Garden planting

Choosing the right plants for the British climate requires more than just a trip to the local garden centre. A professional gardener ensures your "right plant, right place" strategy works by matching species to your specific soil pH, sunlight levels, and exposure to the elements.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Assessment: Analysing soil texture (clay, sand, loam), testing pH levels, and observing light patterns and drainage.
• Ground Preparation: Removing existing weeds, old turf, and debris to create a clean slate for new growth.
• Soil Improvement: Digging in organic matter, well-rotted manure, or grit to improve nutrient levels and structure.
• Setting Out: Placing plants in their pots according to a design plan to ensure correct spacing for future growth.
• Planting: Teasing out roots, digging holes to the correct depth, and backfilling with high-quality compost.
• Finishing Touches: Applying a thick layer of mulch (bark or compost) to suppress weeds and retain moisture, followed by initial watering.
• Support & Protection: Staking young trees, installing rabbit guards, or adding support frames for climbing plants.

Typical Costs

The total cost is primarily driven by the maturity of the plants you choose; "instant impact" gardens using semi-mature specimens cost significantly more than those using younger, smaller pots. Additionally, heavy clay soils or sites with poor access will increase labour time and costs.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small flower bed refresh: 2–4 hours for preparation and planting.
• Standard 10m garden border: 1 full day, including soil conditioning.
• Full garden planting scheme: 2–4 days, depending on the number of trees and shrubs.
• Hedge planting (15m-20m): 1 day, assuming the ground is already prepared.

DIY or Professional?

While basic bedding plants are easy for a DIYer, larger schemes often benefit from professional expertise. A gardener understands the eventual spread of plants, preventing the common mistake of overcrowding which leads to stunted growth and disease.

For large-scale projects involving mature trees or complex irrigation, a professional is essential to ensure the survival of your investment. Note that while there are no specific "building regs" for planting, any work near underground services or protected trees may require professional navigation of local bylaws.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Qualifications: Look for RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Level 2 or 3, or LANTRA awards.
• Insurance: Ensure they have Public Liability insurance to cover any accidental damage to your property.
• Red Flags: Be wary of anyone who doesn't ask about your soil type or doesn't mention "aftercare" and watering requirements.

Ask: "Can you provide a planting plan that considers how this garden will look in three to five years, not just next week?"

UK Regulations

• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): You must check with your local council before planting or removing trees in protected areas.
• Invasive Species: It is illegal to cause certain non-native plants (like Japanese Knotweed) to grow in the wild; professionals must dispose of this waste at licensed sites.
• Water Regulations: If installing an irrigation system, it must comply with Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations to prevent backflow contamination.

Common Problems

• Poor Drainage: Planting in "sumps" where water sits can rot roots; professionals will install land drains or grit if needed.
• Wrong Aspect: Putting shade-loving ferns in a south-facing, full-sun border will lead to scorched leaves and plant death.
• Neglecting Aftercare: The first 12 months are critical; many DIY projects fail because a consistent watering schedule wasn't established.
• Girdled Roots: Buying "pot-bound" plants from cheap outlets can lead to plants that never establish properly in the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year for garden planting?

Autumn (October to November) is arguably the best time as the soil is still warm but moist, allowing roots to establish before winter. Spring is the second-best window, though you will need to be much more diligent with watering as the weather warms up.

Do I need to provide the plants myself?

Most gardeners prefer to source the plants themselves from trade nurseries. This usually ensures higher quality than retail garden centres and often comes with a limited "failure to thrive" guarantee that you won't get if you supply the plants yourself.

How much maintenance will my new plants need?

This depends on the design. A "low maintenance" garden usually features slow-growing shrubs and perennials. However, all new planting requires regular watering for the first full growing season (March to September) until the root systems are fully established.

Will the gardener remove my old weeds and shrubs?

Yes, but this is usually billed as "clearance" or "preparation" time. Be sure to agree in advance whether they will take the green waste away or if you want them to fill your own brown bins/compost heap to save on disposal costs.

What is mulching and is it necessary?

Mulching involves spreading a 5-7cm layer of organic material over the soil surface. It is highly recommended as it suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and protects roots from frost, significantly increasing the survival rate of new plants.