I’ve been working with gardens for a good 25+ years now (mad to say that out loud), and over that time, I’ve seen just about everything a garden can throw at you.
But there are a few things that keep coming back, no matter where you are in the UK or how big or small your garden is. Thought I’d share some of the biggest problems I’ve come across ….. not in a dramatic way, just the ones that give people the most headache or catch them by surprise.
Let’s get into it:
1. Poor drainage
Honestly, this one’s probably the biggest. Doesn’t matter if it’s a new build or a garden that’s been around for ages …! if the water’s got nowhere to go, your plants will suffer. You end up with soggy lawns, dead roots, and sometimes even that weird smell like something’s off. It’s especially bad here with the amount of rain we get. Fixing it isn’t always quick, but it’s worth sorting early on. Most people only notice when things start going mushy
2. Shady spots where nothing grows
Everyone wants a lush garden, but if you’ve got an area that never gets sun … like behind a shed, or near a fence ! things just won’t grow properly. People keep planting the wrong stuff and wondering why it all dies. Some spots just need shade-friendly plants, or maybe it’s better to do something different with that bit, like pop in a bench or a few ferns and lights.
3. Overplanting
This one always gets people who are excited in spring. You go wild at the garden centre, bring home everything that looks nice, and chuck it all in the ground. But in a few months, it’s chaos. Plants fighting for space, sun, water… some get choked out completely. I’ve had to help clear out more overgrown flowerbeds than I can count. Sometimes, less is more.
4. Soil that’s just… tired
You can tell when a garden’s soil has had enough. It’s usually dry, hard, pale, and not doing your plants any favours. Most people don’t think much about soil, but it’s the whole foundation. Without good soil, nothing’s going to thrive. I always tell people …. give your soil some love. Bit of compost, bit of mulch, and don’t forget to turn it now and then.
5. Wildlife wars
Now don’t get me wrong, I love a bit of wildlife in the garden — hedgehogs, slow worms, the lot. But when foxes start digging up your veg patch, or pigeons won’t leave your lettuces alone, it can get a bit frustrating. Slugs too — they’re a nightmare in some gardens. It’s about balance really. There’s ways to make peace without going all out with chemicals.
6. Fences and boundaries falling apart
This one sounds boring, but hear me out ! a lot of people leave fences until they’re in pieces.
Windy winters here in the UK will take down anything that’s not properly fixed. And once a panel goes, the whole garden can feel messy and exposed. If your garden’s your calm space, keeping it secure and tidy makes a big difference.
7. Trying to do too much, too soon
Maybe the most common one of all. You move into a new place or finally get excited about your garden, and you try to turn it into a Chelsea Flower Show setup in one weekend.
Truth is, good gardens take time. Things grow slow (sometimes really slow), and you’ve got to enjoy the process. Bit by bit works better than trying to do everything at once and burning out halfway through summer.
