Hey everyone! We recently moved into a house that has a garden after spending years in a flat without one. I'm really excited to get started with the garden, but I don't have much gardening experience beyond just loving plants. As spring has arrived, I've noticed that there are actually some crocuses and daffodils popping up in areas I thought were bare. This makes me wonder if I should hold off on planting anything this year and take some time to see what else I have, or if I should just dive in and start my own garden layout. What would be the best way to approach this?
5 Answers
We had a similar situation and only removed the plants we really didn't like, like some thorny berberis and invasive horseradish. We decided to play it safe and leave most of it alone for the first year. It really helped us figure out what was there so we could plan better. Plus, if you’ve got some apps like Google Lens or Leaf Snap, use them to identify what’s growing—it’s pretty fun! Also, remember to check where the sun hits the most in summer; that's crucial for choosing new plants.
Honestly, you've got a couple of paths you can take. Most people recommend just waiting a year and seeing what plants surprise you. But I totally get the urge to dig in and make your mark on the garden right away!
I think the best move is to keep an eye on what emerges this first year but also get some plants going in pots. You can either move them to the garden next year or just keep enjoying them in their pots!
I think it's best to wait and see what you've got. There could be some nice bulbs or perennial plants hiding there. Spend this first year observing how sunlight moves in your garden through the seasons, and take notes on where it’s drier or frostier. It'll help you plan better for future plantings!
You can still do some planting! Just be cautious about it. I’d recommend starting everything in pots first. That way, you can plant them in your garden later on when you have a better idea of what’s already there and what works after they break ground in May.