At GardenWild we have a set of specifications we adhere to when preparing borders. We aim to create the optimum environment for plants to survive and this is a general guideline to follow.

These guidelines should be followed unless an alternate set of growing conditions have been defined by a designer for a specialist planting situation.

Setting out planting beds

• Refer to the masterplan to ensure the correct location of beds.

• When laying out beds be sure to measure carefully using a tape measure and mark out border edges using pegs and string.

• When cutting into turfed areas use a half moon to get a clean edge along the pre-marked border. Any damage to lawn should be repaired.

• Turf should be stripped away evenly, ensuring grass roots are removed but as much soil as possible is left. Turf should be either removed or stacked upside down and face to face in a pre arranged location away from path, roads and areas used by children. Piles should be no more than 1 metre in height.

Border preparation

Please ensure that vehicles are not driven over the planting areas. This will lead to compaction and make the area unsuitable for planting. Try to keep foot traffic to a minimum, using boards to walk on where appropriate.

• Ensure preparation work is carried out on a dry day and that the soil is not frozen or overly wet.

• Remove, all undergrowth, roots, weeds, stones larger than 20mm, and all other non-soil items down to a minimum depth of 250mm.

• Where unwanted trees are present ensure stumps and tree roots are removed. these will generally be at greater depths than above.

• Identify any problems weds where present and note if further action should be taken before planting.

• Care should be taken not to disturb the roots of plants that are to remain, including hedges, and to hand dig only within 3m of these plants.

Soil improvement

• Where soil improvers are required they should be peat free organic soil improvers to comply with PASS100:2011. It should be spread evenly and dug in to a depth of 15-20 cm.

• Using a border fork, carefully work by hand the soil conditioner into the top 200mm of soil, avoiding damaging all trees, shrubs and other plants to be retained, breaking up all clods until the soil is a friable tilth. Rake the surface level to avoid ponding. Any slopes should be an even gradient.

• Unless otherwise agreed, soil edges should be left at 1-2cm below the level of surrounding turf or paving etc so that mulch can be applied following planting.

• Where soil for edible beds is specified, this should be a mix of compost, farmyard manure and topsoil.

• Where farmyard manure is specified, note that this must be a minimum of 6 months old to avoid burning plants. Must be free of all perennial weeds, roots, poisonous substances and any matter larger than 15mm.

Topsoil

Where topsoil is to be added it should a premium sandy loam topsoil and comply with BS 3882:2015. Where low fertility topsoils are required it will be specified by the designer.

Subsoil

For land forming, tree and shrub pits at depths of 500mm below the ground surface a sub soil compliant with BS8601:2013 should be used.

If these specifications are not adhered to further cost may be incurred. See out terms and conditions for more information.