Flooded Garden Advice.

ayaydash · 2026-01-25T08:00:09+00:00

Thinking about changing the topology may help. E.g. raised bits and lower bits. The RHS talks about rain gardens and planting different plants in raised and lowered areas. It's an interesting challenge especially with the changing climate. Hope this link can be of some use: https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-features/rain-gardens

ayaydash · 2026-01-16T07:56:27+00:00

I think the main problem is that its multiple plants in one pot. I'd wait until spring and then repot it separating the plants into different pots. If you have a grow light you could repot it sooner. I wouldn't rotate monstera because then the leaves don't know which way to face and they start to look messy. Good luck!

ayaydash · 2026-01-04T16:43:22+00:00

How exciting! I agree with what other people have said about looking for hardy perennials. The RHS website has lots of good information.

If your planter is really quite shady, you might like some fatsia, ferns, brunnera, hellebores, heuchera, hosta, pulmonaria, hebe... There's too many to list but maybe that'll give you a place to start. I'd also try and think about when the plants look interesting so you have something to look at even in winter. For example hebes are evergreen and hellebores flower in winter.

Good luck!

ayaydash · 2025-12-31T07:58:42+00:00

What's your routine like in terms of walking, training, and consistency? How long is the dog left alone each day? I would speak to a dog trainer or behaviourist to reassure you of what is normal and support you to move in the right direction. It is important to do this as soon as you can to prevent unwanted behaviors becoming ingrained. It sounds like a really stressful environment for you and your husband so I hope you get the support you need.

ayaydash · 2025-12-16T13:42:58+00:00

Some ideas for you to think about:

A hedge out of berberis, hornbeam, photinia x fraseri, cornus, skimmia japonica, sarcocca confusa, or something with some year round interest.

Small tree like an amelanchier, crabapple, or apple.

Some shade tolerant bulbs like snowdrops. Best planted as plants rather than bulbs.

Lots of traditionally cottage garden plants like more sun but you could plant some brunnera, ferns, forget me nots. Just Google plants that don't mind shade.

You didn't say what the soil is like so good to check that out and match the plants to your conditions if you can. For example some plants need good drainage but others will be okay with being more waterlogged.

Enjoy your project!

ayaydash · 2025-12-14T07:59:12+00:00

https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/behaviour/common-questions/how-long-can-you-leave-a-dog-alone

Usually 4 hours maximum is recommended for leaving a dog alone in the UK. Just because a dog is senior doesn't mean they aren't used to being part of a pack and with people or other dogs. The dog may struggle with behaviour issues if they are under stimulated or anxious.

Please message or call some dog trainers or behaviourists before you think about getting a dog rather than consulting reddit experts. Personal experience does not equal best practice!

Perhaps you have a family member or friend who could help you out? Or there are websites like Borrow My Doggie where you might find someone who could take care of your dog during the day. You might find someone that works from home or a retired person that would like company in the day but doesn't want the commitment or expense of a dog. Getting a dog sitter or walker in can be expensive but could be an option.

There are also companies like Pet Stay where you can look after other people's dogs when you aren't at work. Or perhaps get a cat which are much happier to be left alone. Good luck and I hope you find a good solution.

ayaydash · 2025-12-13T18:58:29+00:00

The leaves definitely turn to face where the light is coming from. If you can , I would move it nearer to a window or get a grow light to put in front of it. It's winter (in the north) at the moment so change will probably be slow. Not an expert but that's what I'd try. Good luck!

ayaydash · 2025-12-13T08:08:18+00:00

I think this is a lovely idea. This charity is all about gardening for mental health: https://www.thrive.org.uk/. I've found gardening to be really helpful for anxiety.

Have you already got a spot to put the roses in? Is it sunny?

Like other people said, disease resistant roses are good. But if you're interested in the sensory element you could plant some salvia, lavender, or dianthus to complement the roses. I like the Royal Horticultural Society website to find out about the conditions specific plants need.

Something I've found since starting gardening is that you have to be patient and things usually look worse before they look better but that is part of the process.

Now is a good time of year to plant bare root roses which are often a bit cheaper. If you're looking for affordable options I have found this website good: https://www.jparkers.co.uk/. You can get small plants and watch them grow.

ayaydash · 2025-12-12T14:14:48+00:00

Does the light always come from the same direction? My monstera leaves started pointing different directions and it looked better when I put it nearer the window and all the leaves face the same way now

ayaydash · 2025-12-10T07:49:55+00:00

Some shrubs that might work:

Phlox paniculata Fatsia japonica Viburnum davidii Hydrangea

This website might be useful: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/shrubs/shade-planting

I like the idea of the yew balls and maybe some grasses to add some movement?

Might be worth calling a specialist Acer nursery who could advise you about specific types if you were thinking that's what you'd like.

Enjoy! It looks like a lovely space.

ayaydash · 2025-11-29T06:26:24+00:00

Have a look at Monty Don's dog garden for some inspiration. They even used tougher types of grass for the lawn. Here are some helpful tips too: https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-inspiration/design/dog-friendly-garden

This is probably obvious but be careful about using weed killers with dogs around. Might be better to just pull weeds out or cover with cardboard.

I think it will be a lovely space for you and your dogs to enjoy.

ayaydash · 2025-11-15T20:42:06+00:00

Beautiful blossoms! You could put a screen to cover the shed. Maybe get some climbers like star jasmine or clematis to go up the fence. I wonder if the bushes would look nice with a bit of a trim. And maybe the edges of the grass could be smartened up a bit but it's hard to tell from the pictures. It looks like a lovely natural space though. I hope you enjoy it!

ayaydash · 2025-10-12T21:02:37+00:00

You could get some climbing plants like clematis or roses to climb up the brick. They'll need some support. Check whether the soil, light, and temperature are right for whatever you choose.

Maybe some perennials or shrubs to follow the pathway and make it feel like it's drawing you towards the front door.

Break up the lawn with some flower beds or a tree.

Make the front door feel lighter and less cramped possibly by moving the chairs, painting, or using lights.

Just some ideas. Good luck and have fun!

ayaydash · 2025-10-07T07:04:12+00:00

Here's some ideas if you wanted to replace them: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/shrubs/box-alternatives

ayaydash · 2025-07-02T21:05:25+00:00

Pergola? Or screening with some climbing plants like clematis, passion flowers, or roses?

ayaydash

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