is west facing so if the trees went we'd have masses of sun! I've actually just had a little chat with OH about the area and he likes the idea of growing blackberries and raspberries - but I think there's enough space to do a bit of both.

Thanks for the ideas - keep them coming!!!

[jlottie]

Plocket if you have trees and shade its not the best environment for veggies which need well cultivated soil and good light. Ferns and a shady garden is a wonderful idea. Still think you need an allotment, not only for veggies but nursery beds for perennial flowers and over spill from your garden - its a bit like a secret garden and I still get a strange feeling when I open the gate after a week at work its brilliant .

[Plocket]

Hia JLottie! I have thought about taking on a Lottie but at the moment haven't the confidence, or time. When the school routine has settled down and I'm over the freedom-feeling I'll consider it again. I'll have to think more on the shady garden idea (I always like to SEE my garden though!) but am also considering growing blackberries.

[sleepysunday]

You could make it a wildlife food stop with lots of berry and nectar plants.

[4pygmies]

I've been reading this and pondering it for a few days Plocket. How very exciting for you! I think jlottie may be right sadly. Could you build a 6' post and wire fence to stop human marauders but maximise the light? I think some ballerina fruit trees in big tubs might be okay and soft fruit (sorry - just realised you've already said about a wire fence - doh!) would be good too but if you encourage birds, you won't have much fruit for you (sorry SS - not like me to discourage wildlife gardening)! If your brick wall gets the sun you might even try figs or peaches there! Maybe you could run some wires across one end up to the house and grow a vine up it! What a lovely opportunity though!

[Plocket]

Ooops didn't think of the bird population - doh!!! I think I'm going to have to curb my excitement and desire to do something NOW - it's just such a lovely opportunity. Our mowing-neighbour won't be too impressed though - he thinks the land is jointly owned!!!

[Alicat]

Hi Plocket,

I've just come back on line after 'OH' stole the modem for work.? I'm still thinking.! along with everyone else .

Alicat.

[Plocket]

PML! Naughty OH!!!

(I've been dying to use that smiley!!)

[Alicat]

;D ;D ;D ;D

BRILLIANT Smiley, almost fell on floor laughing.

[Plocket]

Glad you like it Alicat!!!!

[Alicat]

Hi plocket.
(still wading through old messages.)

sorry I didn't come up with any more ideas - but looks like you had lots of suggestions. - have you made up your mind yet.

Alicat.

Ps. I hope I didn't offend you by copying your smiley - I just saved it for a chuckle, on a rainy day.

[Plocket]

PML! I haven't got any further but it's going to have to go on hold for the time being because we want a porch built and they might well be dumping stuff on the potential plot.

And of course I don't mind you using "my" smiley!!! ;D