If you’re looking to transform your space and navigate this common issue, you’re in the right place. We believe gardening should be easy and stress-free and so, before you dive into our Instant Beds or start browsing our Plant Collections, here are the key things you need to consider to get that “professionally designed” look without the hassle and navigate varying climates in a small space.
Map Your “Micro-Climates”
In almost every garden, buildings, fences, and trees create dramatic contrasts. You might have a “sun trap” near the back door and a cooler, darker spot further away, or vice versa. The golden rule is to pick the right plant for the right place – don’t try to force a sun-lover into the shade. It won’t be happy, and neither will you. Similarly, a shady plant plonked in a sun trap won’t last long and that’ll be £15 down the drain – if not more.
Helpfully, all of our themes come in both Sun and Shade versions. For mixed gardens, we’re confident this will help you achieve the look you’re after. You can maintain one cohesive style across the entire space by, for example, buying the Sun version for your patio and the Shade version for under the trees. Same vibe, different plants, happy garden.
Pots vs. Beds
Soil quality can vary wildly from garden to garden. It might be beautiful loam, or it might be full of builders’ rubble. If you’re planting in the ground, do a quick “worm test”. Dig a hole; if you see worms, you’re winning. If it’s rock-hard or pure rubble, you might need to add some organic matter (we can help with that) or switch to pots. For anything in the middle, you’re probably doing alright. Plants are surprisingly resilient.
Don’t underestimate pots though! They are perfect for renters or paved gardens where digging isn’t an option. They also compliment beds planted in the ground beautifully. Gardens made up of different levels allow for variety, changeability and multi-height interest. Hopefully, our Pot Collections are designed specifically to fill pots with zero guesswork.
Ready to Transform?
If you’re left scratching your head when it comes to planning your garden, you don’t need to worry if Stipa tenuissima goes with Verbena bonariensis (spoiler: they do, and they’re in our Mediterranean theme), the beauty of Dig is that we’ve done the hard design work for you. All you need to worry about is the enjoyment of planting your new beds, pots or planters up* and maybe the odd bit of watering. We’ll take care of the rest.
*We can even do this bit for you if you like – though we do really recommend it. There is nothing quite like it for the soul.
