The original site before work began. We installed drains and paths first. This is an experimental, low maintenance, very low budget garden where I trial plants. It is a playground to 16 chickens and is weeded only once or twice a year now.
Plants were grown from seed, cuttings and divisions and then planted out in batches over 3 years.
Prairie Garden 20 x 8m A low maintenance garden
Preparation of soil
The same shot as above, taken 3 years later. This garden peaks in September, October and retains interest with seedheads through the winter.
I used this style of planting at the Nick Nairn cook school; lots of grasses, perennials and bulbs to give interest all year round with minimum maintenance.