How do I stop my garden disappearing?

Question

I had a sloping garden ten years ago, and we levelled it up for easier maintenance. Unfortunately, it started to fall away on on side, and we had to remove a beautiful pergola, and an underneath patio of york stone. When I was digging at the weekend I found a six inch deep slab of concrete which is about 10 feet long and 2 feet wide. My husband thinks this was put in to retain the garden. I think we should dig it up as the erosion has completely cracked it which is why the pergola had to come down, so I don't think it is very useful. I know nothing about construction. Help!

Answer 1

wow how sad after all your gardening efforts . i know nothing of this but there must be someone a landscaper etc in your phone book that you can at least ask about this problem .
even if you pay the guy to come out for a look and don't employ him to save your garden his advice would be invaluable .
good luck with this , it would break my heart if i was in your shoes .

Answer 2

You'll maybe need to build some form of retaining wall, with deep enough footings or foundations to hold the garden, usually slightly leaning in to counteract the garden moving out. I'm a little confused about the slab of concrete you've found. It's too wide to be footings and doesn't sound like it's deep rooted enough. However, it's on the bedrock of your garden (assuming you've got one) it may have been the starting base of some sort of brickwork, maybe a flower bed type enclosed brick area? You will also need to build in suitable ways for the water to escape or else if this collects against the wall and freezes it will eventually push the wall out.

Get in a local builder, at least for an estimate or advice.

Answer 3

Hi, The concrete thing you found was to retain the garden I dont think you should remove it without speaking to a proffesional. There will be more, or should be. You can all so use wooden beams co contain it, they are called railway sleepers. It sounds like you should get some profesional help(landscape firm) Maybe a wee bit costy so get some quotes from a known firm if poss as some people will rip you off. Good luck with that.

Answer 4

It is a big job whatever you do, if you decide to remove the concrete we found a solution to a similar problem was to use a log wall set in concrete - it looks good allows drainage etc. - we had a landscape gardener do this they are more sensitive to the needs of plants than the average builder

Answer 5

Removing the slab completely might be very unwise.
Having it replaced is probably a better option.
If you remove it you might end up with subsidence which could eventually affect the house, and you don't want that do you?

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Please don't take advise from people that has never seen your problem,,,this cement might be there for a very good reason....call a professional..for the safety of your family and home, somethings you just cant do on your own..and this might be one of them times..

Answer 8

Try this site which appears to give simple instructions and various ways of coping with your slope!
www.carryongardening.org.uk/page01_2_3.asp
Goodluck

Answer 9

Move house it sounds far too complicated in this heat