About this Garden Plan
Community garden for Heather House.
Plan Type, Soil and Location
Garden Location:
Garden Size:
Garden Type:
Heather House
17.00m x 19.00m
Community garden
Garden Layout:
-
Sun or Shade:
-
Garden Soil Type:
-
Plan Notes
The perimeter hedge, is as discussed probably the main financial component of the garden. We have selected a mix
of traditional Beech, Purple Beech, Green and variegated Laurel. To be planted in double staggered rows. We initially
discussed planting a triple staggered row, however after visiting the site we decided that would be too wide and take
too much of the plot. A double staggered row will still provide the privacy and shelter required. Beech is not grown for
its flowers or fruit but for its superb foliage of delicate fluttery leaves with wavy edges, initially a gentle soft golden
green, then bright green and finally coppery. Strictly speaking, our native Beech is deciduous, but its crisp winter
leaves, which stay on the plant until pushed off by the new bright green growth in spring, make it a great alternative to
an evergreen hedge. Beech is relatively fast growing, at about 30-60cm p.a. so it does need to be trimmed in late
summer/early autumn. The autumn clipping is essential for the leaf coverage to be retained throughout winter. Beech
likes sun or partial shade and does well on almost any well-drained soil (acid or alkaline). The soil on the site is not
claggy, nor is there any sign of panning or capping, however it is slightly stony. PH level to be confirmed asap. Beech
forms a super formal hedge but its also a very good component in a native mixed hedge providing some winter colour
and an important wildlife shelter when the remainder of the fully deciduous hedge loses its leaves. Brown rectangles
indicate picnic benches or tables and chairs. Purple shaded circles indicate play area/equipment for older children.
Red, Yellow & Blue circles indicate a safe play area/equipment for the under 3's with the additional shade of the tree.
The play areas and the picnic areas are situated to the left hand side of the site as you face the building, due to the
shade provided from the existing Oak tree/s. The vegetable and sensory gardens are positioned on the right hand side
to optomise the sunlight availability. Additional shade is provided from the new tree planting. An outdoor tap and hose
would be beneficial for hand washing and use if the harvested water is insufficient. Irrigation system to be installed
during the hardworks stage if budget allows. This should only be necessary for the raised beds, as they are relatively
shallow. Consider the availability of rainwater run-off harvesting from the building as well as the shed, to be harvested
into water butts if possible, there appears to be some space around the corner of the building. Consider the possibilty
of making the outside wall of the existing building, which currently has graffitti on it, into a public art wall. Encouraging
all members of the community to become involved in creating a Graffiti Wall Mural, to resolve the problem and improve
the appearance? The concreted main access route to be edged with antique bricks to match central feature, this will
provide a stop for wheelchairs and pushchairs. If possible the concrete should have a shade of brown dye included in
the mix to improve the aesthetics of the access route. A central feature of some description would be a welcome
addition to the central cross-roads maybe a small sculpture like feature made by the residents?? The hardworks to
take place in advance of the planting day. The Pergola to be made up in kit form in advance of the planting day, ready
for installation. The residents could, if they wished place a bench or similar under the pergola?? Perhaps some
decking under the pergola would be beneficial? New NOT re-claimed timber sleepers should be used to avoid tar
leaking into the beds, and onto the residents. Perhaps some triangular seating could be incorporated into the raised
beds on the corners? Fleurs de Filles will be providing one hedgehog house, and one insect house, with sketches and
dimensions provided, to enable the residents to make more. They are best situated at the base of the perimeter hedge
along with random sizes of the log piles to encourage other invertebrates and insects, there-by increasing the biodiversity of the site. One major consideration, before any works can commence is to have the site cleared of broken
glass, and other hazards that are currently present. During our recent site visit there was a large amount of broken
glass in and around the site.
Plant List
Plant
Basil
Beans (French)
Number Spacing Spacing in Rows Notes
7
24
20cm
20cm
15cm x 25cm
Harvest leaves a few at a time to keep the
plant cropping.
15cm x 30cm
Strong supports needed for climbing
varieties. Supply plenty of water to the roots
from flowering through to harvest. Pick
regularly to encourage further harvesting.
Borage
7
35cm
30cm x 60cm
Broccoli
6
60cm
60cm x 60cm
Brussels Sprouts
6
70cm
60cm x 80cm
Buckwheat
2
10cm
10cm x 10cm
Cabbage (Autumn Red)
6
75cm
60cm x 90cm
Cut back borage plants by half their size in
midsummer to encourage reblooming.
Blossom clusters make beautiful but shortlived cut flowers or edible garnishes. Be
aware of sleepy bees when picking.
Surround stem with a 10cm (4 inch) mat with
a slit cut into it for the stem to prevent
cabbage root fly from destroying the roots.
Use fine mesh or fleece over the summer to
prevent butterflies laying eggs on the
underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy
these plants. Protect against birds which can
damage the young seedlings and
overwintering crops. May need supportive
canes during the winter.
Surround stem with a 10cm (4 inch) mat with
a slit cut into it for the stem to prevent
cabbage root fly from destroying the roots.
Use fine mesh or fleece over the summer to
prevent butterflies laying eggs on the
underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy
these plants. Protect against birds which can
damage the young seedlings and
overwintering crops. May need supportive
canes during the winter.
Buckwheat can be pulled up and composted
or turned under any time. It will return the
most organic matter when taken down 5 to 6
weeks after seeding.Use the buckwheat to
improve soil, mixing a balanced organic
fertiliser from the compost into the soil
before planting will give better results. To
limit reseeding pull up buckwheat just after it
blooms, but before it develops mature seeds,
otherwise it will be invasive.
The cabbage varieties are intended to follow
each other for harvesting and should be
labelled to avoid errors when harvesting.
Surround stem with a 10cm (4 inch) mat with
a slit cut into it for the stem to prevent
cabbage root fly from destroying the roots.
Use fine mesh or fleece over the summer to
prevent butterflies laying eggs on the
underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy
these plants.
Cabbage (Spring Red)
7
55cm
50cm x 60cm
See above.
Calendula
2
30cm
25cm x 60cm
To be planted where space permits, to
provide colour and to deter damaging insects.
Carrot
77
10cm
10cm x 15cm
Catnip
7
35cm
30cm x 40cm
Chamomile
7
30cm
25cm x 40cm
Chives (Garlic)
1
15cm
15cm x 20cm
Coriander
1
20cm
15cm x 25cm
Slugs love young carrot seedlings so protect
early started plants. Thin out when the
seedlings are large enough to handle if they
are too close (best done in damp evenings to
prevent carrot fly). Cover with mesh or fleece
to deter carrot fly. Weed carefully during
early stages. Soil where carrots are to be
planted does not require any fertiliser this
would cause the roots to fork out. Sowing
with a couple of weeks in between will even
out the harvest, which can last well into
autumn and even winter.
Pinching back in late spring helps to keep
plants bushy and full, and it delays flowering.
Catnip flower clusters are visited by
numerous small beneficial insects. If you can,
grow clumps in different parts of your
garden. Did you know cats really do like this
plant??? Gather sprigs as desired for the
pleasure of your cats. One small stem tip with
four to eight leaves is plenty for one or two
cats to enjoy. Gather stems for drying in early
summer, just before the plants bloom.
Cut branches when they are holding
numerous open flowers, and hang in small
bunches to dry. Chamomile tea is made from
the blossoms only. When the stems are dry,
pop off the blossoms and store them in an
airtight container.
Usually sow direct into soil in late spring.
Alternatively, divide plants in autumn or
early spring. Lift and divide clumps every 3
years.
Can harvest leaves, or leave to flower and
produce seeds which can be ground down
and used in cooking.
Courgette
3
60cm
60cm x 60cm
Echinacea
18
35cm
30cm x 40cm
Fennel (Herb)
1
35cm
30cm x 40cm
Feverfew
3
30cm
30cm x 30cm
Fruit Tree
2
3.00m
3.00m x 3.00m
Garlic
2
15cm
10cm x 25cm
Gooseberry Bush
1
90cm
90cm x 90cm
Harvest before the cougettes get too big and
turn into marrows. This encourages more
cougettes to grow. Feed with a liquid general
purpose feed every fortnight during the
summer.
Dig plants up in early autumn to harvest the
roots. Small divisions with skimpy root
systems can be replanted and allowed to
grow for another year. For enhancing
immunity to colds, echinacea tinctures or teas
are taken every few hours for several days.
Gather fennel fronds as you need them in the
kitchen. Fennel can reseed to the point of
weediness. Gathering and using the blooms
as cut flowers will prevent excessive
reseeding. Prune back in the Autumn to
prevent plant turning to mush.
Frequent cutting of blossoms helps feverfew
stay in bloom longer. Depending on climate,
feverfew is a biennial or short-lived
perennial. When seeds are started early, it
will bloom its first year. To harvest for
medicinal use, gather when the plants are in
full flower but still holding an abundance of
greenery. Medicinal preparations are made
from a mixture of dried flowers and leaves.
Remove some of the seedlings if there are
plenty this plant can become invasive.
1 no. Family Pear Tree & 1 no. Malus Tree.
Both trees to be double staked and rabbit
guards put in place. To be soaked prior to
planting and well watered in for following 2
weeks. To be planted up to existing soil level.
Plenty of rich compost. Best grown from
cloves, planted direct into holes, pointed end
up in late autumn or late winter. Dig up bulbs
in summer when leaves start to turn yellow.
Clean them and let them dry out over a few
days before storing.
May need potash (potassium) adding,
particularly if the leaves start to brown at the
edges. Prune back to 5 leaves each side after
harvesting fruit.
After harvesting prune the bush back to three
buds. Vines can gradually be trained up a
support system. Prior to main harvest it is
beneficial to remove some of the grapes to
allow the others to swell and produce better
fruit.
Wait until spring to prune back lavender
plants, because the dead stems help shelter
the base of the plants from harsh winter
weather. Gather stems shortly after blooms
open for drying before storing use in the
home and in cooking.
Can be left in the ground until required and
harvested right through autumn, winter and
early spring. Give them a good amount of
soluble feed in late summer whilst it's still
warm.
Locate it where leaves can be conveniently
picked, crushed and sniffed. Cut back in the
autumn to prevent the plant from spreading.
Sow in containers to give the plants
protection from slugs. Plant batches of
established seedlings every week or so, to
prolong the harvesting season. When the
heart of the lettuce feels firm pull the whole
plant up and cut off the roots. Harvest in the
morning when the leaves are cool and full of
moisture.
Grape Vine
3
1.50m
1.50m x 1.50m
Lavender
18
40cm
35cm x 50cm
Leek
26
20cm
15cm x 30cm
Lemon Balm
3
60cm
60cm x 60cm
Lettuce (Headed)
15
25cm
20cm x 30cm
Lettuce (Miners)
30
10cm
10cm x 10cm
Cut leaves as required, the more you cut them
the more you will get.
Lovage
2
60cm
60cm x 60cm
Tender young growth has the best flavour. In
summer, consider pruning plants back to
force them to push out a flush of new leaves.
Start a new plant every 2/3 years but
remember it's a large plant so plant at the rear
of the bed allow 1sq mtr for a full grown
plant.
Marigold
4
20cm
20cm x 20cm
To be planted where space permits to add
colour and deter damaging insects.
Marjoram
6
20cm
15cm x 25cm
Harvest as required, a few leaves at a time.
Can be dried by hanging a bunch in a dry
place although some flavour is lost when
dried.
Melon
3
90cm
90cm x 90cm
Rich compost. As soon as fruit has set feed
twice with two week intervals with soluble
general plant feed. Keep moist by watering
regularly. Pinch out the growing tip once the
plant has made three leaves and do the same
to side shoots as they appear. Harvest when
feels slightly soft.
Mint
1
20cm
15cm x 25cm
To be planted in a container as is very
invasive and needs to be controlled.
Monarda
4
30cm
30cm x 50cm
Onion
55
15cm
10cm x 20cm
Oregano
1
20cm
15cm x 25cm
Other (Large)
97
50cm
50cm x 50cm
Other (Medium)
16
25cm
25cm x 25cm
Moving clumps every few years may help
limit problems with powdery mildew.
Varities are available which are resistant to
mildew. Harvest stems to make tea, they will
re-grow and bloom again.
Easiest to sow onion sets (tiny bulbs) which
are planted direct into the soil from autumn
onwards. Can also be grown from seed in
which case start in pots under cover in late
winter before planting out mid-late spring. If
grown from seed they are less likley to bolt
and produce flowers taking goodness from
the bulb. Weed around frequently, harvest
then dry for a couple of weeks before using.
Can be hung in dry place for storage.
Pinch out regularly to get a mounded rather
than straggly plant. If too invasive can be cut
back after flowering. Gather sprigs as needed
in the kitchen. Gather stems for drying in
early summer, just before the plants bloom.
91 no. Prunus laurocerasus & prunus
laurocerasus variegata mix planted randomly
with Beech hedging total laurocerasus 91. 2
no. Evergreen Honeysuckle (Lonicera) 3 no.
Miscanthus sinensis or similar large
ornamental grasses. 1 x' Miscanthus
Gracmillius'
17 no. Ornamental Grasses including Purple
Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis),
Other (Perennial)
1
50cm
50cm x 50cm
1 no. Miscanthus sinensis 'Gigantica'.
Other (Small)
458
10cm
10cm x 10cm
Pak Choi
10
35cm
30cm x 40cm
Parsnip
20
20cm
20cm x 30cm
Potatoes (Early)
12
40cm
30cm x 50cm
Potatoes (Maincrop)
10
45cm
35cm x 75cm
See above.
Pumpkin
2
90cm
90cm x 90cm
Give a fortnightly liquid feed from midsummer onwards. Towards the end of the
summer raise the pumpkins off the ground by
458 no. Fagus sylvatica & Fagus sylvatica
Purpura mix of each 1 ltr container 6090cms.
Surround stem with a 10cm (4 inch) mat with
a slit cut into it for the stem to prevent
cabbage root fly from destroying the roots.
Use fine mesh or fleece over the summer to
prevent butterflies laying eggs on the
underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy
these plants. Keep soil moist in dry weather.
Thin out when the seedlings are large enough
to handle if they are too close. Weed
carefully during early stages. Cover with
mesh or fleece if carrot fly has been a
problem in the past, although parsnips are
less susceptible to this. dig fork in carefully
around plant before harvesting. Sow in
batches couple of weeks apart to prolong
harvesting into the winter months.
Plenty of good compost dug into soil before
planting. As shoots appear, draw soil over
them if there is still a possibility of frost.
Once the shoots are hand height, earth them
up by drawing more soil around them leaving
the top of the shoots still showing to keep the
actual potatoes covered. If any potatoes get
exposed to light and turn green they should
not be eaten. Make sure potatoes are kept
watered in dry weather. Once the foliage has
wilted harvest the main crop within a couple
of weeks, digging in from the side to avoid
damaging the tubers. The two varieties of
potatoes will follow on from each other, and
should be labelled to avoid any errors when
harvesting.
Radish
20
10cm
10cm x 20cm
Raspberry Bush
1
70cm
60cm x 90cm
Rhubarb
1
90cm
90cm x 90cm
Rosemary
1
20cm
20cm x 20cm
Salvia
3
30cm
30cm x 30cm
Shallots
39
15cm
10cm x 15cm
Spring Onion
62
10cm
10cm x 10cm
putting a piece of wood or similar under them
to prevent rotting. Water roots generously in
dry weather.When the plant starts to die cut
off the pumpkins leaving part of the stalk
attached. Allow the skin to harden in the sun
for a few days if wanting to store them in a
frost-free place.
Sow at fortnightly intervals to prolong
harvesting. Harvest as soon as the root has
developed to a usable size, while taste and
texture are still good.
After harvesting cut the canes down to
ground level, leaving any new shoots.Harvest
fruit when ripe. Can protect with netting if
birds are eating them but make sure that the
plant doesn't grow through the netting
making it difficult to remove.
Do not harvest during the first year of
growth. After this, pull a few of the thicker
sticks when long enough. Stop harvesting in
early summer and allow plants to grow freely
for the rest of the season. Early sweet stems
can be produced by forcing and blanching the
rhubarb: in mid winter to early spring add dry
material such as leaves or straw and cover
with a deep container or bucket to exlude
light for about one month.
One month after planting give a good long
feed with liquid general purpose feed.
Frequent pinching back helps to keep plants
bushy and full, and it delays flowering.
Trailing rosemary is great cascading over a
wall. Cut back in the autumn if becoming too
large or straggly.
Pinching off the first bloom will encourage
plants to grow into lush bushes bearing
numerous flower spikes.
Harvest from mid summer as soon as they
reach a reasonable size. If storing them, wait
until the tops start to die down and dry for
about 10 days.
Keep well watered in dry conditions and
weed free. Harvest as required when they
reach a usable size.
Strawberry
9
50cm
45cm x 60cm
Sunflower
37
30cm
30cm x 30cm
Sweetcorn
8
35cm
30cm x 45cm
Thyme
8
30cm
30cm x 40cm
Tomato (Cherry)
8
50cm
45cm x 60cm
Can be raised from seed but most people use
new plants, or produce their own from
runners which existing plants put out during
summer. Usually need to be planted by
autumn for a crop the following year,
although good bought-in plants can be
planted in spring and still produce a crop.
Feed with a general purpose liquid feed in
autumn and again in early spring, topdress
established plants with rich compost or an
organic fertilizer. Allow plants to rest in
midsummer. Slugs can be deterred with straw
mulch or traps. Use netting to protect
ripening berries from birds.Harvest in the
morning when fruit is cool, wash and put in
fridge asap. Use a trailing variety so they
tumble over the raised beds.
Support with canes if too heavy to stand
alone. Apply a light organic fertilizer prior to
planting for maximum results. Great fun
Sunflower competitions can encourage
youngsters into the vegetable garden.
Support with canes if necessary not usually
required. Harvest just before eating to get the
sweetest taste, when the tassles at the top of
the cobs turn brown to black. You can peel
back the leaves and check the corn: if they
ooze milky sap when pressed with a
fingernail then they are ready. Keep a
minimum of 7 plants together as they
pollinate each other using the wind.
Bees like the pink ones!! Plants are often
short-lived, so root a few stem cuttings each
spring to always have vigorous young plants.
Give a generous liquid feed one month after
planting. To be planted on perimeter, this
plant will spread and can be walked upon,
this will release scent.
Feed weekly with a liquid general purpose
feed, during the growing season. Look out for
....Blossom end rot patches on the bottom of
fruits are a nutritional disorder best prevented
by growing tomatoes in well-prepared soil
with constant light moisture. Yellow leaves
indicate lack of magnesium, so apply liquid
feed.Trailing variety so they tumble over the
raised beds.
Tree (Small)
1
2.50m
2.50m x 2.50m
Valerian
2
90cm
90cm x 90cm
Plant
Basil
Beans (French)
Borage
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Buckwheat
Cabbage (Autumn Red)
Cabbage (Spring Red)
Calendula
Pinus Mugo or similar. To be double staked
and rabbit guard put in place. To be well
soaked prior to planting and for two weeks
after. To be planted to existing soil level.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Chives (Garlic)
Coriander
Courgette
Echinacea
Fennel (Herb)
Feverfew
Fruit Tree
Garlic
Gooseberry Bush
Grape Vine
Lavender
Leek
Lemon Balm
Lettuce (Headed)
Lettuce (Miners)
Lovage
Marigold
Marjoram
Melon
Mint
Monarda
Onion
Oregano
Other (Large)
Other (Medium)
Other (Perennial)
Other (Small)
Pak Choi
Parsnip
Potatoes (Early)
Potatoes (Maincrop)
Pumpkin
Radish
Raspberry Bush
Rhubarb
Rosemary
Salvia
Shallots
Spring Onion
Strawberry
Sunflower
Sweetcorn
Thyme
Tomato (Cherry)
Tree (Small)
Valerian