A MOTHER has complained that her new build garden is just like Shrek’s swamp.
After only six months of living in the , 24-year-old Shannon Jones has been left appalled by the “ridiculous” state of the .
A mum-of-four has shown off the shocking state of her new build garden, which is covered with patches of filthy waterCredit: tiktok.com/@shan_jones25
While some new build homeowners shared their advice to this young woman, not everyone was as kind and mean trolls were out in full forceCredit: tiktok.com/@shan_jones25
Eager for advice, the young , who last year moved into the new build , took to to show off the outside area of her .
Alongside a short clip showing off the , which was covered with patches of filthy water, Shannon wrote: “People with new builds, how did you sort Shrek’s swamp?”
Stunned by the , she added: “That is ridiculous!!”
Moments later, the gave users a close-up look at the patchy grass.
Appalled by the water-logging, she explained: “We’ve lived here for six months now and look at the state of the grass.
“The house is four years old, any on how to sort it?”
Shannon then acknowledged: “We originally wanted to reslab the up to the but apparently our housing doesn’t approve it.”
According to Haywood Landscapes , a number of factors can cause water-logging of your garden and particularly in new build gardens, there are two common causes – soil compaction and shallow topsoil over clay subsoil.
The experts suggest that topsoil should be at least 15cm thick for satisfactory lawn growth, 30cm for shrubs and ideally deeper still for trees. If less, growth may be adversely affected.
Having 15cm as standard will ensure healthy root development, water retention and nutrient availability, which are all essential for plant survival and growth.
Social media users react
Shannon’s clip, which was posted under the username @ shan_jones25 , has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 723,300 views.
But it appears that Shannon isn’t the only one to have had a , as many flocked to the comments to share their experiences and advice.
Be grateful of the grass, I’m in trenches with mud currently
TikTok user
One person said: “Mine did this and I consistently put grass seed down.”
Another added: “Gypsum liquid takes a few months to work but sorted mine out.”
A third commented: “You need to dig up the entire garden and put in drainage. Under a layer of turf it’s just building rubble under there.”
How to update your garden on the cheap
IF you want your garden to impress this summer, you've come to the right place...
Plan and Prioritise
- Assess Your Space: Take a walk around your garden and note areas that need improvement.
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend.
- Prioritise Projects: Focus on high-impact areas first, like pathways, seating, or focal points.
DIY Projects
- Build Your Own Planters: Use reclaimed wood, pallets, or other materials to create custom planters.
- Create Garden Art: Use old items like tires, bottles, or cans to make unique garden decorations.
- Pathways: Lay down gravel or mulch to create affordable and attractive garden paths.
Plant Smart
- Buy Seeds, Not Plants: Seeds are cheaper than mature plants and offer a wider variety.
- Share and Swap: Exchange plants and seeds with friends or join a local gardening club.
- Grow Perennials: Invest in plants that come back year after year to save money in the long run.
Use Free Resources
- Compost: Make your own compost from kitchen scraps and yard waste to enrich your soil.
- Rainwater Collection: Set up a rain barrel to collect water for your garden.
- Mulch: Use leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips as free mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Repurpose and Upcycle
- Old Furniture: Turn an old chair into a plant stand or a dresser drawer into a planter.
- Containers: Use buckets, tins, or even old shoes as quirky plant containers.
- Pallets: Create vertical gardens or compost bins from discarded pallets.
Shop Smart
- Sales and Discounts: Look for end-of-season sales or discounts at garden centers.
- Second-Hand Stores: Find pots, tools, and decorations at thrift stores or garage sales.
- Online Marketplaces: Check sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for free or cheap garden supplies.
Maintenance
- Weed Regularly: Stay on top of weeding to keep your garden looking tidy.
- Prune and Deadhead: Regularly prune plants and deadhead flowers to encourage growth and blooms.
- Tool Care: Maintain your tools by cleaning and sharpening them to prolong their life and effectiveness.
By using these tips, you can give your garden a fresh, updated look without spending a lot of money. Happy gardening!
But at the same time, were out in full force, as one user wrote: “Beggars can’t be choosers love.”
A second chimed in: “Be grateful of the grass, I’m in trenches with mud currently.”
Meanwhile someone else rudely penned: “ council house final boss.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
