Not so distant future

A question about : Not so distant future

Hello - just dipping my not so green toes into this forum for the first time!

In less than 12 months I shall be moving back up to Scotland to a property which has a small walled garden (think the term I should be using is 'enclosed by walls on four sides' as the other sounds much grander than it is). Having a garden for the first time in umpteen years is very exciting as I have often daydreamed about strolling outside in my jimjams in the morning and drinking my first cuppa amongst greenery. I've lived in flats/apartments for most of my adult life so having a 'proper' house to semi-retire to is a thrill.

Now, I know it's a long way off and I know I have to focus on making the living spaces habitable (lots of work needed - another thrilling challenge), however my mind wanders off to the garden more than it should.

For starters, and to keep me from buying totally inappropriate stuff just because it looks nice, can someone please give me pointers to a good, reliable, solid and useful book about small enclosed gardens? I don't need a show garden, it will be my little haven for birds, bees and me (with the morning cuppa and the occasional glass of medicinal beverage).

It looks neglected but not wild - can't get into it yet as the door is jammed but my glimpses have shown some structure to it.

I need ideas to put into my 'new house' book and would be really grateful for any advice, even so far ahead!

Best answers:

• Essential information
  1. How big?
  2. If you stood at the back door
• Where is the space (ahead, left right etc)
• Where would the sun be at mid-day in the summer?

3. How high are the walls on the south, east and west side?
4. Any tall trees on any side?
What is the gernal aspect (up a hill gaining the full force of the wind, sheltered etc?

• Can you do a google earth search? Might give you some idea - at least re orientation and whether the garden is bigger than the house etc.
• From what you say it has structure but is neglected.
  Perhaps the best thing would be to wait and see what is there before wholesale replanning. Would it be possible to get some photos of the garden sent to you in its summer glory?
• Ok
  The house (cant tell which one but it does not matter), faces slightly west of south, so the area of the rear garden nearest the house will be on the north side and in full shade September to April and maybe a bit beyond.
  Any sunspots will be on the far side of the space and since you will be well out of the wind, quite sheltered.
  Close enough to the sea to suggest some protection from frosts and hard winters but you might also get salt laden storm winds in the late spring. Can you check with anyone else living locally?
  You probably have a foot or so of land in front of the house? Make sure that is marked on the deeds and think about climbers and a simple seat as I suspect you have cracking views from there?
  I would advise against making major plans until you have the hosue sorted out.
  1. Before the builders move in, check for any plants on the north walls. Rescue them if possible, otherwise aim to identify.
  2. Walk round the nearest villages in the summer and autumn to get ideas for what will grow there. Make a list
  3. A friend near Dundee has successfull grown peaches in their small yard, tucked in in the north side of the house but up against the north wall so somethings are possble.
  4. Plan the first year round annuals (including climbers) and bulbs. Only buy expensive plants in when you know they will grow locally and are right for your patch.
• All that is brilliant, thanks.
  The last salt laden storm was in May 2010 which burnt the hedges by the sea.
  I know the area very well but haven't nosed around apart from the pay for gardens.
  Thanks again, I appreciate you taking the time to write your advice.
• Sit, SIT? You won't have time to sit! :-)
• You should get yourself a Pinterest account and start storing away ideas for the house and garden. It sounds so exciting! Where in Scotland?
• Place is on the west coast - remote without being isolated.
  Thanks for the advice so far, I really appreciate the efforts that have been put in to help me.
  I know that planting has to come way behind kitchens, bathrooms and so on, however somehow the garden is more exciting.
• Well, things are now progressing well so here's an update.
  The move back north happened rather more swiftly than anticipated and I can now see myself in the cottage before the end of March.
  I have been able to get into the walled space and much of the jungle has been cleared. I will post photos when I get them onto photobucket.
  Currently the ground is rather sodden, a mixture of bad drainage and heavy rainfall. The surrounding landscape is mostly boggy with lots of volcanic and unforgiving rock underneath. I have walked around and found a couple of forlorn rose bushes, a large spruce tree in one corner, a raised bed against the most northerly wall and a couple of straggly unknown bushes. There's also a compost bin, a small paved area and some overgrown brambles.
  Am thinking of borrowing a goat from a local farmer to munch around and do more clearing.
• I shall watch this with interest...as I have a combination of bad drainage and heavy rainfall (made worse by wind and clay soil).
  Open to nicking (errr...borrowing) all good ideas....