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 :)

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!!

Happy First Birthday!

Yes, The Dartmoor Gardener is one year old today! How time flies.

I think that deserves a slice of cake :)

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!

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...

 Back in my own garden...

Self seeded Forget-Me-Not

Anemone St Brigid - accidentally red, white and blue!

Primula auricula - I love these

Erythronium Pagoda (Dog Tooth Violet or Trout Lily)

Anemone blanda

Bedding violets for a splash of colour in my pots

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.....

Cannot make my mind up!

I have change the font ...again, just can't decide! What do you think??