James Thompson

Don’t Fight It—Fine-Tune It Sandy soil isn’t a curse. It just has a different personality. Instead of trying to turn it into rich loam, focus on small, smart improvements that preserve its best traits—like drainage—while boosting fertility and moisture retention. Quick Answer: Improve sandy soil by adding compost, aged manure, leaf mould or bark fines. […]

What Is Hydrozoning? Hydrozoning is the practice of grouping plants with similar watering needs together. In sandy, fast-draining soil, this can save water, reduce plant stress, and simplify maintenance. Quick Answer: Hydrozoning is grouping plants by water needs—place drought-tolerant plants in sunny, dry zones and thirstier species near shade or water sources. Why Hydrozoning Matters

Mulch Can Make or Break Sandy Soil Sandy soils are notorious for losing moisture and nutrients quickly. The right mulch can dramatically improve conditions, while the wrong one can make things worse. Quick Answer: The best mulches for sandy soil are bark chips, compost, seaweed, and gravel. Avoid fine organic mulches that break down too

Dry Doesn’t Mean Dull Sandy beds may be challenging, but they’re also full of creative potential. With a smart mix of colour and texture, you can turn a dry patch into a dynamic and inviting garden space. Quick Answer: Use drought-tolerant plants with contrasting foliage and flower colours—like silver, green, purple and gold—plus grasses and

Why Fight Nature? Work With It Instead Designing a garden in sandy soil doesn’t mean compromising. In fact, by choosing plants and layouts that suit your soil’s natural characteristics, you’ll save time, water, and effort—and create a more beautiful result. Quick Answer: To design with sandy soil, prioritise drought-tolerant plants, layer textures, group by water

More Than a Backdrop—They’re the Backbone In sandy coastal gardens, trees and large shrubs serve a crucial role: they create microclimates, reduce wind, and anchor your design. When you choose the right species, you gain all that—plus beauty, flowers, and wildlife habitat. Quick Answer: Coastal-tough trees like pine, tamarisk, and hawthorn thrive in sandy soil.

Herbs That Do More Than Season Food In sandy soil, herbs often outperform showier plants. Why? Many herbs are naturally adapted to dry, poor soils and hot sun—making them perfect for Formby’s conditions. They add scent, structure, and culinary value with minimal care. Quick Answer: Herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and fennel thrive in

Native Plants: Easy, Ecological, and Elegant If you’re gardening in Formby’s sandy soil, native plants offer an ideal solution. They’re adapted to your local conditions, support wildlife, and often need little water or maintenance once established. Quick Answer: Native plants like yarrow, birdsfoot trefoil, sea thrift, field scabious and viper’s bugloss thrive in sandy soil

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.