A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Banter Hall Gardener's Chat a new garden...

As most of you probably already know, we're moving in late april. I was at the house yesterday and found that the yard wasn't as nice as i though when I first went to look at it. For one, evergreen trees have taken over one side of the chainlink fence facing the train tracks, and will probably shade most of the yard. second, most of the yard is FILLED with creeping charlie! and there are no garden beds, all turf! It's going to be a long task making beds... :( the also left two big containers with the remains of last year's plants in it, I can't remember off hand what the tags said, but I'm 90% sure they're not perennial (no green sprouts poking out), there is a bed at the side of the house but it's in shade, however, I saw some bulbs poking out (probably some tulips), found the remains of a dried morning glory with seed pods still there (I helped sprinkle the seeds in the same spot below the trellis against the wall), some sedums were poking out too, some grass like clumps (whihc smelled garlicky when I crushed it) and what appears to be a small clump of columbine. Hopefully, I can get the hosta that I got last year moved there. oh boy!

anyways, enough of my complaining, does anyone know how to remove creeping charlie without using borax, or any pesticides? would it help if I removed the turf along with like the first inch or so of soil and just throw top soil over it and start planting? I want to direct sow most of the things so I at least have some colour...I might buy some plugs, depending how $$ I am when we're done moving

If it's an invasive plant, I'd go with digging it out. I have goutweed and it's a handful I tell you, I am steady pulling it out by the handfuls.

Kenny, try not to be discouraged but think of it as a brand new adventure. Show us some pics if you can. Can you also pm me your address, I'd like to help you get a start with some seeds if you'd like.

And you still have the seeds here from the seed exchange. So there is plenty to look forward to.

I'm thinking the lazagna raised bed method might be best. You could start it now and have a nice flower bed for the summer right?

Tammy, could you elaborate on the lasagne bed? THanks but no thanks Tamara, I've already got more seeds than I can handle :o but thanks so much for the though anyways! Triss, I'm afraid I don't have that much time! I'm going to be going into university in two years (I'm in grade ten rite now) I guess pots would work too! I maybe scatter some seeds over it to try to have the weed smothered out! Maybe some more grass seeds or stuff like cosmos, or MINT! I love mint, and can let it take over the yard!