Keeping on top of gardening

[mesmerred]

I like gardening, but never seem sucessful in keeping it tidy. I can't get out there every day, particulary at this time of year, so I spend a couple of hours out there when I get the chance.
Can more experienced gardeners advise me how best to spend my limited time please? Usually I look around, not knowing where to start and do whatever attracts my attention - pull up some weeds, trim a few bits. It's a very random approach and I don't see a lot for my efforts afterwards. Is there a more organised approach I could take? Advice please.

[Ice-Maiden]

We used to have wide borders filled with all sorts of plants. The weeding was a laborious job for ANYONE, so we dug them up and grassed over the areas, planting trees and shrubs instead. these are easier to maintain, and look just as beautiful as flowerbeds.

[Clanad]

Interesting and cryptic name, there mesmerred... but to your question... Ice-Maiden has a kernel of an idea that you may wish to consider. Why don't you try, for one season, limiting the size of your garden. If you're growing vegetables, consider a small plot with one or two raised beds, perhaps 3 feet X 8 feet in size and 10 to 12 inches high. It's amazing how many vegetables plots of this size will produce. And, if your are growing flowers, try to consider only perennials which should help cut down on the planting come spring. Many plants grow well together and provide sufficient ground cover to eliminate all but the most agressive weeds. I enjoy raising roses (even hybridizing a few) and I plant one corner of the rose garden with several varieties about 3 feet apart and in the bare spaces between I plant a dwarf variety of Baby's Breath (Gypsophila repens), which produces a nice backdrop for the roses, but provides enough shade to keep the weeds away. In the fall, the Baby's Breath plant snaps off cleanly after the first heavy frost and the roses are simply pruned back (I do cover the teas in our harsh western U.S. winters)... anyway, see about limiting your tasks to the amount of time you can devote... Best of luck!

[landscaper2]

Hi Mesmerred. Trying to maintain unkemp garden is a thankless task. We maintain a good number of gardens and always spend a day x 1, 2 or 3 men, blitzing it into shape, before weekly visits commence. It is no different with your garden - get it into shape first and you will be encouraged to spend time maintaining it. Now is a good time to start, as you will have 5 months before the onrush of spring and with it a whole load of weed growth! Without knowing what type of garden you have, I'll assume you have shrub beds, lawn etc. Nip down to the local garden centre and buy some 'Roundup' weedkiller and give the weeds a good spray and leave for a few weeks(dont spray anything you want to keep!) Take a look at the Dr D G Hessayon books and buy a couple - they are very clear to follow.Trim your shrubs to shape. In easy stages, work your way round the garden, chipping off the now dying weedgrowth. Dont waste too much energy digging, just lossen the top couple of inches. Get in a load of woodchip and mulch the beds with 2-3inches. Aim to get this done by end March. As weeds pop thru, zap them with Roundup. Not exactly 'by the book' but at least you will start the spring with a clear garden that will entice you out to keep it trim. Have fun!

[mesmerred]

Hey all of you, thanks so much for the replies. (sorry I didn't reply earlier. Was out of action.) I think there are ideas I can use from each answer. My gardens aren't that big, but I'm sure I could make them less labour intensive by using your ideas. Thanks a lot.