Newcastle: gardens, parks and local help

Gardening in Newcastle

Heavy clay underlies a large part of the city, so lawns stay wet through winter and borders benefit from plenty of organic matter. Many older terraces in areas such as Heaton and Fenham have small paved yards rather than gardens, where containers, climbers and a carefully chosen small tree do more than a lawn ever could. Back lanes behind terraces matter for deliveries and access, so mention them when you order materials or ask for a quote.

Parts of Jesmond, Gosforth and other older suburbs are conservation areas, where extra rules can apply to trees, front boundaries and some building work. Check with the council before felling a tree or replacing a front wall.

For green space, Jesmond Dene runs through the east of the city, and Ouseburn Farm is a city farm in the Ouseburn valley. The council runs more than 60 allotment sites, and there are independent associations too. Garden waste collections are arranged through the council; check its website for the current scheme and how to sign up.