Fingers crossed for a mild winter so we can keep gardening :)
Monday 22 December 2014
Happy Xmas :)
Just want to wish all you readers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Fingers crossed for a mild winter so we can keep gardening :)
Fingers crossed for a mild winter so we can keep gardening :)
Saturday 20 December 2014
Time off
Well, Christmas is next week so we are going to be taking some time off work. Hopefully will give me chance to get on with some good blogging!
Am wondering how the winter is going to be. Here in the UK you just never know whats happening as the weather is so unpredictable. A few years ago we had 2 unusually snowy winters in succession. Haven't really seen any of the white stuff since. I remember a January being so cold we couldn't even get a spade in the ground and took the whole month off. I was chatting to a friend yesterday and she commented on a holly that usually has many berries, but this year the blackbirds have already stripped the plant, same with my pyracantha, I wonder if they can sense something we humans can't? Stocking up for a cold one maybe.
Are we all ready for Xmas then? No tree for us this year as will be visiting family. I really cannot trust the cats to be in charge of something that offers shiny baubles that move when you give them a push with your paw and if you keep pushinf maybe they will fall of and break....I see a lot of potential damage so best avoided. Dont worry, they aren't left completely, our neighbour feeds them twice a day ane we arent gone for long.
Found some cat related Christmas vids...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn2h3_aH3vo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj2ceEcpbgg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB90NjT51gg
Hahaha!! Happy Xmas peeps :)
Am wondering how the winter is going to be. Here in the UK you just never know whats happening as the weather is so unpredictable. A few years ago we had 2 unusually snowy winters in succession. Haven't really seen any of the white stuff since. I remember a January being so cold we couldn't even get a spade in the ground and took the whole month off. I was chatting to a friend yesterday and she commented on a holly that usually has many berries, but this year the blackbirds have already stripped the plant, same with my pyracantha, I wonder if they can sense something we humans can't? Stocking up for a cold one maybe.
Are we all ready for Xmas then? No tree for us this year as will be visiting family. I really cannot trust the cats to be in charge of something that offers shiny baubles that move when you give them a push with your paw and if you keep pushinf maybe they will fall of and break....I see a lot of potential damage so best avoided. Dont worry, they aren't left completely, our neighbour feeds them twice a day ane we arent gone for long.
Found some cat related Christmas vids...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn2h3_aH3vo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj2ceEcpbgg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB90NjT51gg
Hahaha!! Happy Xmas peeps :)
Thursday 20 November 2014
Some Autumn pics
As ever, am finding I haven't enough time to get on and do everything I need to do. To keep you tuning in, heres a few Autumn pics from last few years. Some were taken at the Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire, well worth a visit and there will still be plenty of colour to see.
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-5Y4F5K
Here in this part of Devon, beech is the predominant species of tree and hedge, they have a beautiful golden colour right now and really shine when the sun shows its face. Travelling to work is a joy, driving through golden beech tunnels, shame I can't take any pics!
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-5Y4F5K
Here in this part of Devon, beech is the predominant species of tree and hedge, they have a beautiful golden colour right now and really shine when the sun shows its face. Travelling to work is a joy, driving through golden beech tunnels, shame I can't take any pics!
Monday 10 November 2014
All change!
After much nagging, Mr.M has finally removed the rather lumpy green mess some may have called a lawn! This has lead on to lifting all the plants in our (thankfully) small ornamental garden, which meant clearing the veg area to hold the plants. One job needs many more to get it done! Have yet to lift all the plants but we will get there eventually. Then there is the issue of the broken fencing to tackle. One thing at a time.
I am hoping the new lawn will be laid very soon. Three cats and a dogs mucky prints in the house is not pretty! Unfortunately the weather has taken a damp turn, its all about the rain down here so won't make laying turf easy
This Autumn has gone from beautiful unseasonal sunshine to miserable grey almost overnight. Already, work has had to be postponed. Some gardeners will work through any weather, but this can cause damage to lawns and soil structure and you tend to work more slowly. It is so hard to judge whether it is worth getting tools sorted, driving to site with one of my helpers, when the weather is this unpredictable. Thanks to various weather forcasts, decisions can be better made but living next to Dartmoor means it can change so quickly. Always be prepared with wellies!
Heres a few pics I have recently taken while out and about.....
I have had this Pinus Mugo in a pot for so many years. I guess it should be repotted but it seems happy enough being a little bit neglected.
Spotted these Aeoniums while on holiday in Cornwall. Bought a fab small specimen which I then gave to a friend as her garden is much more suitable. Tha was her xmas pressie!!
This bright Pyracantha was growing in our garden when we moved in. The blackbirds will be along soon to help themselves to these plump berries.
Still flowering, still more buds to come on this pretty, hardy fuchsia. I helped myself to a cutting from my local park. Did nothing other than stick it in a jar with water and watched it root. Then potted it on till big enough to plant in a large pot. If you are new to propagation, go for fuchsias, nothing technical here!
This is my favourite plant in my garden, a very bright hardy Chrysanthemum Mrs Jessie Cooper. Wow, does this bring colour to a dull day! Also fab as a cut flower. Love it!
Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple', found in my friends/clients garden. Also known as the Smoke Bush due to its fluffy plumes of flowers. Beautiful Autumnal colours.
Love them or hate them, Cortaderia sellowana or Pampas Grass, really are showy plants. The cream panicles of flowers stand proud against the (now gone) blue sky.
I am hoping the new lawn will be laid very soon. Three cats and a dogs mucky prints in the house is not pretty! Unfortunately the weather has taken a damp turn, its all about the rain down here so won't make laying turf easy
This Autumn has gone from beautiful unseasonal sunshine to miserable grey almost overnight. Already, work has had to be postponed. Some gardeners will work through any weather, but this can cause damage to lawns and soil structure and you tend to work more slowly. It is so hard to judge whether it is worth getting tools sorted, driving to site with one of my helpers, when the weather is this unpredictable. Thanks to various weather forcasts, decisions can be better made but living next to Dartmoor means it can change so quickly. Always be prepared with wellies!
Heres a few pics I have recently taken while out and about.....
Saturday 27 September 2014
Time for a break
Well, we are off to Cornwall for a holiday, which I haven't yet packed for...
better get on with it then!!
The weather has turned a bit cooler now and a bit cloudier, which is fine by me as there is a woodburner where we will be staying :)
Talking of weather, heres a link to a great photographer and stormchaser I just discovered. His pictures are amazing :)
http://www.extremeinstability.com/
Not sure I want that kind of weather for our holiday! See you soon x
better get on with it then!!
The weather has turned a bit cooler now and a bit cloudier, which is fine by me as there is a woodburner where we will be staying :)
Talking of weather, heres a link to a great photographer and stormchaser I just discovered. His pictures are amazing :)
http://www.extremeinstability.com/
Not sure I want that kind of weather for our holiday! See you soon x
Thursday 18 September 2014
Foraging for Berries
I took the dog out the other day for her afternoon walk on a patch of land near our house. A fellow dog walker was picking elder berries, not for jam, as I have done, but for making cordial for her son who has allergies to various manmade ingredients in regular cordial. She told me the recipe was on a website called Eat Weeds and here it is
http://www.eatweeds.co.uk/elderberry-cordial-syrup
I have just had a quick look and the site looks very interesting :) will delve in more when I have some spare time.
A few years ago I went a bit crazy with making preserves as, like this year, there was such an abundance of free food. Hedgerow jelly was a hit with crab apples, blackberries, rosehips, hawthorn berries, sloes, all free to pick. I have not had the time this year (any spare is taken up with crochet!). I did have a walk though the fields with the dog yesterday and spotted some berries.
Only this morning there was talk of a bumper crop of hedgerow berries on the news
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-29249685
Though not all fruit are doing so well. Two of my clients have very little apples this year - and its not my pruning!! A number of people have mentioned this same issue, maybe something to do with the wet Spring? You never know what nature will throw at you.
Well, there's going to be a lot of well fed creatures this Autumn, including our new addition of a squirrel that has taken up residence in our heavily laden hazel tree. The fella better watch it though, the dog loves a tree rat and I have now discovered Ronan, our big ginger cat, reckons he can take it on, though I really hope he doesn't corner it as squirrels can cause a lot of damage with those sharp claws!!
Get yourselves out there and pick your free food. Just please be sure you know what you are picking.
http://www.eatweeds.co.uk/elderberry-cordial-syrup
I have just had a quick look and the site looks very interesting :) will delve in more when I have some spare time.
A few years ago I went a bit crazy with making preserves as, like this year, there was such an abundance of free food. Hedgerow jelly was a hit with crab apples, blackberries, rosehips, hawthorn berries, sloes, all free to pick. I have not had the time this year (any spare is taken up with crochet!). I did have a walk though the fields with the dog yesterday and spotted some berries.
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| Blackberries |
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| Hawthorn Berries |
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| Rosehips |
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| Sloes |
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-29249685
Though not all fruit are doing so well. Two of my clients have very little apples this year - and its not my pruning!! A number of people have mentioned this same issue, maybe something to do with the wet Spring? You never know what nature will throw at you.
Well, there's going to be a lot of well fed creatures this Autumn, including our new addition of a squirrel that has taken up residence in our heavily laden hazel tree. The fella better watch it though, the dog loves a tree rat and I have now discovered Ronan, our big ginger cat, reckons he can take it on, though I really hope he doesn't corner it as squirrels can cause a lot of damage with those sharp claws!!
Get yourselves out there and pick your free food. Just please be sure you know what you are picking.
Thursday 11 September 2014
Pause For Thought
Nearly 3000 people died this day 13 years ago.
The One World Trade Centre is now complete.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29148536
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24055725
One World x
The One World Trade Centre is now complete.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29148536
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24055725
One World x
Ancient Story
Brown bears on Dartmoor! Not now of course, don't panic your picnic is safe :)
Very interesting article, which was also on tv last week. What an amazing place! This National Park is full of ancient settlements, burial grounds, stone rows and circles, you don't have to walk far to find evidence of our ancestors.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-29067027
Very interesting article, which was also on tv last week. What an amazing place! This National Park is full of ancient settlements, burial grounds, stone rows and circles, you don't have to walk far to find evidence of our ancestors.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-29067027
Sunday 7 September 2014
A Happy Wildlife Story
It does seem to be all doom and gloom when it comes to the natural world these days, so it makes a refreshing change to read something positive. Heres a small article about Marsh Fritillaries. Not really 'headline news' but it all helps. we are members of the Devon Wildlife Trust and through joining, we have found many new places to visit on our doorstep. I think all counties have a Wildlife Trust so get in there and discover your local nature reserves :)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-29075113
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-29075113
Thursday 14 August 2014
End Of Summer?
Anyone else getting that Autumnal feel?
I know, its the middle of August, but its tipping down with rain and its cold enough at night for me to look at the woodburner and think of the lovely warmth it offers. Much as I do love Autumn, I hope the weather picks up again, just give us another month!
There's a great little place near me that sells plants, mainly bedding, with an honesty box to take the money. Passed it the other day and he is already selling Autumn bedding, Cyclamen, brightly leaved Heathers and Ivy. Time to think about changing my hanging basket...but no, not yet, still got flowers on my Diascias.
Still plenty of jobs to do this month, one of them being Summer pruning if Wisteria. I have a client whos very vigorous Wisteria has reached the roof of her 3 storey house, now I am OK with ladders, but on this occasion I think I need a volunteer! Apart from the stems you want to train, cut back the whippy current growth to 5 or 6 leaves. This will stop it growing into the guttering, windows or getting too high! Also encourages flower buds to form.
Got Raspberries? Keep cutting back the canes of your summer fruiting raspberries. You can also lift and pot up strawberry runners. I need to do this, my plants need replacing, as they have lost their vigour. It is recommended to replace strawbarry plants every 3 or so years.
Keep deadheading your roses. If you have a rambler, give them a prune now, if they have gotten out of hand and need more drastic work then wait until late Autumn or Winter. Also, give your summer flowering shrubs a prune, such as Hebes and Lavender.
It is time to be cutting grass on a higher setting now that growth is slowing down. If your mower mulches, then do so as the clippings will help with moistre retention.There will be plenty to do for the lawn this Autumn.
Lets hope we get a dry spell to get these jobs done :)
I know, its the middle of August, but its tipping down with rain and its cold enough at night for me to look at the woodburner and think of the lovely warmth it offers. Much as I do love Autumn, I hope the weather picks up again, just give us another month!
There's a great little place near me that sells plants, mainly bedding, with an honesty box to take the money. Passed it the other day and he is already selling Autumn bedding, Cyclamen, brightly leaved Heathers and Ivy. Time to think about changing my hanging basket...but no, not yet, still got flowers on my Diascias.
Still plenty of jobs to do this month, one of them being Summer pruning if Wisteria. I have a client whos very vigorous Wisteria has reached the roof of her 3 storey house, now I am OK with ladders, but on this occasion I think I need a volunteer! Apart from the stems you want to train, cut back the whippy current growth to 5 or 6 leaves. This will stop it growing into the guttering, windows or getting too high! Also encourages flower buds to form.
Got Raspberries? Keep cutting back the canes of your summer fruiting raspberries. You can also lift and pot up strawberry runners. I need to do this, my plants need replacing, as they have lost their vigour. It is recommended to replace strawbarry plants every 3 or so years.
Keep deadheading your roses. If you have a rambler, give them a prune now, if they have gotten out of hand and need more drastic work then wait until late Autumn or Winter. Also, give your summer flowering shrubs a prune, such as Hebes and Lavender.
It is time to be cutting grass on a higher setting now that growth is slowing down. If your mower mulches, then do so as the clippings will help with moistre retention.There will be plenty to do for the lawn this Autumn.
Lets hope we get a dry spell to get these jobs done :)
Wednesday 23 July 2014
Better Late Than Never!
I know, its been a while since my last blog, am afraid its been bottom of my list for a while. Have you missed me??!
Have been really busy with work which, of course is a good thing, though it is partly due to lack of manpower. You wouldn't think it was difficult to find someone who can garden, but trust me, it is! People assume that anyone can be a gardener, and I suppose thats true, but not anyone can be a good gardener! You don't need lots of knowledge to get into gardening, enthusiasm is a great thing as you will learn as you go on.
Though I studied horticulture at college, most of my knowledge has been gained from practical experience, and a love of plants! I did learn a lot at college but, to be honest, I was more interested in the social side - I did love a party! Good old days :)
It wasn't until I left college that I realised I did actually enjoy gardening and 18 years after leaving am still a gardener, and still enjoy it (unless its raining heavily!). Oh dear, 18 years :( so thats 21 years I've been in the industry. Its my birthday today so years are on my mind!
If you are thinking about taking up gardening as a new career, give it some serious thought before you get started. A want to learn is key, if the enthusiasm isn't there you will not last long! Its a tough job, I have numerous ailments - am having my knee x-rayed in a couple of weeks as its causing me grief. Remember the weather here in the UK is pretty unpredictable, get yourself some quality waterproofs, and plenty of suncream (its really hot here at the mo). If you're not keen on working in the rain, don't be a gardener! It can also be incredibly rewarding, especially if you have been working in a garden for years, seeing it develop, being part of its improvements and knowing that tree or shrub you planted could be there long after you've 'left the building'.
Well Im off to enjoy the day and hopefully get some birthday cake :)
Have been really busy with work which, of course is a good thing, though it is partly due to lack of manpower. You wouldn't think it was difficult to find someone who can garden, but trust me, it is! People assume that anyone can be a gardener, and I suppose thats true, but not anyone can be a good gardener! You don't need lots of knowledge to get into gardening, enthusiasm is a great thing as you will learn as you go on.
Though I studied horticulture at college, most of my knowledge has been gained from practical experience, and a love of plants! I did learn a lot at college but, to be honest, I was more interested in the social side - I did love a party! Good old days :)
It wasn't until I left college that I realised I did actually enjoy gardening and 18 years after leaving am still a gardener, and still enjoy it (unless its raining heavily!). Oh dear, 18 years :( so thats 21 years I've been in the industry. Its my birthday today so years are on my mind!
If you are thinking about taking up gardening as a new career, give it some serious thought before you get started. A want to learn is key, if the enthusiasm isn't there you will not last long! Its a tough job, I have numerous ailments - am having my knee x-rayed in a couple of weeks as its causing me grief. Remember the weather here in the UK is pretty unpredictable, get yourself some quality waterproofs, and plenty of suncream (its really hot here at the mo). If you're not keen on working in the rain, don't be a gardener! It can also be incredibly rewarding, especially if you have been working in a garden for years, seeing it develop, being part of its improvements and knowing that tree or shrub you planted could be there long after you've 'left the building'.
Well Im off to enjoy the day and hopefully get some birthday cake :)
Thursday 12 June 2014
Weekend Events
I'm going to be at the following events this weekend, showing off my other hobby of crochet - and trying to sell it! Come along if you live in the area
The first one is on Saturday in the pretty village of Lustleigh (where I also work :)), celebrating traditional Devon dance and music
http://www.dartmoor.co.uk/events/moor-merriment-a-dartmoor-weekend-2014-p883303
On Sunday I will be selling my wares at the Dowland Country Fair, near Winkleigh, a great family day out
http://www.dowlandcountryfair.org.uk/
Weather is going to be dry too!!
The first one is on Saturday in the pretty village of Lustleigh (where I also work :)), celebrating traditional Devon dance and music
http://www.dartmoor.co.uk/events/moor-merriment-a-dartmoor-weekend-2014-p883303
On Sunday I will be selling my wares at the Dowland Country Fair, near Winkleigh, a great family day out
http://www.dowlandcountryfair.org.uk/
Weather is going to be dry too!!
Tuesday 22 April 2014
Happy First Birthday!
Yes, The Dartmoor Gardener is one year old today! How time flies.
I think that deserves a slice of cake :)
I think that deserves a slice of cake :)
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Bird Spotting
Just been for a stroll with the dog through the fields at the back of my house and spotted my first Swallows of the year. What do they look like? Have a look at the link here http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/swallow/
Every year I forget what the difference between Swallows and House Martin, well the main one is the tail. Swallows have long tail 'streamers', House Martins have much shorter forked tails. Its hard to spot the other differences as they are so fast!
Won't be to long before the Swifts arrive. We are lucky to have an untouched patch of land right in front of our house which is an ideal place for insects to breed, a 'fly thru' diner for Swifts! I spend many summer evenings just watching them screech by.
If only I was quick enough to take some pics!
Every year I forget what the difference between Swallows and House Martin, well the main one is the tail. Swallows have long tail 'streamers', House Martins have much shorter forked tails. Its hard to spot the other differences as they are so fast!
Won't be to long before the Swifts arrive. We are lucky to have an untouched patch of land right in front of our house which is an ideal place for insects to breed, a 'fly thru' diner for Swifts! I spend many summer evenings just watching them screech by.
If only I was quick enough to take some pics!
Sunday 13 April 2014
Colourful Spring
Wow! Everything has burst into life after a long wet Winter. Its great to see so much colour and some sunshine at last. I have found it difficult to blog these last few months, lost a bit of interest but I feel much more enthusiastic now. Work is very hectic, it being our busiest time and not having the manpower we need, so I won't have the time to blog like last year, will do my best though. My other interest - crochet - has taken over a bit. I am booked in to sell at a few local craft shows and need to get on and make much more so I have enough stock (check out my facebook page www.facebook/loopylou72 )
So, back to the plants...the Magnolias are looking particularly fine at the moment and there are plenty of specimens down here in Devon. Here is a Magnolia stellata in Simmons Park, Okehampton...
So, back to the plants...the Magnolias are looking particularly fine at the moment and there are plenty of specimens down here in Devon. Here is a Magnolia stellata in Simmons Park, Okehampton...
Back in my own garden...
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| Self seeded Forget-Me-Not |
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| Anemone St Brigid - accidentally red, white and blue! |
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| Primula auricula - I love these |
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| Erythronium Pagoda (Dog Tooth Violet or Trout Lily) |
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| Anemone blanda |
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| Bedding violets for a splash of colour in my pots |
Monday 24 February 2014
Been too busy!
I know, I haven't been blogging recently. I am finding it difficult to keep posting, just too much going on. I intend to carry on though not as often as I would like.
So, lets not talk about the weather! It has been headline news here since Christmas and today the sun is out finally so hopefully the worst is over and husband can get out there and fix all the fencing that has blown down!
We have finished the office/basement - well nearly! So almost back to normal.
The snowdrops have been fantastic this year. We live near woodland owned by the Woodland Trust
( http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ ) and the ground is smothered with them. There are plants budding all over the place and I've seen our gang of sparrows with nesting material in their beaks already, I think Spring is here!
Work is already piling up, which is great though some extra days in the week would be useful. One of my clients is opening her garden to a local horticultural group so theres a bit of pressure to get the garden looking its best.
Well, I must go and get on with my chores. Will try to get some interesting posts on asap so please keep following.....
So, lets not talk about the weather! It has been headline news here since Christmas and today the sun is out finally so hopefully the worst is over and husband can get out there and fix all the fencing that has blown down!
We have finished the office/basement - well nearly! So almost back to normal.
The snowdrops have been fantastic this year. We live near woodland owned by the Woodland Trust
( http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ ) and the ground is smothered with them. There are plants budding all over the place and I've seen our gang of sparrows with nesting material in their beaks already, I think Spring is here!
Work is already piling up, which is great though some extra days in the week would be useful. One of my clients is opening her garden to a local horticultural group so theres a bit of pressure to get the garden looking its best.
Well, I must go and get on with my chores. Will try to get some interesting posts on asap so please keep following.....
Friday 17 January 2014
Is it Spring yet?
Its a beautiful day today, the grey clouds of this morning have blown away leaving us with blue sky. We have yet to see the cold winter weather which seems to have confused a number of plants. A clematis in my garden has new growth and have seem daffodils and crocus in flower, All a bit topsy turvy really! It seems to be that winter comes a bit later and am finding February and March can be incredibly cold - though I doubt anything near what the US have had in recent weeks. Those freezing temperatures - caused by the polar vortex (check out wikipedia for more info!) - have had effect on us here in Blighty, causing storms and very strong winds, a number of areas suffered flooding, some parts still under water. There has been some local flooding too, luckily we have not been affected. I wonder what the next 2 months will bring?
I am now starting to plan the veggie garden, deciding what to grow. My beetroot did really well last year so will have another go. I grew 'Bolthardy', a reliable variety. Tempted to try some yellow varietes as well. For the first time last year I grew pea beans, havent come across them before, but the seeds looked so pretty I couldnt resist. A versatile crop, use the pods when young, or leave until the beans inside are swollen and use them fresh or dry them for later on. We did this and they are a lovely textured and flavoursome bean.
Not sure what else I will grow, though will include squash, spuds and salad crops. Hmm think its time to dig out the seed catalogue. Best put the kettle on then!
I am now starting to plan the veggie garden, deciding what to grow. My beetroot did really well last year so will have another go. I grew 'Bolthardy', a reliable variety. Tempted to try some yellow varietes as well. For the first time last year I grew pea beans, havent come across them before, but the seeds looked so pretty I couldnt resist. A versatile crop, use the pods when young, or leave until the beans inside are swollen and use them fresh or dry them for later on. We did this and they are a lovely textured and flavoursome bean.
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| Pea Bean Pods |
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| Dried Pea Beans |
Wednesday 8 January 2014
A few handmade bits and pieces
All available to purchase, just let me know. Any helpful comments are welcome :)
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| Jam Jar Covers! Great Recycling, Use As Vases Too |
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| Soft, Colourful Scarf |
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| Handy (!) Fingerless Mitts |
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| Pretty Rose Hairgrip |
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| Sweet Brooch |
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| Hanging Star |
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| Felt Individuowls! |
Monday 6 January 2014
Take a look ...
I have just set up a facebook page to show off my crochet, as well as other crafts, just in case you are interested! If you like it, please like it!!
https://www.facebook.com/Loopylou72
Enjoy
https://www.facebook.com/Loopylou72
Enjoy
Whats In store for 2014?
Anyone made a new years resolution? Mines always the same and I forget it within days!! Get fit, lose weight, same as many other people I guess. Theres always next year!
I do have many things to do in the garden this year, with help from himself of course.
A number of fence panels have blown done in the gales we have had in recent weeks so will need replacing. I would prefer to take out all fencing and replace with hedging but thats a big job and I know we won't have the time so fencing it is! So glad we had the 40ft or more high Eucalyptus felled before the storms, it had already given our neighbours one large branch, thankfully missing their greenhouse!
I want to overhall our lawned area, its a small round lawn surrounded with various plants, done in a bit of a rush - time is always a problem here, we have to put our customers first of course. Unfortunately our garden is rather neglected. I keep getting promises of manpower to help but it never happens, something else always takes priority.
So, maybe this year I will get help. The lawn needs to be relaid, the first time we did it the weather was against us and the turves were frozen. There was nothing we could do except lay it and hope for the best, but it did not work well so we need to relay. I will place stepping stones where we walk across the lawn to get to the rest of the garden. My husband has some leftover limestone slabs which will be ideal. I'm also going to rearrange the planting so I can squeeze even more herbaceous plants in!
The raised veg beds need topping up with manure and compost which is no easy task. Our garden is on a steep slope, thankfully terraced but theres a number of steps to tackle to reach it. Well, good luck with that Husband!!! Hmmm, this could be a job for one of my subcontractors!!
Not only is the garden in need of work, so is our basement office. We have spent the last few days moving everything out and up two flights of stairs to the temporary office in our spare room so we can plaster the office ceiling which has a lot of holes after our electrician fitted spotlights. We are also laying wood flooring to replace the disgusting carpet which was here when we moved in. This could take some time as the glue holding down the carpet needs removing before we can lay the floor. Thats 25 square metres of scraping!!
Well thats the next two months dealt with, oh yes, we need to fit in paid work too!!!
Lets get busy :)
I do have many things to do in the garden this year, with help from himself of course.
A number of fence panels have blown done in the gales we have had in recent weeks so will need replacing. I would prefer to take out all fencing and replace with hedging but thats a big job and I know we won't have the time so fencing it is! So glad we had the 40ft or more high Eucalyptus felled before the storms, it had already given our neighbours one large branch, thankfully missing their greenhouse!
I want to overhall our lawned area, its a small round lawn surrounded with various plants, done in a bit of a rush - time is always a problem here, we have to put our customers first of course. Unfortunately our garden is rather neglected. I keep getting promises of manpower to help but it never happens, something else always takes priority.
So, maybe this year I will get help. The lawn needs to be relaid, the first time we did it the weather was against us and the turves were frozen. There was nothing we could do except lay it and hope for the best, but it did not work well so we need to relay. I will place stepping stones where we walk across the lawn to get to the rest of the garden. My husband has some leftover limestone slabs which will be ideal. I'm also going to rearrange the planting so I can squeeze even more herbaceous plants in!
The raised veg beds need topping up with manure and compost which is no easy task. Our garden is on a steep slope, thankfully terraced but theres a number of steps to tackle to reach it. Well, good luck with that Husband!!! Hmmm, this could be a job for one of my subcontractors!!
Not only is the garden in need of work, so is our basement office. We have spent the last few days moving everything out and up two flights of stairs to the temporary office in our spare room so we can plaster the office ceiling which has a lot of holes after our electrician fitted spotlights. We are also laying wood flooring to replace the disgusting carpet which was here when we moved in. This could take some time as the glue holding down the carpet needs removing before we can lay the floor. Thats 25 square metres of scraping!!
Well thats the next two months dealt with, oh yes, we need to fit in paid work too!!!
Lets get busy :)
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