[Elaine G]

We have cleared our front garden of a large laurel hedge, sick silver birch. old chr*****s tree (sorry!) and other assorted shrubs and things. All planted by last residents.

I now have a new wall, lots of light in the living room and an expanse of empty garden.

The plan is to put down weed membrane and stones and to plant a few easy to manage plants.
I am intending to buy some bags of manure from the garden centre as we cannot get safe 'real' manure here. Do you good people think this will be sufficient of will I need some other fertiliser.

Thanks
Elaine

[mumofstig]

As the soil will be very depleted, I'd be inclined to add some Blood, Fish and Bone to the soil as well. Manure is very good at adding organic matter but it doesn't supply a lot in the way of nutrients.

[Elaine G]

Thanks mumofstig that sounds like a very sensible idea and I have some in the shed!

Elaine

[Goosegirl]

I'd also get some quality top  soil to add to the mix and, depending on what your soil is like, maybe some sharp sand and grit to help with drainage.

[Elaine G]

Goosegirl I did see a pile of topsoil - probably a builders bag - out there when they were building the wall, but I wasn't there to see where it went!
But now that you mention it the compost bin needs emptying so that could go there too.

Thanks
Elaine
 

[Christine]

Someone needs to ask for topsoil and compost for a seasonal present?

[Elaine G]

  good idea but I have already asked for a new mobile phone!!

Have dug three quarters of the garden but had (another) foot operation on Thursday so on hold for a while now. Gives me time to research some suitable plants and check out the seed catalogues.
Also awaiting arrival of grandson no 3 so December will be busy!

Elaine