James Thompson

Why Groundcovers Matter in Sandy Gardens Bare soil in sandy gardens dries out fast and invites weeds. Groundcovers offer a practical—and pretty—solution. They smother weeds, cool the soil, and add long-season interest with minimal maintenance. Quick Answer: Top flowering groundcovers for sandy soil include Erigeron, creeping thyme, lamium, phlox, and hardy geraniums—all of which thrive […]

Why Grasses Work So Well in Sandy Soil Ornamental grasses are perfect partners for sandy, coastal gardens. They bring movement, contrast, and structure—while thriving in the very conditions that challenge many traditional plants. Quick Answer: Grasses like Stipa, Festuca, and Miscanthus thrive in sandy soil thanks to their deep roots, drought tolerance, and low-maintenance nature.

Drought Tolerance + Sandy Soil = Garden Success If you’re gardening in sandy soil, you’ve already got one foot in the door of drought-tolerant design. These soils drain fast and don’t hold moisture—but that’s exactly what many sun-loving, low-maintenance plants want. Quick Answer: Drought-tolerant plants like lavender, sedum, euphorbia, and thyme thrive in sandy soil

Why Evergreen Shrubs Matter Evergreen shrubs offer more than foliage—they anchor your garden with structure, privacy, and winter interest. In sandy, fast-draining soils, the right choices also reduce maintenance while standing up to wind and salt spray. Quick Answer: The best evergreen shrubs for sandy coastal gardens include Hebe, Elaeagnus, Cistus, Escallonia, and rosemary—plants that

Low-Maintenance Doesn’t Mean Low-Impact If you want colour, structure, and pollinator appeal without constant watering or feeding, sandy-soil perennials are your best bet. These plants thrive in Formby’s light, free-draining soil—and they look better each year. Quick Answer: The best perennials for sandy soil are drought-tolerant, tough-rooted, and thrive in low-nutrient conditions. Think lavender, yarrow,

Why It Pays to Understand Your Soil Knowing how your soil works—at the root level—can help you make better plant choices and improve garden success. Sandy soil behaves differently from clay or loam, and it changes how water, air and nutrients move through your garden. Quick Answer: Sandy soil drains quickly, holds fewer nutrients, and

Gardening by the Sea: A Mixed Bag Formby’s stunning coastline brings beauty—and a few horticultural headaches. The soil, air, and weather conditions in coastal areas are unlike anywhere inland. But with a little insight, you can turn those challenges into strengths. Quick Answer: Formby’s gardens face sandy soil, salt spray, and strong winds—but with the

The Right Plants Make All the Difference Gardening in sandy soil isn’t about fixing the soil first—it’s about choosing plants that love it as-is. Sandy, low-nutrient soil is perfect for many drought-tolerant, low-maintenance species—if you know where to look. Quick Answer: Plants that thrive in sandy soil include Mediterranean herbs, ornamental grasses, coastal natives, and

Rethinking Sandy Soil If you garden near the coast—like in Formby—you’ve likely encountered sandy soil. It’s fast-draining, low in nutrients, and often gets a bad reputation. But sandy soil isn’t a curse. In fact, with the right approach, it’s a hidden blessing for low-maintenance, climate-resilient gardens. Quick Answer: Sandy soil drains quickly, warms up early,