Topic: My 'new found' beds ... I have a grass matting

[cocopops]

I have spent the last two days clearing a big (didn't seem that big when I started), flower bed that was blocking the view of the garden.  Last year we cut down loads of huge plants there , but never got round to the base.    It seems that the more I cut back the more moss and (mainly) grass I find.  The whole top of the soil appears to be roots.  I would love it to be in flower this year but I would not know how to plant into the tough soil. 

I have a great advice for my veg patch so any of your help with this one would be appreciated.

[Robert_Brenchley]

What were the plants you cut down? What you're finding sounds like a mass of couch grass. If it is, every trace needs to be dug out. Once that's done, plant whatever you want. You'll probably have taken out a lot of topsoil with the roots, so don't throw it away. Pile it up, cover it with black plastic, and leave it a year or so to rot down. Then put it back.

[cambourne7]

HI

I the mean time CHEAT get some posts and plant them up and when your not digging and clearing cover with the pots :-) so you get your flowers this year!

Cambourne7

[cocopops]

The beds were really over-run with huge hydrangeas and lavender trees. The last owners where not the energetic type, hey-ho.

We cut them back last year, now it is mainly the runners from these.  The cover was so dense that there is a huge amount of moss.  It is really hard to explain but the bed is on the rise to the main lawn.  I have spent three days clearing the area, and needless to say my shoulders and hands are really sore.  The grass is matted and I have managed to get most of the roots.

I think I may take Cambourne's advice and plant in pots.  I am struggling to see what is a plant and what is a weed,  so just pulling almost everything.

Thanks again