I have a very shaded area at the front of my house which i intend to patio.
I want to plant green shrubs within this patio.
Could anyone give me names of plants/pictures of suitable foliage.
(btw i'm not a gardener, so i need something hasstle free )

Instead of shrubs dedicate that area to herbs?

From what you say it seems as if the area is in deep shade - in which case you should use tough plants like Hostas, Ivy and ferns - and for colour what about the humble periwinkle...

has anyone else had a problem with the designer garden on this site or is it just my computer acting up the graphics do not appear

Yes, I've had problems with the garden too. I downloaded it, planted it and watered it, when I clicked to close it, it didn't want to go! In the end I had to re-boot my computer THREE times because I couldn't get it off the screen and I hadn't put it as wallpaper or anything like that. Even the Scandisk thing on the computer couldn't get rid of it, in the end I had to delete it from the system, I think that garden has got a few nasty bugs in it!!!!!!
Linda

I have used the garden designer but found it very limited as my garden is twice as long as it is wide and I have shapes in it which the programme cannot deal with - but it must be a different one to the one you are talking about as it was a pick and drag programme not one you had to water and maintain... I have trouble keeping up with the garden at the weekends as it is... I am so looking forward to the evenings continuing to draw out so that I can relax after a long hard days work be weeding in the garden... LOL well it takes all sorts and I do find working in my garden very theroputic... in fact I find it very hard to sit still for very long as there is always something to do...

Angie

I have been unable to download anything from designer gardener I thought it was me doing something wrong, nice to know it could be the site will try again tomorrow to see if I have any luck.I will let you know how I get on
until then booh..

hello

Is the Desktop window box you are having problems with or the Garden Designer? - We have launched a new spring version of the Window box so I will pass on your comments to the technical team. If you could let us know what platform you are using and what kind of conection you have that would help us to work out what is happening. Sorry for it being a pain - we'll get there in the end.


Vanessa, Senior Designer

Hi Vanessa

I have just tried garden designer which was the one I had problems with and I was surprised to see it now works looking forward to using it later thank you if your team has worked their magic :D:

Hi Vanessa

I have just tried garden designer which was the one I had problems with and I was surprised to see it now works looking forward to using it later thank you if your team has worked their magic :D:

we have moved house and in order to make space for our son to play around in wehave to move a few shrubs that look very dense rro t wise and also a xmas tree which is very very tall. Incidentally they are also stopping the sun getting into next doors garden they are so out if control!!

Any guides on talking trees out? We are worried that if we cut them down we will be left with a root that we cannot get to ethe bottom of.

helen

First of all you will have to find out whose trees they are. If they are yours and you want to take them down do so in stages taking care that you are suddenly not open to view from all your neighbours and find out that is the reason they were put in in the first place.

Also it is a good idea to tell your neighbours what you are going to do - so that they can get used to the idea - some neighbours can be very strange about change - even if it is for the good and neighbours can easily make your life hell.

As for the roots you can either hire a grinder and litterally chop them to pieces... or cut around the roots of the stump and then with a crow bar lever them out of the soil... or their is a product called root out which will, over time, litterally dissolve the stump - but it does take time.

It might be as well as getting a quote from a few gardeners for the job as they will clear away the mess and get rid of the stumps - and if it comes in at what you think is a reasonable price - given the amount of work invovled - then go for it.

Hope this helps

Angela