I need garden help, How do I plant and what should I plant in a windy garden?

Question

My husband is in the army and we move every three years, we have just moved to a new place but the garden is un-inspired, once again. The ground is hugely uneven, lots of bugs (spiders, woodlice and ants), and it is very very windy always, on the positive side it is medium sized and gets sun all day long. I would like to create a little piece of heaven, and I need some guidance on what to plant in a windy garden. I have never really gardened before so I would also like a pretty low maintenance suggestion. Also we are very overlooked and thought some plants might create some privacy. I know its a big question but if there is anyone out there who can help me I would LOVE it. Thanks.

Answer 1

you really do know how to set the major tasks

the main thing we have to bear in mind is the fact that you move every 3 - 4 years so there is little point spending a lot of money and work into the garden for future occupants to enjoy.

the ground is uneven and has lots of insect activities, for this i would suggest you look at creating a sort of woodland effect. use the unevenness to create fields with gravel paths and wood chip bark as a ground coveryou can get the odd bit of a branch broken of a tree and lay it down for the insects to use as a home and for food.

put membrane underneath which will stop weeds coming through. any store will supply this then to create the privacy consider using some large tubs and containers to plant some of the grasses you like and some small trees like acers or willows or small fruit trees (apples, cherry).

you can then get some small groundcover plants these would be best got from a nursery or garden centre ask them for advice (bulbs, cyclamen, primroses would all work with ground bark) this would give a walk thruogh the woods type of look and also bear in mind a lot of it can be then taken up and moved with you and then used on a patio if your new home doesnt provide the same garden as previously.

with gardening always think ahead. like i said at the beginning there is no gain in developing a garden that will look good in 4 years time when your not there.

if you want any further advice you could contact me by all means contact me through yahoo

phillip

Answer 2

to give you an accurate question need to know generally where you live. Climate would make a big factor in your decisionn. Also do you want a veg. type garden or flowering.

Answer 3

Pick plants that are short and stout, and cheap.

Its windy where i live as well.

Sunflowers get broken every year, sweetcorn is a waste of time, even young trees have to be nailed down!

I've ended up with Horizontalis variety of plants (cotoneaster, ceonothus) and short perennials (kaffir lily, cyclamen) and things that blow around in the wind (montbresia, short bamboo).

There is loads of choice, they are just the ones that suit my soil.

Answer 4

Go to any garden store and pick up lots of start out plants. Just get lots of cheap seedlings and plant them everywhere and whatever survives is going to be your plants.

Look for garadge sales in your area, use craigslist. This time of the year lots of people are going to be looking to get rid of plants they grew themselves. Take some pictures of your garden and the landscape. Be nice to the person at the place and get their advice on what you should plant. That's what I did and I got a garden full of plants and shrubs for $50 from some guy 5 blocks down from my place. He also gave me advice on how to care for each plant and where to plant them. You can also drop off some supplies and equipment at his place that you don't need.

Answer 5

ground cover plants

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden...

quick growing trees and shrubs for privacy

ask at your local garden center