Weed infested flower bed

[Eurosceptic]

This all still seems a bit topsy turvy - I wouldn't worry about killing all and any natural processes - start by deciding and putting in what you do want.

If it was mine, I'd probably dig some holes and chuck in a bunch of spuds as a clearing crop - it's very late to do so, but you'd get the satisfaction of some harvest towards the end of the year, whilst also clearing the soil as you do so.

Bedding plants are fine if you're happy weeding and buying and replanting each year.

So, what do you want in there? Vegetables? Fruit bushes? Fruit trees? Ornamental shrubs? Hardy perennials? Ground cover? Herbs? Annuals....?

Hi

Topsy turvy indeed. Your last paragraph reflects the challenge. Short answer-not really sure, but like to go for something that will provide coverage, colour and require limited maintenance. I also see the virtue of spuds to clear the soil.

Thanks

 

[JohnD]

I also see the virtue of spuds to clear the soil.

The spuds don't clear it, it's all the work you do.

 

[JohnD]

... something that will provide coverage, colour and require limited maintenance....

I had some gaps, and put in more dahlias about ten days ago. Like a potato, they have a big tuberous root containing food and energy to get them started. They are now six inches tall and should be a foot in another week. It's late to be putting them in but you will still find some.

The ones in the ground from last year vary between a foot and two foot because they had an earlier start, and are wider with multiple shoots. I have a few flower buds on them already

 

[Eurosceptic]

I had some gaps, and put in more dahlias about ten days ago. Like a potato, they have a big tuberous root containing food and energy to get them started. They are now six inches tall and should be a foot in another week. It's late to be putting them in but you will still find some.

The ones in the ground from last year vary between a foot and two foot because they had an earlier start, and are wider with multiple shoots. I have a few flower buds on them already

Thanks. Initially bought two fuchsia bushes. Will put the “fillers” in later in tomorrow. Noted re dahlias.

The spuds don't clear it, it's all the work you do.

Noted. I may have misconstrued a comment earlier in the thread.

 

[StephenStephen]

The spuds don't clear it, it's all the work you do.

...well it's a bit of both - you can just dig a hole and drop a spud in, and if they get going they'll suppress the weeds...

 

[Nige F]

...well it's a bit of both - you can just dig a hole and drop a spud in, and if they get going they'll suppress the weeds...

But will they do owt against marestail ?

 

[StephenStephen]

But will they do owt against marestail ?

They won't get rid of them, but then they're not much use against tricycles either...