after lifting paving

[Frankie24]

I have lifted some paving in my garden. It looks like it was put in with some dabs of concrete and some (but not an even or major depth). should I remove the sand or dig it in for drainage?

[WendyC]

Definitely get rid of the cement but as for the sand it would depend on the type of soil you already have. If your soil is already light and free draining, it probably doesn't want any more. However if you are on heavy clay it might help a bit but good compost would be a better bet. The soil is probably fairly lifeless after being under paving so compost would help bring it back to life.
What are your planting plans?

[Frankie24]

I hope to plant some fruit espaliers against south facing wall, strawberry patch, raspberry canes and a area of cottage garden border, runner beans etc intermingled. Then a third of the garden to lawn...
;-/ lots of plans but it is a 20m/5m garden so a fair amount of space.

[Martin H]

I have a very small garden. When I moved in 18 months ago it was entirely decking and paving. I removed all concrete and dug all the sand in (of which there was lots).

Most things have grown fine. The exceptions were a surprise: lupins grew mostly downwards and daffodils came up with foliage all twisted and deformed. I'm guessing herbicide residues, possibly put down on the paving to stop stuff growing through the cracks; or maybe in the cheapo multipurpose compost I used when planting everything.

But as I say, everything else was fine, including excellent crops of climbing french beans and autumn raspberries last year.

Here's a pic of half the garden last month when the wallflowers were at their best:



So I would do the same again, dig in the sand and work on improving the soil over time with mulches etc.

[Frankie24]

oh wow it looks amazing. Thankyou for the inspiration, I am finding it a bit overwhelming. It is great to see an end product to look forward to it. I cann't wait till I am at the mulching stage.

[Frankie24]

I have put some photos of ahem.. my garden on my profile for you to laugh at!

[WendyC]

Wow! When you said you were lifting paving I thought you were taking a few off the patio. What a job! Why would anyone pave the whole thing, it would really put me off a house. You are absolutely right about turning it into "real" garden. Good luck!

[Frankie24]

yes it did put me off when I first saw it but hey ho. I must admit I have ignored it for 6 months as its being a bit overwhelming but the better weather and the chelsea RHS has motivated me again. But still a big job and bit overwhelming. my aim is to pull all concrete out of bits unpaved this weekend and then mulch to stop the weeds coming. There is a lot of sand in patches but the soil looks pretty good. So hey ho get on with it i guess. Thanks for your support and I will keep you posted with regular photos. Maybe I should write a blog!!

[Nicos]

We'll all be interested to see how you are getting on!

Looks like a fun project actually- blank canvas etc...

...just a bit at a time and you'll soon be there!

[Glutton4...]

Kin 'Ell! Hope you make plenty of money from selling the ruddy slabs!

[veggiechicken]

Hi Frankie. I've just looked at your photos Are you going to leave some slabs for a greenhouse base? I'm sure you want one The larger the GH the less slabs you need to take up

[Frankie24]

lol no I didn't sell the slabs I put them on freecycle. People have been very keen I am starting to wonder if I should have put a price on them!?!? but I guess people have lifted them and moved them themselves so saved me some work.

Yes I do want a greenhouse.. so some money for the slabs would have helped there.. but hey ho. lesson learnt I guess.

I'll keep you all informed. ;-)

[veggiechicken]

Were you the person in Cardiff offering slabs recently Not that I could have lifted them

[Frankie24]

Yes that was me. I think the old lady who used to live here didn't like cats in her garden and took extreme measures to discourage them!! I also think she was just not able to do garden work anymore.

[Feral007]

There have been boiling hot days when the mower gives up when I have threatened to concrete the whole house yard! And then there are times like this when you'd give an arm just to see a blade of grass.