Gardening help please
By ellie333
@ellie333 (21016)
June 3, 2009 2:08pm CST
I know this is listed in life but I couldn't find the gardening section. I have a banking at the back of my garden that is made of wooden type railway sleepers going accross to reinforce so the land doesn't slip and inbetwen rather than earth it is mainly rocks. It is very unslightly and as tall as my house and I really need some ides what to do with it. In the past I have tried planting alpine strawberries and rockery type plants but nothing seems to grow other than a pretty pink weed. The earth in the garden bit itself is also mainly rock and I have three established rose bushes but again that it all that seems to grow. My other problem is actually getting up there to plant anything and in the past have also chucked seeds to see what may take. The whole garden is a total mess although very small very hard work and previous occupants had just paved the rest as it becomes a swampy mud bath when it rains. Just need something to screen the ugliness of the banking really. What suggestions have you got to help please. huggles. Ellie :D
1 person likes this
9 responses
@savypat (20216)
• United States
3 Jun 09
Do you have Agriculture advisers paid by the government. Any county here in the US has and that is where we found just such an answer for your type of problem. Our problem didn't have railroad lumber which can be treated by poison which might be causing part of your problem. We were advised to plant certain grasses and they worked. If you don't have a government source of information call a garden center and find out what they advise. Could an Ivy work?
2 people like this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
4 Jun 09
I don't know much about gardening, so I'd probably won't be of much help. Is it expensive to hire someone to clear the mess. Or is there a gardening club in any school committee whom would be willing to help too..alright, that seems like a tall order. Just a thought there.
1 person likes this
..too bad I'm far if not, I'll join in the fun too..
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
4 Jun 09
Hi ellie,
Gosh!! you need a garden doctor, lol, I haven't a clue about all this, I myself have a very small garden and you won'f find me digging in there as I am afraid of worms, I just have rose tress and shurbs which hubby had palnted, but at the moment it needs a lot of work done and he never seem to have the time for doing anything in the garden, good luck ellie. love and hugs.
Taamra
xxxx
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@ellie333 (21016)
•
4 Jun 09
Hi Jakill, I think I have thrown every seed going as had a whole load given to me but to no avail and I think nastutium ones were amongst. There is a part of my garden at the top of this banking that I have never even seen as I can't get up there but that has beautiful trees and the birds like it up there so I will leave that bit be. Huggles. Ellie :D
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
3 Jun 09
A native grass of your area would do well I am sure. They look beautiful as well. Check with nurseries near you.
They can tell you what type of grasses would grow in the rocky soil.
I have an area that is clay and asked and found things that survive well in it. Ask around and you'll get lots of ideas I am sure.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB!!~
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@ellie333 (21016)
•
3 Jun 09
Hi Grandpa Bob, I will check with the local nurseries and see what they suggest as the neighbours havent found a solution yet either after 11 years but I am sure there must be something I can do. Grasses do sound good as yes I know some can look very beautiful. Thanks. Huggles. Ellie :D
@frenchysboutique (113)
• United States
3 Jun 09
I lived in Pittsburgh, Pa for 18 years and the ground was mostly clay and shale. It was awful. I had an imbankment also in my back yard with rail road ties to hold back the dirt. What I found out to do was compost, compost, compost. This helped the clay to soften and the rock plants grow. I agree with the other lotter that certain type of grasses in your area are the best too. I had to plant quite a bit because the erosion was awful. Try also wildflowers. I had good luck with that also to give it a very natural look. They usually come in a mix or actually a sod type layer. You do have to keep it watered especially in the summer but it will help make a dirt path, glorious! Good luck.
@ellie333 (21016)
•
3 Jun 09
Hi Frenchysboutique, The only thing that is growing at the moment is a wild flower in pink that looks quite pretty but it grows really long and doesn't look right but yes compost compost compost as I need to get good soil in amongst those stones. Grasses are a great idea and I will ask a local gardening centre which ones they suggest also. Thank you. Huggles. Ellie :D
