How to landscape a narrow side towards the fence?

[Abhi3]

Hi All,

I have a narrow space which lies between the concrete layer and the fence. I’m trying to clear up the weeds and level up the area to the concrete floor height, so it looks tidy and probably a chance to add one or two garden beds  to have some plants  (thinking to have garden beds slightly above the concrete floor level so any debris from the floor won’t be accumulated). I would be glad if I can please get some suggestions on how I can implement the thoughts. Please suggest any other ideas which would make it look simple and tidy. 

thanks,

Ab

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Abhi3,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

Can you advise how wide and deep this gap is? 

I ask because any soil added to this gap would push against the fence, so if a large amount of material needs to be added, it is not something I would advise. Adding a basic retaining structure using timber sleepers will remove the lateral pressure on the fence and is certainly worth considering, but it will reduce the amount of space available.

It's usually not advisable, but if you stop direct contact between the soil and the fence, it might be ok if it is not too deep.

If you are happy to fill the space, you should attach some corflute along the fence and weed mat or geotextile membrane at the bottom of the trench. The corflute will not allow water through so it will protect the timber from issues relating to water in the soil, whereas the weed mat or geotextile membrane will allow water to drain downwards while stopping weeds from growing through.

Once prepared, you can fill the gap with garden soil and then add some plants. Alternatively, you could fill the void with stones and then add some planter boxes or raised garden beds on top.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Abhi3]

Thank you for the suggestions @JacobZ, the depth is around 15-18 cms and is 35cms depth approximately. Do I need to have a drain as well for the rain water and moisture to go around? 

I will try to have to implement your suggestions as a rookie though. 

[EricL]

Hello @Abhi3 

Thank you for providing those measurements. Since Jacob has suggested using sleepers, I suggest double checking to make sure that you have enough space for your plants once the sleeper is in place. My only other thoughts are to perhaps build a single sleeper level medium sized garden bed. It would occupy more space, but you get more real estate to plant in. 

In regards to drainage, I don't think it will be necessary due to the size of the area and if you are not getting any overflow from the area, it means that the soil is able to absorb the amount of rain falling on it.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric