Help required please

[Deleted]

Hi all,

The area once formerly known as lawn has been removed and replaced by larger patio.

I am now stuck with a couple of things

1.Should I edge the patio with something or let the plants spill over?

2.My borders are pants and seriously need some attention they are just under 4'wide and 23' long.

I would like the garden to be as wildlife friendly as possible and have many birds visiting most of the day, I also appreciate the bumbles, flutterbys and other insects that choose to reside in my little space.

I think I would like to plant some repeat flowering roses and some beneficial shrubs.

This is where I would appreciate some help and guidance with choosing said items.

Thanks

Sara

P.S OH has built me new raised bed and not too sure what to stuff it with!

[Plocket]

Personally I'd edge the patio with something low so that some plants can spill over if they really want too, but without making it really easy for them because they might annoy! As for plants, how much sun does the area get, and what's the soil like?

[Deleted]

Hi,

Alkaline soil, quite good sun, borders are east and west facing but no sun at the moment "North facing" sun to low in the sky.

But in summer sun all day with east border losing sun at 4pm ish

Sara

[oldmoleskins]

old-fashioned, I know, but what about lavender edging?

Cheap, easily propagated, easily maintained, doesn't get in the way of stuff behind and good to brush against as you wander the patio, glass in hand, on summer evenings...

OM.

[Chuckles]

sara said:

Hi all,

1.Should I edge the patio with something or let the plants spill over?

Sounds like you been busy Sara.

I would edge the patio with something solid either slightly raised or flat. Something to contrast with your patio material will look more interesting. Depends on your budget really, it can be expensive.

I personally prefer a raised edge to a border and patio, better for sweeping up and you can still have plants spilling over which I think looks fab. You can have some plants spill over and some not so you see the edging.

Any pics yet

[Deleted]

Sounds lovely, I had thought about box as well BUT have dog with no regard to plants either he waters them in his doggy way and they die or just tramples them.

Sara

[Deleted]

Hi all,

Just to say have started to tidy up and is looking better already if a little bare.

Any suggestions on some nice repeat flowering roses and shrubs?

Sara