Gardening - what is this?

Hi,

We had a young hebe wiri planted in this exact spot last year

It browned off and seemed to die but there was some green growth underneath that noticed a few months ago which I presumed was life in it yet

Over the past 2 months whatever is growing has exploded in size and I'm now pretty certain this is no hebe after all!

Anyone identify this?

I certainly now looks weedy and the leaves don't share the kind of plastic look the hebe did

Hebe from last year first and then the beast that's now replaced it [emoji23]

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There are apps you can use to take a photo of a leaf and they'll identify for you. Also google lens can do it. 🙏🏻

Any sign of flower buds?

First impressions are a species of Epolobium (willowherb, a weed)

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

Any sign of flower buds?

First impressions are a species of Epolobium (willowherb, a weed)

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No signs of buds and the stems are smooth

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Originally Posted by Callum_62

No signs of buds and the stems are smooth

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Looks like lots of stems from ground level, how easy is it to pull out? Are the stems fleshy, easy crushed?

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

Looks like lots of stems from ground level, how easy is it to pull out? Are the stems fleshy, easy crushed?

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First stem came out easy

Bigger one had these small markings on the stem

Some of the roots spread along way
Can't really crush them https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...8dc5f64564.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...a231205464.jpg

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I'd say willowherb/fireweed too. We get lots in among our perennial bed.

Yeah, think it's a willowherb. An annual weed. Called fireweed because of the speed of colonisation on bare soil. Pull it out before it flowers.

You will recognise it from road verges.

I'd say willowherb/fireweed too. We get lots in among our perennial bed.

As others have said it looks like the sort of weed I pull out the soil regularly. Very fast growing although I don't think I've seen it grow in such a concentrated clump in a garden. Not entirely unattractive and as I've heard it said 'a weed is just a plant out of place'.

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Originally Posted by Callum_62

Hi,

We had a young hebe wiri planted in this exact spot last year

It browned off and seemed to die but there was some green growth underneath that noticed a few months ago which I presumed was life in it yet

Over the past 2 months whatever is growing has exploded in size and I'm now pretty certain this is no hebe after all!

Anyone identify this?

I certainly now looks weedy and the leaves don't share the kind of plastic look the hebe did

Hebe from last year first and then the beast that's now replaced it [emoji23]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...e2351eb2e7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...dab5f62446.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...bd63685d76.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...02476a662e.jpg

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As long as it's for personal use you'll probably be OK. 🚬

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Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY

As long as it's for personal use you'll probably be OK. 🚬

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Wrong kind of weed :wink:

Had this growing in a planter in the garden in my old house. I was sure it was a weed. My mum, who likes gardening, didn’t think it was. Glad I’ve been proved right :greengrin:

It’s the new owner’s problem now. I somehow don’t think he’ll be much into gardening as he’s a 20 something Yorkshireman and his questions about the garden at his viewing centred around the “best spots to drink beer”

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Originally Posted by He's here!

As others have said it looks like the sort of weed I pull out the soil regularly. Very fast growing although I don't think I've seen it grow in such a concentrated clump in a garden. Not entirely unattractive and as I've heard it said 'a weed is just a plant out of place'.

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Exactly, there's no such thing as a weed per se. Its just a plant where you don't want it. Take the dandelion for example. 99% of the population just mow them away but don't realise they are an important source of nectar for bees, hoverflies and beetles.

It’s a willowherb. Probably the most common weed in Scottish gardens.

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Originally Posted by hibsbollah

It’s a willowherb. Probably the most common weed in Scottish gardens.

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:confused: not even close imo, buttercups, daisies and dandelions grow all over my 2 gardens and the neighbours for that matter, not a sign of willowherb.

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Originally Posted by Crunchie

:confused: not even close imo, buttercups, daisies and dandelions grow all over my 2 gardens and the neighbours for that matter, not a sign of willowherb.

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Buttercups and daisies are flowers and the dandelion is a herb :confused:

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Originally Posted by 1875godsgift

Buttercups and daisies are flowers and the dandelion is a herb :confused:

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As far as I'm aware they're all classed as weeds, but technically they're wild flowers.

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Originally Posted by Crunchie

As far as I'm aware they're all classed as weeds, but technically they're wild flowers.

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So if they're all technically wild flowers, then is willowherb the most common weed in Scottish gardens?

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Originally Posted by 1875godsgift

So if they're all technically wild flowers, then is willowherb the most common weed in Scottish gardens?

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whatever floats your boat.

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Originally Posted by Crunchie

whatever floats your boat.

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:wink:

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Originally Posted by Crunchie

:confused: not even close imo, buttercups, daisies and dandelions grow all over my 2 gardens and the neighbours for that matter, not a sign of willowherb.

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If you’re cultivating a soil regularly, digging it, planting stuff on it, the willow herb is the weed you’ll see most of. If it’s a lawn or a neglected area, yes dandelions and daisies will be the most numerous, that’s true. I always think willowherb looks like a small version of the basil plant you buy in the supermarket.

To be honest my wife didn't mind the way it looked - I removed it anyway [emoji23]

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Originally Posted by Crunchie

:confused: not even close imo, buttercups, daisies and dandelions grow all over my 2 gardens and the neighbours for that matter, not a sign of willowherb.

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All of the above can be found in grass and contribute to the biodiversity in a garden, the only people who would want to treat them as weeds and get rid are sports groundsmen.

They are all native unlike willowherb which was introduced from the North West of America by plant explorer David Douglas from scone.

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Originally Posted by Callum_62

To be honest my wife didn't mind the way it looked - I removed it anyway [emoji23]

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👍

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

plant explorer David Douglas from scone.

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The utter ******* .

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Originally Posted by lapsedhibee

The utter ******* .

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One of his mistakes, but he did introduce lots of wonderful plants as well.



https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Douglas_(botanist)

Excellent to see a gardening thread on here. Its been a gap in the conversation for some time for us fogeys.

Personally, I’m having a bit of bother with my espeliered apple trees. The leaves are drooping on one (but not its neighbour) and some of the leaves have gone a bit yellow.

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Originally Posted by Bangkok Hibby

Exactly, there's no such thing as a weed per se. Its just a plant where you don't want it. Take the dandelion for example. 99% of the population just mow them away but don't realise they are an important source of nectar for bees, hoverflies and beetles.

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And the roots can apparently be used as a coffee substitute - or so I read on a nature trail board recently.

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Originally Posted by G B Young

And the roots can apparently be used as a coffee substitute - or so I read on a nature trail board recently.

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Also a dye plant for wool and cotton. And has medical properties as a diuretic. There is a reason it is called pee the bed. 😁

Anyone used westkand John Innes number 2?

Got some today to fill up a medium Sized pot we took an acer out of to move to a bigger pot

The compost is weird - filled up pot chucked some water in and the water just sat on the surface. I literally had to move ut around it help to help disappate the water. I could've plastered the walls with it afterwards

Never used it but can't see how that can be good for the plants siting in water like that

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Originally Posted by Callum_62

Anyone used westkand John Innes number 2?

Got some today to fill up a medium Sized pit we took an acer out of to move to a bigger pot

The compost is weird - filled up pot chucked some water in and the water just sat on the surface. I literally had to move ut around it help. Disappate the water. I could've plastered the walls with it afterwards

Never used it but can't see how that can be good for the plants siting in water like that

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2 reasons I can think of.

JI2 has less peat and will not absorb water as well, which is what you described.

This dry weather, water is just sitting on the surface of the soil and not soaking in.

Best solution would be stab some holes in the bottom of the bag of compost then pour a full watering can into it the day before you want to use it.

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Originally Posted by Callum_62

Anyone used westkand John Innes number 2?

Got some today to fill up a medium Sized pot we took an acer out of to move to a bigger pot

The compost is weird - filled up pot chucked some water in and the water just sat on the surface. I literally had to move ut around it help to help disappate the water. I could've plastered the walls with it afterwards

Never used it but can't see how that can be good for the plants siting in water like that

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I have had that quite a bit this year. Let the pot stand in water

On the subject of compost is ericaceous compost recommended for raspberry canes? Planted some autumn fruiting ones a few months back which aren't showing much sign of life and wondering if they need a bit of a boost.

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Originally Posted by He's here!

On the subject of compost is ericaceous compost recommended for raspberry canes? Planted some autumn fruiting ones a few months back which aren't showing much sign of life and wondering if they need a bit of a boost.

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No, ericaceous won’t do the raspberries any harm but won’t make any difference and better used for plants that need it (camellias azaleas heathers etc). Feed the plants with granular or liquid feed, and concentrate on keeping them well watered especially since it’s been dry lately. If they’re not growing much that’s the most likely reason. They also need the sunniest site you can give them. Otherwise They’re a hard plant to kill :greengrin I bet they’ll be fine

Anyone obsessed with lawn care have a hand push rotary lawn mower? Quite fancy one for a) cutting conditions and b) closeness of cut.


Ideally 7 blades as I dont want to pulling/tufting effect the 5 bladed ones can give you.

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Originally Posted by Jones28

Anyone obsessed with lawn care have a hand push rotary lawn mower? Quite fancy one for a) cutting conditions and b) closeness of cut.


Ideally 7 blades as I dont want to pulling/tufting effect the 5 bladed ones can give you.

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I’m in the lawn care business. Push mowers are great but you do have to cut a lot to get the best out of it a wettish Scottish summer would probably need 2 cuts a week.

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Originally Posted by patch1875

I’m in the lawn care business. Push mowers are great but you do have to cut a lot to get the best out of it a wettish Scottish summer would probably need 2 cuts a week.

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Thats my plan :aok:

Grass cutting is how I decompress :greengrin

My shed roof is flowering away with wildflowers including some northern Marsh orchids. 👍

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Originally Posted by hibsbollah

No, ericaceous won’t do the raspberries any harm but won’t make any difference and better used for plants that need it (camellias azaleas heathers etc). Feed the plants with granular or liquid feed, and concentrate on keeping them well watered especially since it’s been dry lately. If they’re not growing much that’s the most likely reason. They also need the sunniest site you can give them. Otherwise They’re a hard plant to kill :greengrin I bet they’ll be fine

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Thanks. They're in a great sunny spot and getting well watered so I might give them some of the feed you suggest, but from what you say I suspect patience is probably what they most require.

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Originally Posted by Jones28

Anyone obsessed with lawn care have a hand push rotary lawn mower? Quite fancy one for a) cutting conditions and b) closeness of cut.


Ideally 7 blades as I dont want to pulling/tufting effect the 5 bladed ones can give you.

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I used a hand-push mower and have done for years… but that’s only because the gear is knackered and never been fixed. It’s good exercise for me 😓

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Originally Posted by WeeRussell

I used a hand-push mower and have done for years… but that’s only because the gear is knackered and never been fixed. It’s good exercise for me 😓

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Do you bag the clippings or let them lie?

I have 3 separate bits of lawn and would really want the hand push for the front which is going to be the pretty lawn. Going to re seed it in the autumn and there’s a fair bit of levelling to do.

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Originally Posted by Jones28

Do you bag the clippings or let them lie?

I have 3 separate bits of lawn and would really want the hand push for the front which is going to be the pretty lawn. Going to re seed it in the autumn and there’s a fair bit of levelling to do.

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If you leave the clippings you are effectively fertilising the lawn so it will grow faster, I always remove grass cuttings to reduce fertility and encourage wildflowers.

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Originally Posted by Colr

Excellent to see a gardening thread on here. Its been a gap in the conversation for some time for us fogeys.

Personally, I’m having a bit of bother with my espeliered apple trees. The leaves are drooping on one (but not its neighbour) and some of the leaves have gone a bit yellow.

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Sorry for the late reply. I forgot I saw this late.


I'm in the same position, I have 4 apple trees and 2 pear trees in what I laughing call my orchard. Had them all a few years now and I've seen something similar happened with one of the pear trees. First time it's happened. I took my thumb nail to the bark and it's green underneath so it's still alive.

I can't think why one tree is affected and the others aren't. Sorry for not being a bit more useful.

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

Sorry for the late reply. I forgot I saw this late.


I'm in the same position, I have 4 apple trees and 2 pear trees in what I laughing call my orchard. Had them all a few years now and I've seen something similar happened with one of the pear trees. First time it's happened. I took my thumb nail to the bark and it's green underneath so it's still alive.

I can't think why one tree is affected and the others aren't. Sorry for not being a bit more useful.

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Thanks. I’ve given them more water and some liquid seaweed fertiliser and they seem to have stabilised. Not sure what the current deluge will do.

I planter the early this year and am amazed that fruit seem to be coming through.

Not sure if I should thin them out to get a better crop.

Got cherries, blackcurrents, pears and blueberries coming as well.

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Originally Posted by Colr

Thanks. I’ve given them more water and some liquid seaweed fertiliser and they seem to have stabilised. Not sure what the current deluge will do.

I planter the early this year and am amazed that fruit seem to be coming through.

Not sure if I should thin them out to get a better crop.

Got cherries, blackcurrents, pears and blueberries coming as well.

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Thinning is a personal choice. Thin apples and get larger fruit but I leave mine and the poor fruit usually drop off early. I keep the best for eating, the rest go to jam and pies and I have made cider the last couple of years. Occasionally you will get a poor year but don't worry.

Blackcurrents are prolific!!! I have had so much that I used some for dyeing wool.

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

Thinning is a personal choice. Thin apples and get larger fruit but I leave mine and the poor fruit usually drop off early. I keep the best for eating, the rest go to jam and pies and I have made cider the last couple of years. Occasionally you will get a poor year but don't worry.

Blackcurrents are prolific!!! I have had so much that I used some for dyeing wool.

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Look forward to that.

My dream would be to have a walled kitchen garden!!

Save that for when I build my house in East Lothian!

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Originally Posted by Jones28

Do you bag the clippings or let them lie?

I have 3 separate bits of lawn and would really want the hand push for the front which is going to be the pretty lawn. Going to re seed it in the autumn and there’s a fair bit of levelling to do.

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I was jesting really mate as it's a standard lawnmower (collects the grass and you empty it) so probably not the rotary type you were referring to.. it's just that the gear is knackered so requires pushing and pulling everywhere.

Fortunately I live amongst a lot of farm land, so clippings get tossed over the fence/dyke into fields and woods... or to the chickens who I am reliably informed enjoy feeding on cut grass.

I actually find cutting the grass bordering on therapeutic rather than a chore during these times :agree:.... well, more so when it's bone dry and easy-cutting... rather than soaking wet, boggy and chewing up the lawn.

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Originally Posted by Jones28

Do you bag the clippings or let them lie?

I have 3 separate bits of lawn and would really want the hand push for the front which is going to be the pretty lawn. Going to re seed it in the autumn and there’s a fair bit of levelling to do.

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How do you plan to level the lawn? I’ve got a few bumps and hollows I’d like to get shot of. Is just a case of top dressing and seeding every autumn?

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Originally Posted by I'm_cabbaged

How do you plan to level the lawn? I’ve got a few bumps and hollows I’d like to get shot of. Is just a case of top dressing and seeding every autumn?

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I’m going to get hold of some top dressing soil - sieved down to 4mm so pretty fine and sterile too. I’ve got bumps to take out so I’ll take the turf out with a spade and dump it, fill those hole with sand then I’ll top dress the whole lot with top dressing soil and re-seed it all, use a pallet to level by dragging it behind me, roll in the new seed and give it a good sprinkling.

There’s loads of stuff on YouTube, premier lawns Belfast and Ryan Knorr lawn care are good channels to have a look at.

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Originally Posted by Jones28

I’m going to get hold of some top dressing soil - sieved down to 4mm so pretty fine and sterile too. I’ve got bumps to take out so I’ll take the turf out with a spade and dump it, fill those hole with sand then I’ll top dress the whole lot with top dressing soil and re-seed it all, use a pallet to level by dragging it behind me, roll in the new seed and give it a good sprinkling.

There’s loads of stuff on YouTube, premier lawns Belfast and Ryan Knorr lawn care are good channels to have a look at.

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👍

Pulling this thread back up. Getting into gardening - installed a few raised beds in the garden and have got a hydroponics set up inside too.

Anybody got experience of growing onions? I bought some onion sets which I’ve planted out. The instructions on the packet said to plant 5cm deep and recover with soil which I did.

Subsequently, from doing some research online on feeding etc. I’ve noticed all the sources online say to plant just below the surface with the tip showing.

Are the instructions on the packet duff? Should I try dig them up and start again?

Not sure if this is the right thread but anyone built their own fence? Is it easy enough?

I've a small hedge parametre around my front garden and the hedges aren't that great - to sparse and prone to weeds building up underneath them. I'd like a small wooden fence around it instead and I'll then dig out an area infront of that to plant flowers. Just looking for something c.3ft tall.

Is it just a case of popping some posts in (using concrete mix?), then nailing some cross-beams between them and then nailing some planks to those beams?

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Originally Posted by overdrive

Pulling this thread back up. Getting into gardening - installed a few raised beds in the garden and have got a hydroponics set up inside too.

Anybody got experience of growing onions? I bought some onion sets which I’ve planted out. The instructions on the packet said to plant 5cm deep and recover with soil which I did.

Subsequently, from doing some research online on feeding etc. I’ve noticed all the sources online say to plant just below the surface with the tip showing.

Are the instructions on the packet duff? Should I try dig them up and start again?

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I always plant with the tip showing, I put a cloche over them until they are at least 5cm. Reason for doing it is birds will often pull them up when just planted, my way allows them to establish roots.

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

I always plant with the tip showing, I put a cloche over them until they are at least 5cm. Reason for doing it is birds will often pull them up when just planted, my way allows them to establish roots.

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I've put a net over them. Think I'll pull them up and re-plant.

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Originally Posted by danhibees1875

Not sure if this is the right thread but anyone built their own fence? Is it easy enough?

I've a small hedge parametre around my front garden and the hedges aren't that great - to sparse and prone to weeds building up underneath them. I'd like a small wooden fence around it instead and I'll then dig out an area infront of that to plant flowers. Just looking for something c.3ft tall.

Is it just a case of popping some posts in (using concrete mix?), then nailing some cross-beams between them and then nailing some planks to those beams?

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Straight forward mate, measure well, sink some posts and use post crete, mind its rapid set and 1 bag per post. Have a spirit level, string line, a good cordless drill and plenty screws, a nail gun on hire could be quicker but if you are just taking your time then drill and screws (or if your old school a hammer and nails) you can get plenty lumber for panelling at B&Q or a builders merchant. Oh and a cross cut saw or bench saw 👍

A good thread on gardening from here a while ago. http://https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?346545-Gardening-and-the-art-of-patience with some really good tips. It'd be interesting to see how the gardens in that post progressed over the last couple of years.

Attachment 26694Attachment 26695Attachment 26696


I'm going to build one of those pondless waterfalls in the summer. Attachment 26697

Re doing the back lawn. Trying to get to putting green standard. Originally had some drainage work (perforated pipe etc ) in but still drained terribly. Original soil is dreadful and basically clay. Did some of my own to compliment it and also built a large soak away in the very worst part tied into that drainage system. I killed the existing lawn off and spread 4 x builders bags of concrete sand and 3 x70/30 sand/compost mix spread on top. Rotovated it all in and that’s where I currently am at.
Rake it level and put another 3 x 70/30 sand/compost mix with a finer grade as rootzone. Sow the seeds. Continually water and wait.

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Originally Posted by greenlex

Re doing the back lawn. Trying to get to putting green standard. Originally had some drainage work (perforated pipe etc ) in but still drained terribly. Original soil is dreadful and basically clay. Did some of my own to compliment it and also built a large soak away in the very worst part tied into that drainage system. I killed the existing lawn off and spread 4 x builders bags of concrete sand and 3 x70/30 sand/compost mix spread on top. Rotovated it all in and that’s where I currently am at.
Rake it level and put another 3 x 70/30 sand/compost mix with a finer grade as rootzone. Sow the seeds. Continually water and wait.

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Hope that's no weeds around the edges waiting for some new grass to invade!

:greengrin


Sounds, and looks, like hard work.. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by overdrive

I've put a net over them. Think I'll pull them up and re-plant.

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OK, will need do something other than a net. Something has ripped it overnight. Not managed to get out to actually assess the damage.

Any tips on stopping a squirrel digging up the grass ? .
found peanut shells next to holes but never saw it digging up

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Originally Posted by bod

Any tips on stopping a squirrel digging up the grass ? .
found peanut shells next to holes but never saw it digging up

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:gun:

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Originally Posted by bod

Any tips on stopping a squirrel digging up the grass ? .
found peanut shells next to holes but never saw it digging up

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Grey or red? Where abouts are you?

Gray,
Edinburgh

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Originally Posted by bod

Gray,
Edinburgh

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Shoot it. I don't think there's any control of greys in Edinburgh yet, up here we have landowners who trap and despatch.

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Originally Posted by bod

Gray,
Edinburgh

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Slingshot. Or pee? Don’t know if that works the same way as it would for cats.

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Originally Posted by bod

Any tips on stopping a squirrel digging up the grass ? .
found peanut shells next to holes but never saw it digging up

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Did you definitely see a squirrel commit the act?
I only ask as a couple of summers ago I woke to find holes all over my lawn with tufts of grass/thatch lying about. Checked my security camera and it turned out to be Magpies.
Magpies, like squirrels, will busy/store food for the future but they forget where so will peck away at familiar areas until it's found.

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

Shoot it. I don't think there's any control of greys in Edinburgh yet, up here we have landowners who trap and despatch.

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Might be urban myth, but I was always told that if you capture a grey squirrel, it's illegal to release it, it has to be despatched.

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Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales

Might be urban myth, but I was always told that if you capture a grey squirrel, it's illegal to release it, it has to be despatched.

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You’re not a vegetarian are you?

Have a wee squirrel bbq, warn all the other squirrels off.

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Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales

Might be urban myth, but I was always told that if you capture a grey squirrel, it's illegal to release it, it has to be despatched.

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You're right, it's illegal to release a grey squirrel, once trapped it has to be dispatched with a shot to the head. Estates use their gamekeepers to control them.

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Originally Posted by Jones28

You’re not a vegetarian are you?

Have a wee squirrel bbq, warn all the other squirrels off.

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Veggie, how very dare you 😀
I'd definitely be up for scranning a squirrel, but like chicken wings, I think I'd need about 20 for just one sitting 😬

Elvis apparently ate squirrels as a boy.











Are you sure?

Uh huh! 😆

Eventually got the seed down on Friday. Now it’s up to my hosepipe and Mother Nature.

We've been digging borders in our garden and it has been quite tough with the quality of "soil". Our house is a new build although we aren't the first owners of it (it is about 6 years old I think). We've dug up slabs, bricks, massive planks of wood, assorted bits of metal, other bits of rubble and lots of rocks. In fact, there are more rocks than soil. No wonder we were having issues with drainage on the grass that was there before. I've been trying to dig in some manure and compost along with putting down some bought top soil to try to improve things, but there is so much crap in there I don't think it is worth it now. There was a bit we were hoping to plant an apple tree but I think its roots will have nowhere to go. We might need to admit defeat, lay down some gravel and just put some pots there.

We were also planning on laying a patio ourselves but given how long it has taken for us to dig two borders and the rubbish we've found under there, we are dreading the ground prep part of the job. I think we will just have to bite the bullet and get someone in to do it for us despite the astronomical prices we were quoted for it before.

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Originally Posted by overdrive

We've been digging borders in our garden and it has been quite tough with the quality of "soil". Our house is a new build although we aren't the first owners of it (it is about 6 years old I think). We've dug up slabs, bricks, massive planks of wood, assorted bits of metal, other bits of rubble and lots of rocks. In fact, there are more rocks than soil. No wonder we were having issues with drainage on the grass that was there before. I've been trying to dig in some manure and compost along with putting down some bought top soil to try to improve things, but there is so much crap in there I don't think it is worth it now. There was a bit we were hoping to plant an apple tree but I think its roots will have nowhere to go. We might need to admit defeat, lay down some gravel and just put some pots there.

We were also planning on laying a patio ourselves but given how long it has taken for us to dig two borders and the rubbish we've found under there, we are dreading the ground prep part of the job. I think we will just have to bite the bullet and get someone in to do it for us despite the astronomical prices we were quoted for it before.

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I’m new build too. It’s so much hard graft. Clay soil riddled with lumps of concrete, boulders and bricks. Drainage was my problem so bit the bullet and started over. Never again.

How deep were you both digging? I dug out a flower bed area, lifting the existing turf and all I found were a handful of rocks and a 5p coin! To be honest, I actually thought they would help drainage - but I maybe didn't think that through...

Could a raised flower bed be your answer? Build it and fill it with compost/soil (don't really know the difference :greengrin ) which will give you a good head start for roots?

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Originally Posted by danhibees1875

How deep were you both digging? I dug out a flower bed area, lifting the existing turf and all I found were a handful of rocks and a 5p coin! To be honest, I actually thought they would help drainage - but I maybe didn't think that through...

Could a raised flower bed be your answer? Build it and fill it with compost/soil (don't really know the difference :greengrin ) which will give you a good head start for roots?

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It’s right beneath the surface in some cases, a couple of cm. You could tell as when I’ve tried to fork the grass before, only the tip of the fork would go in in certain places.

I think I’m going to have to go with raised beds (already got some in another part of the garden for veg.)

This is probably a cross thread issue here, but it seems to be such a new build problem that the gardens are full of crap, with compacted soils and all the issues that this brings up.

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Originally Posted by Jones28

This is probably a cross thread issue here, but it seems to be such a new build problem that the gardens are full of crap, with compacted soils and all the issues that this brings up.

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There are 2 new builds near me and that wasn't a problem with them, they were built on an old bowling green. 😁

My house is over 200 years old and I'm still finding big stones in the garden.

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

There are 2 new builds near me and that wasn't a problem with them, they were built on an old bowling green. 😁

My house is over 200 years old and I'm still finding big stones in the garden.

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But is it the majority of your garden? Stones will push up over time but it is the level of debris from the build that is the issue with lots of new builds. The new builds near you might be lucky but even houses built on fields aren't exempt. They just bury any old rubbish from the build under a very thin layer of top soil. I was reading up and under NHBC guarantee they should be putting a minimum of 100mmm of top soil down. That's nowhere near the case with my garden. I'm up for getting the builder back in to sort it but my wife isn't keen on the hassle. I also don't know given the house is 6 years old now if they would say "prove the previous owners didn't put all that rubbish down there".

When my parents bought a new house, over 60 years ago, they discovered a cement mixer buried in the back garden! My dad and the neighbour dug it up. He was a mechanic and they cleaned it up, used it to build their garages then sold it!

Builders dumping stuff isn't a new thing.

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

There are 2 new builds near me and that wasn't a problem with them, they were built on an old bowling green. 😁

My house is over 200 years old and I'm still finding big stones in the garden.

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Stones are a bit different to detritus left over from building works though.

Has anybody any experience of using non-toxic weedkillers?

I'm struggling with the amount of weeds in our new garden and could do with using some weedkillers, but don't want to use toxic chemicals... or anything harmful to the wee fox that wanders through our garden in the morning.

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Originally Posted by Keith_M

Has anybody any experience of using non-toxic weedkillers?

I'm struggling with the amount of weeds in our new garden and could do with using some weedkillers, but don't want to use toxic chemicals... or anything harmful to the wee fox that wanders through our garden in the morning.

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Groundup is neutralised on contact with the soil. It translocates to the roots and kills only the plants applied to. It still toxic chemicals though. You could try salt solution.

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Originally Posted by Keith_M

Has anybody any experience of using non-toxic weedkillers?

I'm struggling with the amount of weeds in our new garden and could do with using some weedkillers, but don't want to use toxic chemicals... or anything harmful to the wee fox that wanders through our garden in the morning.

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You could try the vinegar, salt, soap option.

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

Groundup is neutralised on contact with the soil. It translocates to the roots and kills only the plants applied to. It still toxic chemicals though. You could try salt solution.

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Originally Posted by Jack

You could try the vinegar, salt, soap option.

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Thanks for the suggestions, guys.


:aok:

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Originally Posted by greenlex

Eventually got the seed down on Friday. Now it’s up to my hosepipe and Mother Nature.

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Unbelievably a week later and we have a good bit of germination and green shoots.

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Originally Posted by greenlex

Unbelievably a week later and we have a good bit of germination and green shoots.

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You sound all excited about that grass mate, if it's anything like mine you'll be cursing it come the end of the summer :greengrin I'm seriously considering Astro turf for what's left of the lawn in my back garden and I'm going to attempt this resin and chips type surface to increase parking in the front.

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Originally Posted by Andy Bee

You sound all excited about that grass mate, if it's anything like mine you'll be cursing it come the end of the summer :greengrin I'm seriously considering Astro turf for what's left of the lawn in my back garden and I'm going to attempt this resin and chips type surface to increase parking in the front.

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Please don’t do AstroTurf. It’s horrendous stuff. Dreadful for the environment.

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Originally Posted by greenlex

Unbelievably a week later and we have a good bit of germination and green shoots.

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Looks good - what seed did you go for in the end?

I’m a grass nerd so my interest is genuine.

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Originally Posted by Jones28

Please don’t do AstroTurf. It’s horrendous stuff. Dreadful for the environment.

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I know, I know but the nature of my work means it can go long spells without me having the time to cut real grass. I love it when it's all nicely edged and cut but unfortunately time doesn't allow me to keep it like that.

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Originally Posted by Andy Bee

You sound all excited about that grass mate, if it's anything like mine you'll be cursing it come the end of the summer :greengrin I'm seriously considering Astro turf for what's left of the lawn in my back garden and I'm going to attempt this resin and chips type surface to increase parking in the front.

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We moved into a house 18 months ago which has artificial grass. I'm not going to change it, much, but it's not great. It gets dirty and the dirty doesn't disappear as it would getting ground into the dirt.

By the way. Has anyone got a vax wet and dry carpet washer (or similar) they want rid of?
I want to experiment using it to wash my artificial grass 😆
It might work ... or it might explode so I'm not wanting to spend much/anything finding out!
Cheers 🍻

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Originally Posted by Jack

We moved into a house 18 months ago which has artificial grass. I'm not going to change it, much, but it's not great. It gets dirty and the dirty doesn't disappear as it would getting ground into the dirt.

By the way. Has anyone got a vax wet and dry carpet washer (or similar) they want rid of?
I want to experiment using it to wash my artificial grass 😆
It might work ... or it might explode so I'm not wanting to spend much/anything finding out!
Cheers 🍻

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You may be joking Jack but my mate actually hoovers his. It's pretty impressive and if you didn't know you wouldn't notice it was artificial although he used to work for Field and Lawn and gets the best of gear.

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Originally Posted by Jones28

Looks good - what seed did you go for in the end?

I’m a grass nerd so my interest is genuine.

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Got a ryegrass mix from RigbyTaylor. It’s an ultra fine dwarf mix called R9. Used for bowling greens and golf greens.
A mixture of straight 25% mix of each of Clementine, Alathea, Angelina and Cameron. Be interesting how short I can get it once it’s established. I’ve plenty left for overseeing it has to be said. Inadvertent I bought enough to redo my home golf course. 😂😂😂😂

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Originally Posted by Andy Bee

You sound all excited about that grass mate, if it's anything like mine you'll be cursing it come the end of the summer :greengrin I'm seriously considering Astro turf for what's left of the lawn in my back garden and I'm going to attempt this resin and chips type surface to increase parking in the front.

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No not me Andy son. Can’t wait to get the cylinder mower over it. :greengrin:greengrin

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Originally Posted by Andy Bee

I know, I know but the nature of my work means it can go long spells without me having the time to cut real grass. I love it when it's all nicely edged and cut but unfortunately time doesn't allow me to keep it like that.

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Wildflower meadow instead, cut it in August and lift the cuttings. Think of the benefit to Pollinators.

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

Wildflower meadow instead, cut it in August and lift the cuttings. Think of the benefit to Pollinators.

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I'm looking to make a hibernaculum, maybe two, once we get into autumn, with wildflowers on top. We get a few frogs and the like so it should hopefully be well used. It was the name that prompted me :greengrin

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

Wildflower meadow instead, cut it in August and lift the cuttings. Think of the benefit to Pollinators.

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I've actually looked into that MY and I love it. I'm going to get some pre grown turf for some of the back garden but I need an area for sitting/play area. I'm basically trying to make it more wildlife friendly but also useable with next to no maintenance if that's even possible.

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Originally Posted by overdrive

We've been digging borders in our garden and it has been quite tough with the quality of "soil". Our house is a new build although we aren't the first owners of it (it is about 6 years old I think). We've dug up slabs, bricks, massive planks of wood, assorted bits of metal, other bits of rubble and lots of rocks. In fact, there are more rocks than soil. No wonder we were having issues with drainage on the grass that was there before. I've been trying to dig in some manure and compost along with putting down some bought top soil to try to improve things, but there is so much crap in there I don't think it is worth it now. There was a bit we were hoping to plant an apple tree but I think its roots will have nowhere to go. We might need to admit defeat, lay down some gravel and just put some pots there.

We were also planning on laying a patio ourselves but given how long it has taken for us to dig two borders and the rubbish we've found under there, we are dreading the ground prep part of the job. I think we will just have to bite the bullet and get someone in to do it for us despite the astronomical prices we were quoted for it before.

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I gave up today on the border at the back of the garden in terms of trying to dig in compost and manure. Just so much crap (and large crap at that). Managed to get it relatively flat with patching bits with top soil and took advantage of an offer on blue slate chippings in Morrisons to cover it and we’ll get some raised beds. Done one side border ok but it was also tough but relatively small. Might try the other side border but if I encounter the same issue as at the back I’ll be doing the same though without the raised planters as they’d block light to some raised beds I’ve got for veg.

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Originally Posted by Andy Bee

You may be joking Jack but my mate actually hoovers his. It's pretty impressive and if you didn't know you wouldn't notice it was artificial although he used to work for Field and Lawn and gets the best of gear.

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No, I'm not joking and I've already hoovered mine. Mrs Jackie went mental 😆 that's why I'm looking for a freebie vax type thing.

If I get one and it works I'll report back. It could be a wee business opportunity for someone lol. I'm so happily retired I doubt anything would tempt me to commit to anything other than a holiday!