HELP fixing lawn

Some more pictures

 

This is the sand I’m planning to use only obviously more of it.

 

Probably best getting a JCB in there a good driver would easy get it done in a day.

 

Yeah I’d a digger in last year to put in drains. If I take off the topsoil I’ll have to find somewhere to dispose of it and by my estimation I’ll need 150 tonne of topsoil. That’s why I’m thinking of improving my clay soil with sand and compost mix.

I am a little confused what would I get the digger in to do? Could it be used to lift the soil and mix it with sand?

 

All of the above that's a big job to do by hand if you have clay not many rotivators will touch it

Yes

 

The problem with adding the 150 tonne of topsoil is that locally it is priced at £35-50 a tonne for screened topsoil. Unfortunately I’m not in a position to do that at the moment. That’s why I was thinking of improving my clay soil with sand and compost. Locally sand is £4 a tonne and compost is around £5-6 a tonne. Therefore must more affordable.

If a digger/hoe can be used to mix the soil that is probably a better idea.

 

I think i would give up on the lawn idea.

With the topography of the land the way it is it seems like it will not be possible to convert it to a decent lawn.

All the sand,drains,compost etc will make little difference . It will just be an expensive top layer sitting above the wet dead clay. The surrounding land will still drain onto your land.

If it was my place I would consider using mound planting,raised beds,moisture loving plants,raised sitting areas,a pond but deffo give up on having a lawn.

Looks a lovely place btw.

 

Maybe working with the worst area will reduce cost maybe a pond/bog area, you have a nice spot there that could be developed in to a lovely garden with a little thought.

 

Good evening Keith. I think I`ve decided what I would do with your garden if it was mine. Instead of working against what you have, I would work with it.
How about turning it into a fabulous water garden - with waterfalls and bridges etc. The clay you dig out could gradually be mixed with sharp sand, and be used to grow grasses and perennials, and other areas used for bog gardens for all the plants that like those conditions.

I actually have a friend who has done this in a similar situation, and his place is amazing. He is able to grow all kinds of spectacular plants that simply love that kind of situation, and the wildlife is abundant.

One other thing I thought about was the sod next door climbing over your fence. We could make a list of anti neighbour prickly plants to grow along that boundary, and use sharply pointed metal fence posts (so they won`t rot) ....berberis stenophylla is a good one, and mahonia - the razor blade shrub

 

Woops, looks like I was a bit long winded typing that - and Martin and Wee Tam both came up with the same idea

 

Have to agree with Tetters, viz., working with what we have. It makes life so much easier

 

Thanks guys for th comments and the compliments about my place.

This part of the garden I intend to turn into a pond area



This section I plan to have for vegetables and raised beds.



This leaves just the side bit where I had thought about having a lawn but might need to rethink that plan.

 

Please don`t forget to show us how you get on will you .......

 

Definitely will do. I’ll try to keep this post updated with the progress I make.

Thanks again for all the help and advice.