Starting from Deep Scratch
Last week we had to replace all the old clay pipework that ran from street to house…it was unexpected (and expensive of course but what’s new) and I had not time to prepare if I could have….but now I need to deal with front yard area, from scratch. What was thick grass, a few perennials…
Last week we had to replace all the old clay pipework that ran from street to house…it was unexpected (and expensive of course but what’s new) and I had not time to prepare if I could have….but now I need to deal with front yard area, from scratch. What was thick grass, a few perennials (which I hastily transplanted into pots) and hedge, and now is a big mass of clay and rocks with a few of the hedge bushes left. I know I need to get rid of the rocks and roots…..then add topsoil and whatever would be next. Too big a job for me I think….looking for suggestions for landscape companies that might work with me in any steps I could do to save money, as well as looking for ideas how to go forward. This was a totally unexpected expense in new move and I am trying to proceed economically…..thanks in advance for any help.
Great directive advice by all, thank you…. but I am a little overwhelmed. Is it actually doable by one person?
Actually, once she removes the rocks and other detritus her soil volume will be much less, so yes, amend, but don’t remove what’s there until you sift and dig out the junk. It may be that you just have to add peat, compost, etc. (On an encouraging note…once you’ve cleaned up and improved the soil it will be much easier to work with and dig into.)
Amend, amend, amend! Dig in as much composted manure, peat moss and soil conditioner as you can stand. This will mean removing some of your old soil but that’s no bad thing. Your new plantings will do so much better growing in revitalized soil. Good luck and have fun.
You could try to decoratively incorporate the rock into the design of the front yard…did you ever see the gardener on Union Street just over the canal between Bond & Nevins?
She’s just done some great work with found stuff.
Also, not sure about you but we have tons of rocks mixed in
with the clay. Did you do all the rock removal yourself? What did you DO with all those rocks? Thanks in advance…
Thanks for the direction; that sounds like a really good option. Would love to see your yard; my email is lisa.er2@verizon.net
Lisa dot e r two at verizon dot net
I had a similar looking front yard after my pipe replacement. We decided to forgo the front lawn and went instead with shrubs, flowers and mulch. aside from watering and seasonal clean up, it is essentially care free. it looks beautifull with all the different colors throughout the year. i strongly suggest you consider a similar approach. first go to a nursery or visit the one at home depot. the home depot on hamilton and the other in coney island have an excellent sellection of plants, get some ideas of what you might like. I would pull-out the hedges, remove the rocks and add new topsoil. then plant an array of plants. we have different types of junipers, a few heathers, lavender, quince, butterfly bush, daffodils, day lilies,mums for the fall,etc. if you would like i can email a picture of what my yard looks like.