[cristeen]

This is going to sound like a pretty silly question, I'm sure... but since all my previous gardening has been in pots, I have no idea...<br><br>
We have a small front yard, about 9 ft by 13 ft. It is currently compacted soil of questionable quality with lots of weeds in it. I'm going to be turning it into a memorial garden for my son, and I have no idea of how to prep this soil other than just renting a roto-tiller.<br><br>
The soil is going to need to be broken up, amended and leveled before I can put anything in... but the yard hasn't been touched in the 8 years we've lived here... would I be better off renting a tiller, or should I just do it by hand?

 

[devster4fun]

What a wonderful idea!<br><br>
I was wondering what kind of garden you intend to have? I didn't know if you were going to plant individual plants or spread wildflower seeds? A good tiller will do the job, but it will be a lot of work. After tilling, you will need to remove the rocks and weed as well. Then, add some decent topsoil.<br><br>
Also, what is your climate like? (zone) And, what kind of sun does it get?<br><br>
I would love to help in any way I can<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngtongue.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Stick Out Tongue"><br><br>
Shannon

 

[cristeen]

There really aren't any rocks; at some point in the distant past, someone used it as a lawn, I'm sure. I will have to remove a smallish tree (it's too close to the house to leave), but I've been cutting pieces off of it periodically anyway.<br><br>
I assume I remove the weeds to prevent them from coming back? What type of amendments should I be using? I don't know what type of soil we have, I've never actually dug into it before, but I don't think it's clay. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/redface.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Embarrassment"><br><br>
I'm in Zone 17, moderate climate, this last winter was our first freeze in decades, and summers will see only a handful of days over 90F. The yard is mostly shaded during the summer, sunny in the winter. I called my favorite nursery and spoke with them, and they gave me the same recommendation as someone on here had, star jasmine. We walked by a house the other day with some in bloom and DH approved, so my BF will be picking up a couple gallon pots for me this week. We'll probably put in a trellis or something in the middle of the yard and just let the jasmine take over the whole yard, since it's so small.<br><br>
I would love to plant sweet peas (April's birth flower), but I may have to do that in the back yard, since they need more sun.<br><br>
If the weather is good, this is what I'll be spending this coming weekend doing... it's something to keep me busy.<br><br>
I'd also like to plant his placenta under one or both of the jasmines... I'm assuming I just place it at the bottom of the hole I've dug and put the plant over it?

 

[devster4fun]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>cristeen</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7933441"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
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I assume I remove the weeds to prevent them from coming back? What type of amendments should I be using? I don't know what type of soil we have, I've never actually dug into it before, but I don't think it's clay.</div>
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Yep...the weeds have seeds and can come back. (I'm so used to clay soil) If you don't have packed clay soil, you may not have to amend the entire site. Just the part where you're actually planting.<br><br>
I'm so jealous of your climate. Star Jasmine would be beautiful and smell wonderful. I hope that works.<br><br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>cristeen</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7933441"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I would love to plant sweet peas (April's birth flower), but I may have to do that in the back yard, since they need more sun.<br><br>
If the weather is good, this is what I'll be spending this coming weekend doing... it's something to keep me busy.<br><br>
I'd also like to plant his placenta under one or both of the jasmines... I'm assuming I just place it at the bottom of the hole I've dug and put the plant over it?</div>
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Another great idea with the Sweet Peas...I didn't know it was the April's birth flower...DD was born in April.<br><br>
I hope gardening gives you some peace during your very difficult time. I found it very therapeutic when I was dealing with significant grief and guilt issues. My therapist was very helpful and encouraged me to garden, while being aware of my thoughts and feelings.<br><br>
Let me look into the placenta burying. I'm sure you could just plant it underneath your plant of choice...some cultures have a ritual and/or marker. If I find anything interesting, I'll post.<br><br>
You are in our families thoughts.<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug">