A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 Any Garden Railroaders out there

Hi all!

Just wanted to see if there were any members or lurkers who are into Garden Railroads?

My sons have been begging for a Garden Railroad to set up in the back yard. Well they have one and once spring comes, we'll most likely set it up in the back. Anyone have any experience with this? What sort of plants should I use?

No, but the is one at the White River Gardens in Indianapolis. It is really neat.

I bet alot of the minature ones that I use in my troughs would work perfect. I found this link:

http://www.coloradogardening.com/articles-rr_article_prnt.htm

Good luck with it and dont forget the pictures.

Hi Barb,
My hubby has been dreaming of doing this for about 4 years now, but with the renovations going on in the house and yard, it just hasn't happened. Anyway, I have collected some links. This one for miniature plants is sooo cool. They specialize in garden railroads and bonsai.

http://www.miniforest.com/

Here's the reviews from Garden Watchdog.

http://gardenwatchdog.com/c/1076/

I also have some links for Garden Railroad trains and magazines and one for design. If you need them let me know.

Newt

Those are great links.

Newt and Rue,

Thanks for the links....i put them in my favorite links! I can't wait till spring is sprung!!!!!

I am sure this will be a work in long process!!! I was thinking that I would start out small with the track we already have this year....about a six foot by four foot layout. (estimate) I often make the mistake of biting off more than I can chew....this year I want to do a lot, but start small so I have a bit more gardening success under my belt.

I'd take out the sod and lay out mulch and then put the tracks down. Then plant....maybe...because I'm thinking if it works out that the next year we could expand upon it, if the kids are really into it and take up the entire tier that I've alloted to it and THEN start planting. I think the second year I would have the layout permanently set.

Again, thanks so much for the links and the help! I think this will really make my boys happy and keep them busy outside while I'm gardening this summer!!

Newt,

I can totally understand all the house/yard projects!! My boys have been begging for this for a while. My husband stumbled across an VERY inexpensive set. I understand they can be extremely expensive...but we were lucky to get a wonderful sale...and I'm sure they are not of the best quality...but they will work for our purposes. I figure if it is something they REALLY get into, they can upgrade.

I really love the idea of it being a family project....and the fact that I would love to get rid of all the grass on that tier...(it's a bear getting the lawn mower up there!) is a definate plus.

Last summer was the best, most relaxing summer I've ever had....and with my little ones getting a bit older, it should be even better. They are at the point where I know they're not going to run off, or into the road.

Rue,

For sure I will be posting photos...hopefully we will start it all in the spring. There is soo much to do, I can't wait till the ground thaws and the gardening can begin!

Barb H,
I know HGTV has specials on those RR gardens..
I can't remember when, usually once a year.
But I do like to look at them,
They look like so much fun!!!
Check HGTV or write them?>??? NOT SURE<
they may be able to have a schedule or link to it.

Weezie

Weezie, great idea about HGTV. Here's one I found from there.

web page hgtv small space
Barb, I also found another mailorder garden in my bookmarks for miniature plants.

http://www.miniplantkingdom.com/

Sounds like a great family project!
Newt

OH my, I got the fever! Mini plants are so sweet.

Weezie, Newt and Rue,

Weezie, I love watching that with the boys...only problem is I tape it and the boys want to watch it over and over and over.....and well, you get the point!!

Newt, Thanks! I am going to check them out now! I think it will be a LOT of fun!!

Rue-hahaha...are you going to do one too now? You can always skip the railroad and just make a mini landscape! I've been fooling with plants and dollhouse furniture to make little scenes in my pots....gee...that doesn't sound quite right, does it?

Rue...

I almost forgot..you do those trough planters? You can really do a mini landscape with them.

Have you checked out Garden Railways magazine? They usually have tips and suggestions for layouts and planting. Lots of great ideas and how I did it articles. Def worth reading.

Danaus29,

Hello! I've been offline a bit, so I'm late responding. Yes, I love the gardening railroad mags...lots of fun!

Are you into railroading??? I think my kids will really have fun with it this summer....plus keep them busy while I putter outside in the garden. We're just going to do a very small track this season, see how it goes, if they boys really enjoy it and then see what happens.