View Full Version : The Gardening thread.....
Our new Astro-turf lawn has been laid. No more mowing, weeding, watering, rolling or seeding. Tikki the Meerkat thinks we did it just for him.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40683682023_bf5ff80477_b.jpg
walpurgis
23-04-2019, 21:45
Must be out of shape. Did some pointing of my latest crazy paving in the garden this morning and cut the two small hedges in the afternoon. Feel a bit knackered and my shoulders ache.
Cutting the grass tomorrow.
hifi_dave
24-04-2019, 14:34
Our hedges have grown some 9 inches, so looking very scruffy and me being a bit OCD are driving me nuts. Haven't felt great the past couple of days so will have to wait until they have grown a few more inches..:eek:
Both gardens have had a much-needed and long overdue tidying up over Easter. Lots of plants and shrubs bought and planted, broken trellises repaired and/or replaced, flowerbeds weeded and dug over. Now only the overgrown lavender bush in the front garden needs attacking. I was going to do that today, but gale force winds meant I had to have a rest instead.
Been tidying up the side bit. I like this as its what I see from back doorhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190513/c0e75a650bcec3d780d092e268a3a1d8.jpg
Nice. Was that taken just to the left or right of the pool?;)
Marco.
Nice. Was that taken just to the left or right of the pool?;)
Marco.
got a pond, but i wouldnt advise dipping in it:D
A good year for the Clematis
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190513/15f396f43c84332c5098605f486a4e93.jpg
been sitting in garden but its too warm. 21c. bought some plants so hope to get them potted soon
A good year for the Clematis
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190513/15f396f43c84332c5098605f486a4e93.jpg
lovely plant Roy
lovely plant Roy
Zero input from me Grant, isn't nature wonderful?
Yesterday's additions
Will be nice when they all bloomhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190516/736f9391c8302edcfcaf0c47f356e2ab.jpg
got a load more today to get planted up too. some nice plants at my local morrisons.
good value as well.
brian2957
16-05-2019, 14:32
Looking good so far Grant . Must admit I do like a bit of colour around the outside of the house in the summer . I will be getting some plants sometime soon for my tubs and hanging baskets . Unfortunately there isn't a Morrisons near me .
Some of the new stuff is planted up
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190516/e37b9b011448638f112181614f8953f1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190516/a1ead3b4200ed35189dc7db6a8e58c4b.jpg
Looking good so far Grant . Must admit I do like a bit of colour around the outside of the house in the summer . I will be getting some plants sometime soon for my tubs and hanging baskets . Unfortunately there isn't a Morrisons near me .A few places now do decent stuff
Morris ons often have good strong plants if you get in quick lol
After a much needed tidy up, might get some bedding plants now I can actually see some earth.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190528/d4b49b5f377cfa940e4d5326b7cb8b33.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190528/7a13dde42de1ac481fc9790399b51687.jpg
Tidied up the bit under my kitchen window and filled it with bark
Also my potted plants are floweringhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190528/2c65991fdf69341e03dc8ff8955ec931.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190528/6442a5d30500af3ab324c4e74e08d22e.jpg
walpurgis
28-05-2019, 17:32
Looks smarter than mine Grant.
I had some rubble to get rid of, so I built a raised flower bed at the bottom of the path against the wall. Nothing planted in it yet.
http://i66.tinypic.com/282lw2g.jpg
Good selection of pots, Granty, and looking nice and tidy... Considering your disability mate, your garden is a real credit to you. Hope you enjoy it:)
Geoff, I see you've been busy, too!
Anyway the outdoor 'fracas', chez-moi......
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/klxiAw.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/vEEDO1.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/HpjfAC.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/cqVRwa.jpg
Last one above is just outside our front door, plants (including Aubrieta and Lavender) freshly watered!:)
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/QoEjxO.jpg
Couple of things there looking a bit 'sorry' lol, which are due to be re-potted... Should've taken those out. Spot the Welsh flag!:D
If you look behind the archway, you'll see where we enjoy our breakfasts and meals 'al fresco', nice and secluded from any oiks;)
Some of our fresh herb garden. All herbs are used in our cooking:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/qjEf2k.jpg
On the left, marjoram and on the right different varieties of mint.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/OddQKA.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/SGGyYw.jpg
On the left, varies types of thyme, ordinary, lemon and orange. On the right, bay leaves and mint.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/RVcBYs.jpg
More different varieties of thyme and mint. We use a lot of thyme in cooking and fresh mint in our cocktails!:eyebrows:
Marco.
Tidied up the bit under my kitchen window and filled it with bark
Also my potted plants are flowering
Looks good Grant. I planted some seeds in pots about a month ago, kept them watered but just seem to have ended up with a fine crop of weeds.
Looks smarter than mine Grant.
I had some rubble to get rid of, so I built a raised flower bed at the bottom of the path against the wall. Nothing planted in it yet.
Some kind of climber would work well in there, eventually cover that wall up?
Anyway the outdoor 'fracas', chez-moi
Looking good Marco. Have you got a ride on mower?
Looking good Marco. Have you got a ride on mower?
Lol, no... I could defo do with one, but I like the exercise! What you can see there is about half of the lawn, and at this time of year it needs cutting once a week:)
We've got loads more we want to do with the garden, such as putting a nice [probably antique] water feature in the centre of the lawn, maybe some statues of Griffins too, and turning a large area of ground near the summerhouse into a veg patch, with carrots, potatoes, etc, simply to make ourselves more self-sufficient.
Marco.
InThe Sticks
03-06-2019, 18:14
Until i’ve paid Her maj’s tax bill i can’t afford any hifi for now, so all the focus is on my garden. It’s come a long way in the 2 years i’ve owned it, but theres still plenty more to do like replacing all the horrid crazy paving and actually getting round to fitting the new fence that is just propped up against the old one on the left.
Some before and after pics of some of it…
Sorry for the poor phone photos
How it was when i moved in..
https://i.imgur.com/9OAeRHl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/S54LqNe.jpg
Time for the trees to go as they were blocking almost all the sun light.
The tree on the right is a well over 200 year old pear tree and the wood is just about seasoned and smells just divine when chucked on the log burner.
https://i.imgur.com/UXgrGoh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KrivcoW.jpg
And time reinstate the veg garden
https://i.imgur.com/CaUqxI8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bxBLiYS.jpg
Theres plenty more, but i won’t bore you guys with it.
hifi_dave
05-06-2019, 09:48
Job well done. Bet you ache after that lot.:clap:
Lol, no... I could defo do with one, but I like the exercise! What you can see there is about half of the lawn, and at this time of year it needs cutting once a week:)
We've got loads more we want to do with the garden, such as putting a nice [probably antique] water feature in the centre of the lawn, maybe some statues of Griffins too, and turning a large area of ground near the summerhouse into a veg patch, with carrots, potatoes, etc, simply to make ourselves more self-sufficient.
Marco.
Bro has a ride on. Makes a big difference. Has a cutter on his mini tractor to for the pastures, but the ride on is for his orchard bit. Tractor doesnt get in there as its walled.
You,d love one and u still get plenty excersise.
Nice one, and I'm sure it does make a difference. I'm happy though using my petrol mower, and storing a ride-on mower for us would be another issue... Our garage is currently full of all sorts of crap, and which is our mission to clear out this summer!
Then that will make a big difference to how much garden stuff we can store. Anyway, the garden's looking quite good now and should be a really nice space to relax in and enjoy when we're finished:)
Marco.
Until i’ve paid Her maj’s tax bill i can’t afford any hifi for now, so all the focus is on my garden. It’s come a long way in the 2 years i’ve owned it, but theres still plenty more to do like replacing all the horrid crazy paving and actually getting round to fitting the new fence that is just propped up against the old one on the left.
Some before and after pics of some of it…
Sorry for the poor phone photos
How it was when i moved in..
https://i.imgur.com/9OAeRHl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/S54LqNe.jpg
Time for the trees to go as they were blocking almost all the sun light.
The tree on the right is a well over 200 year old pear tree and the wood is just about seasoned and smells just divine when chucked on the log burner.
https://i.imgur.com/UXgrGoh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KrivcoW.jpg
And time reinstate the veg garden
https://i.imgur.com/CaUqxI8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bxBLiYS.jpg
Theres plenty more, but i won’t bore you guys with it.
Major respect, Gary. That looks fab! :thumbsup:
Just my type of garden - a working one, used to create your own produce, and the display areas, where your shrubs and flowers are, aren't too regimented or 'prettified'. You've got the balance right between it looking neat and tidy, but still 'at one' with nature - top stuff.
With all your herbs and veg you must like to do a bit of cooking?
Anyway, feel free to "bore" us more!:cool:
Marco.
The borders are now planted up. Nearly ready for the open day on the 23rd.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48012483586_f971eddb87_z.jpg
InThe Sticks
06-06-2019, 18:49
Major respect, Gary. That looks fab! :thumbsup:
Just my type of garden - a working one, used to create your own produce, and the display areas, where your shrubs and flowers are, aren't too regimented or 'prettified'. You've got the balance right between it looking neat and tidy, but still 'at one' with nature - top stuff.
With all your herbs and veg you must like to do a bit of cooking?
Anyway, feel free to "bore" us more!:cool:
Marco.
Thank you, and yes i do my best to make something decent to eat (including home made bread, pasta and beer, lots of) I certainly can’t remember the last time i ate a “ready meal”. From memory they are too bland and full of salt and sugar. Yuk.
I really really can't see how hard it is to eat correctly! It drives me insane to see parents shoveling the sort of crap they do into their trolleys at the supermarket to feed their offspring. Then they wonder why little tommy is 15 stone at 10 years old:doh:
Sorry for the rant.
Anyway..
I’m systematically getting rid of the traditional borders, and laying down weed mat and covering with pea gravel then planting mainly alpines, hebes, salvias and Phlox as they look pretty are easy to manage. The idea being a maintenance free garden.
Couple more pics (well you did ask)..
The green house should provide a good yield, theres various strains of tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers, habanero chilis, sweet peppers and purple basil. Some of which will go into a kick ass passata for ragu and pizza sauce. The Habanero will be used to make chili jam, which goes perfectly with strong cheese.
https://i.imgur.com/DMckNTD.jpg
These feathered beasts are quite possibly the best thing i’ve owned. As a stress buster nothing beats them, they’re so friendly and comical in their mannerisms. 2 of them came from battery farm and had very few feathers and i don’t think they’d been outside before, so watching them adapt to how they should be living is immensely rewarding.
Plus of course, having fresh eggs is a bonus. Nothing beats a freshly poached egg on top of black pudding and steamed asparagus (from the garden) for breakfast.
https://i.imgur.com/cNb0HRr.jpg
And this area beside the chickens will eventually be used a sanctuary for bees, i just need to research what plants are best for them.
https://i.imgur.com/jeH1QL3.jpg
Oh, and lastly a huge rose…
https://i.imgur.com/woc3opB.jpg
Hats off to Graham for his beautiful garden, thats a lot of work. Well done sir!
Yes, big respect to Graham... Like you say, a LOT of work has gone into that garden, and it looks like it should be on the Chelsea Flower Show!:)
Lol - you've got *no idea* how much I agree with you on the whole junk food/ready meal thing! The fact that folks today eat so much of that shite and don't take some time to actually COOK, rather than simply operate a microwave, and eat REAL food, is why the UK, in particular, has some of the worst health stats in Europe:rolleyes:
Anyway, we'll save that for another thread! The rest of your garden looks great, and just the type of space we'd really enjoy.
Your veg, chillies, fresh herbs etc, look excellent, but as you say, the stars of the show are your chickens! Awesome... My wife also wants chicks, so plans are afoot to get some. Aside from us being big animal lovers, like you say, there's nothing like fresh eggs from your own hens - different ball game entirely, especially the saffron-coloured yolks - yum!
So, Gary... You should get involved in the food thread and show us some of your foodie creations, using your fresh produce: https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?52885-OK-What-s-For-Lunch-or-Tea-Today&p=1095826#post1095826
Marco.
Got a few of these scattered around the garden at the moment:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/qyvcXs.jpg
Marco.
double chrysanths are they?
See here, dude: http://www.coldclimategardening.com/2007/07/31/peony-poppies/
Marco.
ok, peonies then. very pretty... lucky you to have lots of them.
I was round at my dad's place today, watering his plants, as he's currently up in Scotland visiting family, so I thought I'd take a few pics of his gaff and garden [part of my future inheritance, lol;)]....
Front of the house:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/Z0hxmN.jpg
Back garden, from various angles:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/BLD5Wt.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/SvPF5L.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/yCqe9m.jpg
That pear tree produces lots of fruit, so we've always got plenty of fresh pears!:)
Below. a little chill-out area, where we often relax with few glasses of Prosecco before lunch...
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/5rNl5e.jpg
Inside his greenhouse:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/ZTg5Mp.jpg
Check out those courgettes!:eek:
Some tomato plants:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/rkP0hP.jpg[
Oh, and for the DIY fans out there, his workshop where he does a lot of woodworking and various other types of DIY:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/1FY3eL.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/EHcGTR.jpg
Not a bad wee garden, grown and maintained by an 86-year old?:)
It was a complete mess/wilderness when he first moved in, and almost everything you can see there he's done/grown himself from scratch:cool:
Marco.
nice pad and big garden. cucumbers and toms i see. used to grow my own when i had the greenhouse. nice spot for him; lucky man
Cheers, mate. He loves his garden and really enjoys the space. He's friendly with all the immediate neighbours, some of whom he invites to lunch and cooks them fresh pasta! It's also less than a 10 min walk from my place (or 3 in a car) , and so as you know we see each other regularly, plus if something happens or he needs me for anything, I'm not far away:)
It's great at his age that he's still fit enough to do the work. I'll settle for that, if I reach his age!:cool:
Marco.
i miss everything related to fitness tbh. thoroughly depressing at times. still, such is my life so i just get on with it best i can.
stairpost
09-06-2019, 12:27
I was round at my dad's place today, watering his plants, as he's currently up in Scotland visiting family, so I thought I'd take a few pics of his gaff and garden [part of my future inheritance, lol;)]....
Front of the house:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/Z0hxmN.jpg
Back garden, from various angles:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/BLD5Wt.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/SvPF5L.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/yCqe9m.jpg
That pear tree produces lots of fruit, so we've always got plenty of fresh pears!:)
Below. a little chill-out area, where we often relax with few glasses of Prosecco before lunch...
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/5rNl5e.jpg
Inside his greenhouse:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/ZTg5Mp.jpg
Check out those courgettes!:eek:
Some tomato plants:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/rkP0hP.jpg[
Oh, and for the DIY fans out there, his workshop where he does a lot of woodworking and various other types of DIY:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/1FY3eL.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/EHcGTR.jpg
Not a bad wee garden, grown and maintained by 86-year old?:)
It was a complete mess/wilderness when he first moved in, and almost everything you can see there he's done/grown himself from scratch:cool:
Marco.
That's a fabulous garden, clean and ornate with lots to keep you occupied with plenty of things to maintain.
i miss everything related to fitness tbh. thoroughly depressing at times. still, such is my life so i just get on with it best i can.
Yeah mate, I totally get that. It's a true saying right enough: your health is your wealth... Wish I was nearer, so I could pop round and say hello.
The whole reason I brought my mum and dad down here beside us, from Glasgow, was to look after them in their old age. Didn't think my mum would succumb so soon to the big C, as she was literally as fit as a fiddle and made my dad look 'immobile'!:eek: But hey, shit happens...
At least he won't ever have to go into a home, as if/when he's no longer able to look after himself, we'll care for him in his own gaff, so that's where he'll spend his last days, enjoying his garden, not in some soulless old folks home:cool:
Marco.
That's a fabulous garden, clean and ornate with lots to keep you occupied with plenty of things to maintain.
Cheers, Rich. Him and I (and Del) have spent many a lazy afternoon there, enjoying some lovely meals and drinkies, al fresco... Forgot to take a pic of the patio area where we do that. However, like you say, plenty to keep him occupied and stay fit!:cool:
Marco.
stairpost
09-06-2019, 13:01
Cheers, Rich. Him and I (and Del) have spent many a lazy afternoon there, enjoying some lovely meals and drinkies, al fresco... Forgot to take a pic of the patio area where we do that. However, like you say, plenty to keep him occupied and stay fit!:cool:
Marco.
That's my idea of a perfect garden, somewhere nice to sit and enjoy your hard work.
....before having to get back up again and maintain it:D
No jokes, he spent about 4 hours the other day weeding all his paths and stuff by hand, and then phoned me up to say he was knackered and had overdid it a bit!:doh:
That's what he's like, though. If I tell him to take it easy, it just goes in one ear and out the other... I give him a hand with the heavy stuff [laying slabs, etc], but when he can do a job himself, he's fiercely self-sufficient:)
Marco.
stairpost
09-06-2019, 13:58
....before having to get back up again and maintain it:D
No jokes, he spent about 4 hours the other day weeding all his paths and stuff by hand, and then phoned me up to say he was knackered and had overdid it a bit!:doh:
That's what he's like, though. If I tell him to take it easy, it just goes in one ear and out the other... I give him a hand with the heavy stuff [laying slabs, etc], but when he can do a job himself, he's fiercely self-sufficient:)
Marco.
Good on him, they never listen, stubborn and determined. I think there is something about our parents generation, they were hard workers and proud of it. My dad was the same, right up until we lost him. My mum is 83 and still won't ask for help, she'll start doing things in the garden, but as she has visitors daily one of the kids/grandkids will catch her trying to trim the hedges or push the mower around then jump into help, leaving mum to do her other favourite thing, make tea and take care of people.
Your dad sounds like a proud man, he knows that garden has got his hard work in it, and people see it.
Rich.
The garden is a credit to him Marco, and to keep it up at his age...Wow. Yeah, like looking at the gardens on here, one of the best section s
on this forum I think. To grow your own is a beautiful thing it seems. Must try it sometime :)
indeed. mine would have been about 100 each now had they lived. dad died young tho. He liked his garden too; as did mum, and where i got it from i guess. Growing things is a great pastime, and unlike kids they dont answer back:D
stairpost
09-06-2019, 14:07
This is my garden now, since my ex and I went our separate ways. I will do more with it but it's just not the same. Much better view than her garden though :)
http://i.imgur.com/MExNTRK.jpg
Nice to be by sea tho. Can't have everything.
Mine is nice and green today.
All my own work but years ago. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190609/eaeb29b8be9ae343d4541c8cb73a3e35.jpg
stairpost
09-06-2019, 14:24
Nice to be by sea tho. Can't have everything.
Mine is nice and green today.
All my own work but years ago. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190609/eaeb29b8be9ae343d4541c8cb73a3e35.jpg
Looking nice and lush there Grant, your hard work has paid off.
Yep, I do like the view, I can see across to England quite clearly on a good day. A couple of ships come into the dock every week (they come in by the flat and coincidentally they moor almost across from my office) It's nice here.
Good on him, they never listen, stubborn and determined. I think there is something about our parents generation, they were hard workers and proud of it. My dad was the same, right up until we lost him. My mum is 83 and still won't ask for help, she'll start doing things in the garden, but as she has visitors daily one of the kids/grandkids will catch her trying to trim the hedges or push the mower around then jump into help, leaving mum to do her other favourite thing, make tea and take care of people.
Your dad sounds like a proud man, he knows that garden has got his hard work in it, and people see it.
Rich.
Yeah Rich, you're spot on with all of that, especially the bit in bold, and that work ethic is sadly lacking with today's generation... It's probably what's helped keep my dad young (doesn't look his age either, probably 10-15 years younger) and still reasonably fit.
When he was young, he worked in his uncle's farm in Italy, carrying bales of hay over fields, and cutting and reaping crops with a scythe, often in the searing heat. I'm a firm believer in that how you treat your body when you're younger, and how well you eat and look after yourself, pays you back in later life, one way or the other.....
His dad (my granddad) was the same, before coming over to the UK in the 40s and starting the family chip-shop business, and he lived healthily until the rip old age of 95, so I'm hoping my dad can get there, too! We seem to have good genes:cool:
Marco.
This is my garden now, since my ex and I went our separate ways. I will do more with it but it's just not the same. Much better view than her garden though :)
http://i.imgur.com/MExNTRK.jpg
Nice one, Rich. My dad might swap you his garden for that view!:cool:
Marco.
Nice to be by sea tho. Can't have everything.
Mine is nice and green today.
All my own work but years ago. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190609/eaeb29b8be9ae343d4541c8cb73a3e35.jpg
Good stuff, mate. Still a nice space to relax in and escape from the depressing greyness of urban life!:)
I simply couldn't function without having a nice, cheery green space to retreat into and enjoy....
Marco.
InThe Sticks
09-06-2019, 16:32
Quite right!
Not done much today, cut the grass, repotted a few plants and had to cable tie this bugger to the fence as it fell over with the weight of the roses.
https://i.imgur.com/2l5yKsL.jpg
And my next task, to dig up the remains of my mini herb garden and plant creeping Phlox in its place.
https://i.imgur.com/oxk3jbN.jpg
First tomato of the year, yippee!
https://i.imgur.com/AgnW6DZ.jpg
Stunning pic s Gary, those red things are..... Ggggorgus
stairpost
09-06-2019, 20:04
Nice one, Rich. My dad might swap you his garden for that view!:cool:
Marco.
Cheers Marco :cheers:
It would certainly stop him overdoing it :)
hifi_dave
10-06-2019, 09:41
The Roses have been fabulous this year. All my Roses have really filled up and grown, now covered with flowers. The weather must suit them.
just watered my pots. sun when out is very hot... thats me knackered :rolleyes:
Some of my bloomshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190610/0835a3843b8bfe15d7161805194cb3cb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190610/83b20b9b489a46d1dc5ff0b10219e845.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190610/2d8c42236ae87c06b09b1909a580222b.jpg
Nice [weather looks good too for a change].... Next can we see pics of some of your bloomers:D
Marco.
perlogalism
11-06-2019, 15:45
I'd show you some pics of my garden but would have to find a dingy first :rolleyes:
Yeah, it's been raining non-stop round here today, hasn't it?
Anyway, I mentioned earlier that my dad's into a bit of woodwork/carpentry, so when I was round at his place earlier I took a couple of pics of signs he's made out of hardwood:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/vINZru.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/kXXJCs.jpg
Each sign was slowly carved out of solid pieces of hardwood and finished by hand. Good job he's got plenty of time on his hands!:)
Marco.
stairpost
16-06-2019, 09:11
As I'm house sitting for my ex this weekend I thought I would grab a few pics of the garden. It's looking a bit untidy as I haven't been here this year to look after it. The only thing that was here before I started was the lawn and the bamboo, I planted and potted everything else, the pond was made to be a bit wild to attract frogs and assorted wildlife, lots of rotting wood for bugs and insects. It is full of frogspawn again this year.
http://i.imgur.com/74BbNaR.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/WiJW2G3.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/kkQWEPM.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/PmC8zOh.jpg
Cool... You've obviously put a lot of work into that, Rich, and what makes it nice is that it looks like a secluded, private space, which for me is *mandatory* for any garden. Can't be doing with being seen by every nosey bugger surrounding you, when you're sitting outside having a meal, or whatever, or being 'invaded' by their activities either.
Marco.
P.S What do you think of my dad's wood carvings?:)
stairpost
16-06-2019, 10:03
Cool... You've obviously put a lot of work into that, Rich, and what makes it nice is that it looks like a secluded, private space, which for me is *mandatory* for any garden. Can't be doing with being seen by every nosey bugger surrounding you, when you're sitting outside having a meal, or whatever, or being 'invaded' by their activities either.
Marco.
P.S What do you think of my dad's wood carvings?:)
Cheers Marco, it's very bitter sweet, I am proud of how it looks and how much I put into it, but in many ways it just serves as reminder of what you lose when a relationship ends. It's all hers, and while there are no bad feelings between us and we get on better now than have for years, I know that when she meets someone else they will be sat out enjoying it. It's a very difficult ponderance to resolve.
stairpost
16-06-2019, 10:08
Cool... You've obviously put a lot of work into that, Rich, and what makes it nice is that it looks like a secluded, private space, which for me is *mandatory* for any garden. Can't be doing with being seen by every nosey bugger surrounding you, when you're sitting outside having a meal, or whatever, or being 'invaded' by their activities either.
Marco.
P.S What do you think of my dad's wood carvings?:)
Your dad's woodworking is excellent, I can imagine them making great presents to family and friends. Ornate and full of hand made sentiment. Something to cherish.
InThe Sticks
16-06-2019, 18:25
A few pics from the garden..
I’m not sure what kinda rose thingy this is but the cat seems to like it..
https://i.imgur.com/jiqoOA1.jpg
And the biggest rose i’ve ever seen in my garden, along with the scariest alien spider looking monster ever..
https://i.imgur.com/TlzRt0A.jpg
And speaking of scary, thats a hornet eating a bee :(
https://i.imgur.com/yOd3nUB.jpg
I keep bashing down their nests, but they keep coming back..
https://i.imgur.com/MG7ITPi.jpg
And most horrid of all is the spider wasps, who paralyze their hosts and lay an egg on them, bury them and let the larva eat the spider alive. In this case in my garlic chives!..
https://i.imgur.com/fOF7oDz.jpg
Isn’t nature great folks :stalks:
stairpost
16-06-2019, 19:02
A few pics from the garden..
I’m not sure what kinda rose thingy this is but the cat seems to like it..
https://i.imgur.com/jiqoOA1.jpg
And the biggest rose i’ve ever seen in my garden, along with the scariest alien spider looking monster ever..
https://i.imgur.com/TlzRt0A.jpg
And speaking of scary, thats a hornet eating a bee :(
https://i.imgur.com/yOd3nUB.jpg
I keep bashing down their nests, but they keep coming back..
https://i.imgur.com/MG7ITPi.jpg
And most horrid of all is the spider wasps, who paralyze their hosts and lay an egg on them, bury them and let the larva eat the spider alive. In this case in my garlic chives!..
https://i.imgur.com/fOF7oDz.jpg
Isn’t nature great folks :stalks:
Great, but viscous! I have a serious fear of spiders.
That's a nice looking garden, the flowers in the first pic look a bit like Anemones, but I wouldn't be confident.
InThe Sticks
22-06-2019, 20:10
It's not the spiders that scare me, it's the thumb size killer hornets around here :stalks:
Anyhoo, the greenhouse has gone into overdrive, and even my baby Venus flytraps are doing well (i've grown them from seed, and it's a labour of love, but worth it)
https://i.imgur.com/VHTbm7c.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kYGWVLF.jpg
walpurgis
27-06-2019, 16:48
Got fed up with a depression in one of the crazy paved paths. It had a puddle in it every time it rained, so I've ripped it out. Looks like it was only laid on earth, so it's not done bad for seventy odd years. Won't take long to relay to the correct level.
http://i64.tinypic.com/o09npg.jpg
That will keep u out of trouble mate[emoji106]
walpurgis
27-06-2019, 17:02
That will keep u out of trouble mate[emoji106]
Not for long. A couple of hours work bar the pointing. :)
walpurgis
04-07-2019, 15:38
Got fed up with a depression in one of the crazy paved paths. It had a puddle in it every time it rained, so I've ripped it out. Looks like it was only laid on earth, so it's not done bad for seventy odd years. Won't take long to relay to the correct level.
http://i64.tinypic.com/o09npg.jpg
Well the crazy paving is back in bar a tiny bit and a little pointing. No sunken area now. Too hot to do anything out there at the moment.
http://i66.tinypic.com/x41b9y.jpg
good job geoff. looks super
My neighbour gave me a small fuchsia, and I kept it indoors. He planted his out.
Mine is going great guns. Red outer and blue inner flowers.
It's called hannah, the name of his sadly departed daughter.
Looks smashing https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190710/ea41affd4a083a989ee319056c49cf0d.jpg
My Dad loved Fuchsias, his garden continued to flourish long after he passed in 2000, this picture taken in 2014.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190710/f26ee6336e7069e776924194449f7144.jpg
hifi_dave
17-07-2019, 15:59
Never had any luck with Fuchsias, they always die in the Winter. All except for those 'wild' ones with the small flowers..:(
That is a lovely display.
InThe Sticks
17-07-2019, 19:19
Getting a bit wild in the greenhouse..
https://i.imgur.com/WWrYgaz.jpg
Toms and cucumbers are coming on well, but the peppers/chillie’s are taking forever..
https://i.imgur.com/VDWboao.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aU6WcKR.jpg
There’s going to be a lot of cucumbers so will pluck them small and pickle them for gherkins for use on homemade burgers or have a bash at making some raita.
Also, anyone know what plant this is?
I’ve grown it from seed from a random packet i bought a while ago, but have since misplaced..
https://i.imgur.com/JX3KBFI.jpg
The bees love it and i want to grow a few more.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190720/ed24127e969d463ab28b163b50f007ca.jpg
crumbling concrete the.. needs repairing b4 it collapses.. garden looks nice
Getting a bit wild in the greenhouse..
https://i.imgur.com/WWrYgaz.jpg
Toms and cucumbers are coming on well, but the peppers/chillie’s are taking forever..
https://i.imgur.com/VDWboao.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aU6WcKR.jpg
There’s going to be a lot of cucumbers so will pluck them small and pickle them for gherkins for use on homemade burgers or have a bash at making some raita.
Also, anyone know what plant this is?
I’ve grown it from seed from a random packet i bought a while ago, but have since misplaced..
https://i.imgur.com/JX3KBFI.jpg
The bees love it and i want to grow a few more.
greenhouse is looking very healthy
crumbling concrete
Character Grant, character :D
The 'wall' or what's left of it could come down to be honest, make another impromptu rockery round my oil drum.
If it falls on your foot you won't be saying character lol
If it falls on your foot you won't be saying character lol
Well I built it some years back so that's highly likely
walpurgis
20-07-2019, 11:10
Gary's tomatoes looking rather like a Belladonna plant. They are related, as are spuds!
http://i63.tinypic.com/jjmb0g.jpg
Gary's tomatoes looking rather like a Belladonna plant. They are related, as are spuds!
http://i63.tinypic.com/jjmb0g.jpg
yup, all same family.. deadly nightshade is its common name. one of the reasons you dont eat green potatoes as they are very poisonous.
Looks a bit like a Hollyhock that pink plant does
The borders are now planted up. Nearly ready for the open day on the 23rd.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48012483586_f971eddb87_z.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48454089377_1f6e39c7a8_o.jpg
This is about as good as it's going to get this summer. The Gypsophila is in full bloom. The roses are into their second flush.
InThe Sticks
04-08-2019, 18:08
Bought this clematis on a whim from B&Q a few months ago.
Turned out rather well.
https://i.imgur.com/j9fHtiT.jpg
Very nice! Never seen one like that before, Gary.
walpurgis
21-08-2019, 07:45
Just done my weekly ten minutes hoeing the flower beds. Keeps all the weeds down.
InThe Sticks
26-08-2019, 17:34
https://i.imgur.com/8iJvyMq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bHQSS3P.jpg
Peppers and chilies doing well.
Made the mistake of biting into one of the chilies last night, and had to have 6 pints of ale before the burning went away.
Well, that was my excuse anyway :cool:
God knows what i'm going to do with them all?
walpurgis
03-09-2019, 07:21
Well it's taken a couple of days, but I've now treated all the outside wooden fences and shed and garage doors to protect them through the winter. I do this every couple of years.
perlogalism
03-09-2019, 08:12
God knows what i'm going to do with them all?
Freeze 'em whole. I've still got a big bag of Orange Habanjero's from 2 years ago that I'm slowly working my way through.
InThe Sticks
08-09-2019, 15:57
I will, thanks for the tip.
InThe Sticks
08-09-2019, 15:59
Meanwhile in my greenhouse..
Spider - 0
Audrey II - 1
https://i.imgur.com/IiNNoKt.jpg
Been busy stripping and repainting the porch and front door, and am fairly pleased with the results:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/zybnQH.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/EwA0nN.jpg
Bit of a dismal day, weather-wise. Would've looked nicer in yesterday's glorious sunshine!:cool:
Marco.
Been busy stripping and repainting the porch and front door, and am fairly pleased with the results.
Looks a nice job.
Been busy stripping and repainting the porch and front door, and am fairly pleased with the results:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/zybnQH.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/EwA0nN.jpg
Bit of a dismal day, weather-wise. Would've looked nicer in yesterday's glorious sunshine!:cool:
Marco.. Like that door, looks strong enough to keep the unwanted hordes out as well ;)
. Like that door, looks strong enough to keep the unwanted hordes out as well ;)
Lol - it's fairly 'bailiff proof':D
Seriously though, the door is 3-inch thick solid oak. with massive cast-iron bolt-locks, fitted when the house was built in 1887 (and dead bolts top and bottom), plus an ERA 'Invincible' door lock, which we fitted ourselves: https://www.erahomesecurity.com/mechanical-security/invincible-door-cylinder/
I honestly think one of those 'battering rams' that the Police use would just bounce off of it!!
Marco.
There's a YouTube video showing somebody picking the Era invincible cylinder lock in less than three minutes, although he admits it took some practice. So much for pick and bump proof lol
Somebody will always get into something if they *really* want to... It's still a deterrent, compared with inferior locks, and burglars will always choose the easiest door to break through.
Besides, even if someone gets through the ERA, there are still two dead bolts, top and bottom, then this to 'navigate':
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/UWNufK.jpg
...and then an alarm system, together with my 'house weaponry'...!:eek::D
Marco.
P.S that side of the door still needs done up and painted, as it leads to our hallway, which is a project we're currently working on.
hifi_dave
31-01-2020, 16:58
The front garden and drive are gravelled and this year are covered in moss and tiny weeds, so much so that in some places there is a green tinge from a distance.
Three weeks ago, I dosed all over with Pathclear but the moss and weeds appear unaffected. Does it take longer to work in the Winter ?
Path clear has probably been altered to be based on white vinegar if it is anything like other weed killers.
Check the composition.
bash down a load of salt.. thats what my neighbour does:) cheap too
hifi_dave
13-02-2020, 14:01
The Pathclear appears to have killed off most of the weeds, even though it has taken 5 weeks. Hasn't done much to the Moss though.
When the weather improves I will try Vinegar and salt. See how that goes.
Standard pathclear wont do much against moss. Need a dedicated moss killer.
hifi_dave
13-02-2020, 16:31
I've just ordered 4 ltr of white vinegar from E-Bay and will mix that with salt. Hopefully will do the job.
Pathclear kills trees - how come it doesn't kill the moss ?
you need sulphate of iron to kill moss
InThe Sticks
11-03-2020, 20:33
Got all these planted today and chucked in the greenhouse ready for a decent harvest..
https://i.imgur.com/qnVOtMZ.jpg
Just got to figure out what to grow in the veg garden this year.
The asparagus will take care of itself and i’m looking forward to it freshly picked and served with black pudding, lardons and a freshly poached egg from my chickens for breakfast.
Bring it on!
Was snowing here this afternoon [emoji23]
hifi_dave
12-03-2020, 16:41
Lovely and Sunny but a brisk wind. I did, however, manage 30 minutes trimming back the Dogwoods.
That's the second day in a row I have been able to work in the garden. Not been a good year.
InThe Sticks
13-03-2020, 16:06
Lovely afternoon here.
Planned to cut the grass, re-felt the shed roof and clean out the green house. I did cut the grass, then this happened..
https://i.imgur.com/KxhUtN0.jpg
and nothing else got done :doh:
nice garden.. my kind of place:)
hifi_dave
13-03-2020, 16:09
Is that a huge glass of beer or a tiny cat ?
InThe Sticks
21-03-2020, 16:25
Hebes and Salvias coming on well..
https://i.imgur.com/UVMEtdB.jpg
This is how this area looked when i moved in..
https://i.imgur.com/X6DWB2H.jpg
Also, cleaned out the green house and repotted the tomatoes
https://i.imgur.com/XufnzBm.jpg
Just finished cutting the grass. 2.5 hours yesterday, 2.5 hours today.
Tomorrow, I may attack the wooded area with the brush cutter.
hifi_dave
21-03-2020, 18:04
We are all going to be doing a lot of gardening over the coming weeks.
I will be working from home, like I was this week.
InThe Sticks
30-03-2020, 20:56
https://i.imgur.com/FJ7Ut94.jpg
hifi_dave
01-04-2020, 11:06
Just gave the hedges out front a little tidy up. Bloody hedges drive me nuts - could be my OCD..:)
That is one reason I refrain from planting a hedge
hifi_dave
01-04-2020, 12:21
Very wise.
We have yards and yards of hedges around the front garden, planted there to disguise the ponds and they are a right royal pain, needing to be cut on top and front and back sides every week or so. In places, they are quite high and up to 6 ft deep, so it's a stretch to reach across. I use a Ryobi batter powered long reach hedge trimmer but because the weight is all at the far end, it's unwieldy. I am thinking of investing in a Stihl long reach, as it's better balanced with all the weight at the operator's end. Seems to be what all the 'pro' gardeners around us, use.
You trim your hedges every week or so :eek:
hifi_dave
02-04-2020, 09:30
I can't stand the little bits poking up. They have to go. I like nice straight lines.
Covenant
02-04-2020, 13:48
As I am furloughed (sounds painful) I have been cleaning the moss from the patio by hand using one of those wire scrubber things on a stick. Mega job but better result than power washing I think.
I have too much paving though and am thinking of taking up a section and either planting shrubs or grass. the block paving will be on sand and gravel-will I need to remove it all or could I just replace the sand with soil?
hifi_dave
02-04-2020, 15:11
Have you tried Patio Magic ? I bought a couple of containers of this after some friends said how good it is for removing/killing Moss and Algae. Apparently you just spray it on or apply with a watering can and the stuff just comes off. Haven't tried it yet, just waiting for the warmer weather.
No idea about the paving - sorry.
Not an expert, but I would have though a couple of inches of topsoil over the sand/gravel would be fine for grass - after all, grass seems to be quite happy self seeding in the gaps between my block paving (also laid on sand/gravel with silver sand in the gaps between the blocks).
I have just pressured washed my block paving, really quite satisfying :)
leave sand as it will add good drainage(Fork it over too).. yup pop a couple of inches min of soil; more if you have it. get top of it a seive it so its very fine. level it and tamp it down a bit. sprinkle grass seed and cover with something if possible clear plastic with plenty holes is good or just use string with foil spinners.. it will help keep birds away.
I have a week off next week. Time to attack the garden and get it looking tidy.
walpurgis
03-04-2020, 16:45
I have just pressured washed my block paving
Common mistake.
Properly laid, block paving has the gaps between blocks filled with kiln dried fine sand to prevent movement. Pressure cleaning blows it out.
Yes, I know standard blocks have spacing 'pips', but the sand is still necessary.
Common mistake.
Properly laid, block paving has the gaps between blocks filled with kiln dried fine sand to prevent movement. Pressure cleaning blows it out.
Yes, I know standard blocks have spacing 'pips', but the sand is still necessary.
Yep it sure is
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
They were properly laid - did it myself :lol: hardcore then sand whacker plated down. Kiln dried sand brushed between the gaps, bloody grass and weeds still started growing in the gaps.
Been pressure washed a couple of times a year for the last three years - no movement :) Although I find it hard too see where they could move to as I cemented the outer blocks in to place.
walpurgis
03-04-2020, 17:22
Done a bit myself. I designed and had re-laid many well known shopping centres, hundreds of thousands of square metres! :)
Unlike most who oversee this kind of work, I actually served the apprenticship and qualified as a mason pavior in the dim and distant past
Just the man then - could you tell me where they are going to move to, given that all outside edges are fixed:scratch:
Covenant
03-04-2020, 18:54
Thanks fo all the advice. I agree about power washing blowing out the sand and causing weeds. The one time I did it the water bill nearly gace me a heart attack but I did the driveway, sides and patio over a weekend. I put more sand down but really you need to hire a plate vibrator to get it right down between the pavers.
Grant, I would probably buy turf and try to get it level with the surrounding paving. I suppose I need to put about 50mm of soil underneath so it will depend on the amount of sand and gravel beneath.
InThe Sticks
04-04-2020, 16:59
Finally got round to digging up my old herb garden in readiness to be planted with creeping Phlox and creeping Thyme.
Sadly the box hedge has suffered a bit over the winter, but it’s on the mend now.
Before..
https://i.imgur.com/q4OlS2c.jpg
And after..
https://i.imgur.com/7bVnq8p.jpg
Excellent work - is the plan to put herbs in pots on the slabs?
InThe Sticks
04-04-2020, 17:10
Not really sure, but if i'm honest i only put the pavers back in because i didn't have enough gravel to cover the ground.
The Phlox and Thyme will cover most of them i imagine.
InThe Sticks
04-04-2020, 17:22
Job for tomorrow is to try and tame this monster rose..
https://i.imgur.com/AVSQFWg.jpg
hifi_dave
05-04-2020, 09:15
Good luck.
I'm OK pruning bush Roses but I never know what to do with climbers and ramblers.
InThe Sticks
07-04-2020, 17:17
3 of my girls enjoying the sun whilst guarding their compost bin..
https://i.imgur.com/LeHFmMU.jpg
very good.... cluck old hen indeed
Brilliant - love the photo :)
InThe Sticks
07-04-2020, 21:40
Not really garden related, but some pics taken tonight at 10pm + with a iPhone 11.
It’s literally pitch black here, no road lighting, no pubs or anything, only the lights in my garden..
https://i.imgur.com/Y6qarWQ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/evJbVAt.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ICx6yWl.jpg
It’s always pitch black here at night.
Brilliant cloud formations last night Jon (no idea what they are called/signify though :scratch:). Impressed with your photos - I tried on my iPhone SE and had no luck.
InThe Sticks
21-04-2020, 05:38
https://i.imgur.com/gVYS4lD.jpg
First asparagus of the year.
hifi_dave
21-04-2020, 11:22
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49800736738_cdb66f80ed_b.jpg
One of our Cherry trees. They've been fabulous this year - flowering for around 10 days already, because the weather has been kind. Last year they bloomed for a day as it was so wet and windy.
Nice tree, garden back onto a field Dave ?. If so rather unusual. Hope you get no hoodlums hanging out the back there .lol
hifi_dave
21-04-2020, 14:23
Lots of houses round here, back onto fields. At one time, this house was a farm and owned that field and others around right back to the forest around 0.75 mile away. We're a bit isolated for hoodlums, not much for them to do..:)
Cut the grass, weeding to do tomorrow
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49818398531_286daa71a1_h.jpg
So there's no "brown bin" collections, and the local tips are closed. Meanwhile, black bags of leaves, hedge trimmings, grass cuttings and other garden detritus are expanding exponentially. What do do? Decide to buy a composter, but prices are crazy for a few bits of wood! Have a pallet and an old futon in the garage. Could be a good project for the kids to learn some life skills... Drilling, sawing, hammering... "If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them....maybe you can hire The A-Team." :)
https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/94731005_10218777502563231_3719828191032901632_n.j pg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=a2sdFNq6T2oAX8kqQUF&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=d539ae648e449c899394233f8a494e61&oe=5ECB2F71
https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/94736640_10218777502843238_973101067988369408_n.jp g?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=Mt8WaLrF5BoAX8b5J4l&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=3261cd4cc5a7138f254b3a4fc512e2c8&oe=5EC85C80
https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/95159581_10218777503363251_74895575283138560_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=hYOSWxtpq1AAX_fJYK3&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=78f5e583c8f303b8ba34b8ace1a2ae30&oe=5EC9E2AF
We even had enough wood left over to make a swing! :)
Nice job, and really good to see your kids getting involved.
Great pics.. Good job all.
hifi_dave
01-05-2020, 15:46
I've got a big tub with Geraniums from last year. Because of the mild Winter and they are protected, they are still growing nicely and started to flower. However, they are rather straggly and could do with cutting down a bit to tidy them up. Is that OK ?
I've got a big tub with Geraniums from last year. Because of the mild Winter and they are protected, they are still growing nicely and started to flower. However, they are rather straggly and could do with cutting down a bit to tidy them up. Is that OK ?
If they are Geraniums, take off all dead wood and trim back to just above the bud, if they are, Pelargoniums, just tidy up and trim off any dead wood and leaves. Don't prune the main stems.
Job for tomorrow is to try and tame this monster rose..
https://i.imgur.com/AVSQFWg.jpg
:pub: had time yet?
InThe Sticks
02-05-2020, 18:22
:pub: had time yet?
Sadly not, but it's on the list!
InThe Sticks
02-05-2020, 18:25
Some pics of the garden as it is at the moment.
I’m posting these to give myself a kick up the arse to get on and finish the rest of it next week, rather than sitting around drinking beer and eating too much cheese.
I’ve got one tonne of 20mm stones, loads of weed matting and plenty more plants coming soon, so hopefully it’ll look ok when done.
https://i.imgur.com/wdUk0CF.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ypyqgm5.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ezjKX48.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vlBuFhI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mCodh7I.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vpTiwx2.jpg
hifi_dave
03-05-2020, 11:02
If they are Geraniums, take off all dead wood and trim back to just above the bud, if they are, Pelargoniums, just tidy up and trim off any dead wood and leaves. Don't prune the main stems.
I'm not sure of the difference but when I bought them they were described as Geraniums.I'll give it a go.
Thank you.
InThe Sticks
05-05-2020, 20:10
One bit of the garden that i’ve been meaning to get around to doing has now been started..
How it was..
https://i.imgur.com/Z5aWC2I.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/eORh2Wi.jpg
And now half finished..
https://i.imgur.com/M8QQ97t.jpg
Just need to finish the fence stain, lay the weed matting and chuck half a ton of 20mm stones on it and plant the heathers (they’ll be twelve in total)..
As an aside, the heathers are Scottish, so i'll drip feed them Bucky and deep fried pizza
https://i.imgur.com/9d2lb8W.jpg
Emmett123
05-05-2020, 20:55
Seeds from Higgedly Garden going in today.
https://scontent.flhr3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/95873778_608319033365184_2994883813647056896_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=p1FNTDwAzswAX9VcKCr&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-2.fna&oh=11da18152c9d6d138caf6ab017eb5ded&oe=5ED7424C
https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/95608395_608319073365180_4797109424567091200_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=upc-eAim-QEAX_mBIPz&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=8da72f03866030f608f6beb5ad8a1812&oe=5ED682F2
walpurgis
06-05-2020, 16:28
Well I cut the grass yesterday. Today I weedkillered all the ivy encroaching over the wall from nextdoor and then shifted some paving slabs.
The slabs seem to get heavier as I get older, the 2' x 18" ones weigh about eighty pounds and I can cart them about OK, but the 120 pound 2' x 2'6" slabs had to be 'walked' down the garden. And to think I used to lift them over my head and cart them about with ease!
hifi_dave
06-05-2020, 16:59
Tell me about it. Even walking paving slabs can be a problem as I found last year, when I damaged my Rotator Cuff, for months of niggling pain.
Which weedkiller do you use for Ivy, because I haven't had any luck with Roundup.
walpurgis
06-05-2020, 17:14
Which weedkiller do you use for Ivy, because I haven't had any luck with Roundup.
Just cheap Tesco general purpose Glyphosate. It works just fine and ivy dies in a couple of weeks. I put plenty on.
I have loads of it, because I stock up every autumn when they sell it off cheap! :)
hifi_dave
07-05-2020, 09:14
Thanks for that.
I have Ivy growing out of every bush and hedge plus banks of it coming from the field behind us and nothing seems to kill it off.
InThe Sticks
13-05-2020, 20:08
Half way there..
https://i.imgur.com/eORh2Wi.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rKUfTZS.jpg
Just waiting on more heathers and the fence stain to arrive.
No lady working in the garden today Jon ( slacking ) ?. Lovely garden, keep up the good work. :)
No lady working in the garden today Jon ( slacking ) ?. Lovely garden, keep up the good work. :)
Sorry, mixed you up with Emmett :eyebrows:. Still applies though for 2 great gardens.
I cleaned the wooded area up with my brushcutter yesterday, and spotted 6 trees, that were dead, but still standing, so I felled them.
Now I need to cut them up, and split them, ready for firewood.
Emmett123
15-05-2020, 18:50
Made a little house with plywood cut off and left-over slate. Add a Green Man.
The fairies move in this evening.
https://scontent.flhr3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p720x720/97315746_614834662713621_6778480483635298304_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=IlhJWuZsj-EAX_PciUF&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-2.fna&_nc_tp=6&oh=8e8b49e86a744ef66433d0668b340bff&oe=5EE3DE9D
InThe Sticks
15-05-2020, 19:22
Haha, thats great :D
Cleared the weeds away from these two Ferns today, I call them Cotton & Britton
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49898076446_2d32fef5ed_o.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49897560008_3c91c2cea8_o.jpg
and I've weeded the rockery, the rocks are doing really well
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49899251327_7d65e65442_o.jpg
That's a real gardener's garden, Jon. I love a garden with a little "wildness" left in it. Lots of work gone in there.
Made a little house with plywood cut off and left-over slate. Add a Green Man.
The fairies move in this evening.
Wonderful. The fairies will be your friends forever.
hifi_dave
16-05-2020, 10:40
Made a little house with plywood cut off and left-over slate. Add a Green Man.
The fairies move in this evening.
https://scontent.flhr3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p720x720/97315746_614834662713621_6778480483635298304_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=IlhJWuZsj-EAX_PciUF&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-2.fna&_nc_tp=6&oh=8e8b49e86a744ef66433d0668b340bff&oe=5EE3DE9D
That is great. I haven't got the skills to do that but I did buy our Grandaughter a Fairy house, which she loves. She looks in it every day to check the Fairies are OK.
Our garden is almost in it's full glory. Here are some more photos. Enjoy.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49901587262_565414ec80_o.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49901277566_446bcf8676_o.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49900760978_d328e38125_o.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49901277686_06b53bf636_o.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49901587647_5a90cc63d1_o.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49901587342_37104e9751_o.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49901277946_3ae561bd29_o.jpg
Who needs a holiday when u have that out back
Our garden is almost in it's full glory. Here are some more photos. Enjoy.
Wonderful, thanks for sharing, my rocks are jealous.
Beautiful :) - what is the shrub, pink flowers, in the top left of third picture? I have a similar flowered one, but not variegated (as in your last couple of photos) and I have no idea what it is.
Beautiful :) - what is the shrub, pink flowers, in the top left of third picture? I have a similar flowered one, but not variegated (as in your last couple of photos) and I have no idea what it is.
Guy, it's called Kolkwizia Anabilis - Pink Cloud. The 6th picture is a closeup. Ours is the light pink variegated version, there is also a deep magenta version.
hifi_dave
17-05-2020, 09:24
Lovely garden.
Well done.
Thank you all for the kind words, greatly appreciated. I shall pass them on to SWMBO, the Head Gardener.
InThe Sticks
19-05-2020, 20:34
Not strictly garden related, but..
Finally got round to finishing my railway sleeper patio table that i started last year, then gave up on.
I sanded it back, then chucked on several coats of varnish, then spent the next 3 hours picking kamikaze insects out of the varnish.
Next i chucked away the scrap wood legs and fitted some fancy steel ones.
I’m literally useless at DIY, but this seems to have turned out ok ish..
https://i.imgur.com/oh20Qvp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7H8M3Fb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bY6dxVd.jpg
It hopefully should look a bit better when the varnish has fully dried, and if i can be bothered tomorrow i may lob on a few more coats of varnish to give it some depth, but i doubt it.
No mention of the "B" word please :rolleyes: :)
Guy, it's called Kolkwizia Anabilis - Pink Cloud. The 6th picture is a closeup. Ours is the light pink variegated version, there is also a deep magenta version.
Thanks, much appreciated :cool:
edit: just looked it up on RHS - surprising how such a beautiful shrub is so hardy and not fussy about soil or position :)
Graham, just AWESOME... Words fail me to describe the beautifully colourful outdoor space you've created!:wow::clap:
How's it looking now though, with the recent drought?
Marco.
Ok, we've just added a 'Lilly Relax Seat' [reclining chair], with accompanying footstool, to our outdoor backyard/eating area:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/ngDnTi.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/wMtfsd.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/ufpfA8.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/gobc1S.jpg
It's a rather pleasant outdoor space, in which to enjoy all of our meals during the nice weather (including breakfast), as it's totally secluded and sheltered... And with the addition of the reclining chair, situated in the shade, I'll now be able to sleep off the results of some rather boozy lunches!:D
I must say that the quality of the new recliner and footstool is excellent, and one of the most comfortable seats I've ever sat on, simply because unlike many such designs, it's 'human shaped', and so 'cradles' and supports your back beautifully! Superb value for £89.00 (from our local garden centre)!
It comes in five parts, which require assembly, plus I stained it to stop the wood from drying out. Details here: https://zest4leisuredirect.co.uk/product-range/lily-relax-seat/
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/YtO2Ni.jpg
Cheers, folks!! :cheers:
Marco.
nice; for Del i take it :eyebrows:
Had daughter and troops over for a spot of gardening.. Among other things I got the front lawn edged
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200530/21bf9030b87b28ed0a4514d821b5d243.jpg
nice; for Del i take it :eyebrows:
Yes, primarily for the princess and her Prosecco, which I've been instructed to replenish on the hour!
Marco.
Had daughter and troops over for a spot of gardening.. Among other things I got the front lawn edged
Good stuff, mate, hope she's keeping well:)
Lawn looks neat, and considerably greener than mine!:eek:
Marco.
Graham, just AWESOME... Words fail me to describe the beautifully colourful outdoor space you've created!:wow::clap:
How's it looking now though, with the recent drought?
Marco.
There's still plenty of water in our hosepipe, Marco. Thank you for the compliments. This was yesterday:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49941429887_80742e7059_o.jpg
Jeez - I wouldn't want your water bill!!:eek::wowzer:
;)
Looks fabulous, though:)
Marco.
InThe Sticks
31-05-2020, 19:31
Pond plants are coming on well..
https://i.imgur.com/RmPz1CG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/eTcIrMs.jpg
Love those colours, Jon!:)
Marco.
Very nice indeed. Haven't seen those before.
A garden brings peace to the soul......
I don’t know who first said that but it’s true. The other important benefit is that it provides a little patch of earth to soak up the rain and to give birds and insects somewhere safe to call home, in an otherwise desert of concrete and tarmac. In our terrace row of six houses ours is the only one that has a garden and is not concrete wall2wall!
A garden brings peace to the soul.....I don’t know who first said that but it’s true.
I couldn't agree more! I'm also fortunate never to have known any different. I grew up in a lovely garden, as my dad's a keen gardener, and since then I've always tried to maintain nice ones of my own:)
The other important benefit is that it provides a little patch of earth to soak up the rain and to give birds and insects somewhere safe to call home, in an otherwise desert of concrete and tarmac. In our terrace row of six houses ours is the only one that has a garden and is not concrete wall2wall![/FONT]
That's a great point, and so true!:thumbsup:
I'm a country person at heart [love natural scenery], and so 'concrete jungles/deserts' are a complete anathema!
Marco.
Concrete is the most prolific destructive material on earth.
Concrete is the most prolific destructive material on earth.
well, humans make it and want it so i guess we are worse.. its a notion that covering more and more of the planet in it, and thus reducing nature is in fact causing the issues they are trying to protect themselves from, but they just want the money i guess.. catch 22... reduce populations and have more natural ways of stopping catestrophes
walpurgis
03-06-2020, 10:19
Humans are the problem, not materials. I suggest a cull.
well, humans make it and want it so i guess we are worse.. its a notion that covering more and more of the planet in it, and thus reducing nature is in fact causing the issues they are trying to protect themselves from, but they just want the money i guess.. catch 22... reduce populations and have more natural ways of stopping catestrophes
It's also down to the 'greed for gold' of building contractors, and councils giving them planning permission [via convenient 'backhanders'] to create more and more 'concrete jungles'... That unscrupulous practice should be stopped, with more of an emphasis placed on preserving nature and building houses in sympathy with the existing natural environment.
Unfortunately it's also the case that the demands of modern life make people predisposed to living in rather 'grey' urban sprawls, jammed together like sardines, or in some soulless, out of town modern housing complex, where every house is identical and simply looks like an architect's drawing superimposed onto a landscape, as opposed to something more 'real', which actually belongs there.
The goal appears to be to squeeze together as many such 'dwellings' as possible, like glorified dolls houses, on every square inch of land available, in order to maximise profit, as opposed to building properties with a little character and individuality [and incorporating a sense of space into their design], and which promotes in those who occupy them a genuine sense of well-being and a feeling of LIVING, rather than merely existing... Unfortunately, 'plastic houses' breed 'plastic lives'.
Older properties, of a similar cost (or often less) in my experience tend to offer more, certainly in terms of the above, if you're willing to put in some effort to refurbish them, if necessary, and maintain them. However, too many folks now simply can't be arsed and would rather just walk into somewhere that's 'job done', even if it's about as stimulating to live there as the magnolia-painted walls it's adorned with:rolleyes:
Marco.
It's also down to the 'greed for gold' of building contractors, and councils giving them planning permission [via convenient 'backhanders'] to create more and more 'concrete jungles'... That unscrupulous practice should be stopped, with more of an emphasis placed on preserving nature and building houses in sympathy with the existing natural environment.
Unfortunately it's also the case that the demands of modern life make people predisposed to living in rather 'grey' urban sprawls, jammed together like sardines, or in some soulless, out of town modern housing complex, where every house is identical and simply looks like an architect's drawing superimposed onto a landscape, as opposed to something more 'real', which actually belongs there.
The goal appears to be to squeeze together as many such 'dwellings' as possible, like glorified dolls houses, on every square inch of land available, in order to maximise profit, as opposed to building properties with a little character and individuality [and incorporating in them a sense of space], and which promotes in those who occupy them a genuine sense of well-being and a feeling of LIVING, rather than merely existing... Unfortunately, 'plastic houses' breed 'plastic lives'.
Older properties, of a similar cost (or often less) in my experience tend to offer more, certainly in terms of the above, if you're willing to put in some effort to refurbish them, if necessary, and maintain them. However, too many folks now simply can't be arsed and would rather just walk into somewhere that's 'job done', even if it's about as stimulating to live there as the magnolia-painted walls it's adorned with:rolleyes:
Marco.
Yes very true, but its an impossible ask to get soulful housing for all.. A/ there is too much money already invested, and B/ not enough room for soulful housing or enough money for most to buy them.
Only way to reduce cost of houses is to reduce demand,and thats difficult.
Yup, totally... Just stating the (rather sad) facts of modern life!:)
Marco.
InThe Sticks
03-06-2020, 20:14
https://i.imgur.com/564TCMd.jpg
One of the hundred or so roses that are rambling around my patio area.
However, too many folks now simply can't be arsed and would rather just walk into somewhere that's 'job done', even if it's about as stimulating to live there as the magnolia-painted walls it's adorned with:rolleyes:
Marco.
There are a number of these "new builds" in our area. The people who buy these "houses" (the lucky ones) all have children within their first year of occupancy. In 15 years time those children will be teenagers with nowhere to go. In 20 years time, those new build suburbs will be slums, and the houses will all have been taken over by county councils, for social housing stock.
InThe Sticks
05-06-2020, 20:48
My favourite plant so far this year in my garden is this Verve clematis at various stages of opening..
https://i.imgur.com/q4vdfk6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ovt7D0t.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kU0UrRT.jpg
One thing the lockdown has been good for is the time to watch the garden blossom and thrive.
That said, i’m back to work in a few weeks and i can’t wait for it.
This is one of the Clematis we have just coming into bloom;
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49976452076_86a878b7b9_b.jpg
Any recommendations for a particular brand/type of stump killer (and no suggestions for tight nylon y fronts please :))
saw a youtube video of someone burning out a stump. seems to work if you have decent windless conditions..
I would, but it is right up against neighbours fence panels :eek:
By the way, in case it makes a difference, it is a Holly (about 18" diameter) with very thick root system (I have dug around it for about half of the circumference and it is a tough old bugger, I think trying to lift it would result in damage to my neighbours patio area on the other side of the fence).
epsom salt is another option.. it takes a fair amount of time but it will dry out the stump and root system... there should be plenty info online re this
Please don't use poisons. You will contaminate the soil for years to come.
Sawn down to ground level and I intend to cut off any new shoots which appear - let nature take its course with rotting the stump (who knows, it may encourage some beetles).
InThe Sticks
12-06-2020, 17:17
Any recommendations for a particular brand/type of stump killer (and no suggestions for tight nylon y fronts please :))
I had the same problem several times over and dug around the stump, then chainsawed down and got off as much as i could, then filled the hole back in.
No light, no growth. It worked perfectly.
InThe Sticks
14-06-2020, 20:47
Veg garden is coming on well this year, as is what’s in the greenhouse (peppers, chillies and cucumbers etc).
https://i.imgur.com/o6CPdcg.jpg
Off the top of my head there’s, spuds, onions, various beans, sweetcorn, courgettes, tomatoes, lettuce, parsley, chives, asparagus, black currants, strawberry’s and probably some other stuff i’ve forgotten.
Certainly not enough to ever be self sufficient, but enough to be a fun and tasty hobby.
Lol - nice one, there's enough to keep a small restaurant going there! Our veg patch is currently tiny in comparison (as we had a lot of prep work to do first before planting), but growing nicely! Do you use all that though, or does a lot of it go to waste?:)
Correct me if I'm wrong, Jon, but I thought you lived alone? Or if not, that's the impression you've given, as I've never heard you mention a 'Mrs Jon', or any kids.... Therefore, it's a helluva lot of veg for a solo amigo.....
Marco.
Lovely to see and useful :thumbsup:
InThe Sticks
15-06-2020, 08:55
Lol - nice one, there's enough to keep a small restaurant going there! Our veg patch is currently tiny in comparison (as we had a lot of prep work to do), but growing nicely! Do you use all that though, or does a lot of it go to waste?:)
Correct me if I'm wrong, Jon, but I thought you lived alone? Or if not, that's the impression you've given, as I've never heard you mention a 'Mrs Jon', or any kids.... Therefore, it's a helluva lot of veg for a solo amigo.....
Marco.
I can assure you that i’m very single and very happy, nor have i fathered any crotch fruit. Can’t stand the noisy little buggers.
That said i’m godfather to 4 and that’s more than enough for me.
The only thing thats occasionally goes to waste are eggs (and courgettes), and even with a 3 egg omelette every morning and using them in baking i can’t possibly use 5-6 a day.
I’ve got a chest freezer in the outhouse that i use for anything that i don’t eat fresh, bar cucumbers which i pick small and pickle.
That veg garden was there when i moved in, and i wouldn’t have built one so big by choice, but it was easier to keep it than get rid.
This is how it was when i got it..
https://i.imgur.com/h4T4921.jpg
Ah, alles klar! Lol@ "crotch fruit":eyebrows:
I quite like kids, in small doses, but I'm not 'obsessed' with them, as many are. Having them isn't the be all and end all of one's existence. Cats are better, anyway!;)
You've defo put a lot of work into that place. In some ways, you remind me of a mate of mine who's got a similar outlook on life. That's a big property though to 'rattle around in' on your own and maintain. Plus, it must be a sizeable mortgage to find every month, with just the one income?:)
Do you give some of the excess produce to the old boys you were looking after during lockdown?
Marco.
kids are great; as long as someone takes them away again:ner:
InThe Sticks
15-06-2020, 10:10
Ah, alles klar! Lol@ "crotch fruit":eyebrows:
I quite like kids, in small doses, but I'm not 'obsessed' with them, as many are. Having them isn't the be all and end all of one's existence. Cats are better, anyway!;)
You've defo put a lot of work into that place. In some ways, you remind me of a mate of mine who's got a similar outlook on life. That's a big property though to 'rattle around in' on your own and maintain. Plus, it must be a sizeable mortgage to find every month, with just the one income?:)
Do you give some of the excess produce to the old boys you were looking after during lockdown?
Marco.
Agreed, cats are certainly better.
This place is tiny compared to one of my previous 4 bed houses, i actually had a cleaner back then as i was working all the hours i could.
I own both my properties outright, mainly due to buying and selling at the right time (luck more than anything else) and getting a mortgage when i was 18 and overpaying every month with aim of being completely debt free at 40, which very fortunately i now am. I also had a stake in a business, that had to be sold off when the owners divorced, which paid me rather well.
One of the old boys has some eggs and the others seem to exist on cheesy puffs, ice cream and other assorted junk food that i get them.
All have meals on wheels though, so at least they’re not starving.
Nice one, Jon. Well done. I arrived in that happy position 3 years later than you, but of course I have a wife, and together we own three properties outright, including the one we currently live in.
I also invested shrewdly at a young age and overpaid on the mortgages we had, in order to pay them off quicker. Plus we bought the big house we had in Glasgow before moving down to Wales just at the right time, for a much lower than market price, and later sold it at the right time when property prices were at their highest, so made a killing on that, which consequently allowed us to buy the lodge we live in now (albeit at an attractive price, as it used to belong to Del's mum).
Del's mum kept the money we gave her in a savings account, and when she died, as Del was an only child, she got that back, and we subsequently used the funds to dabble in the local property market. Land and property still remain as the best assets to have.
Anyway, all good stuff! One thing you appear to lack, however, is a lawn... Or did I miss that?:)
Marco.
One of my house plants is flowering
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50015607686_e6b38d6e9f_o.jpg
Interesting shape and colours, Roy? What is it?:)
Marco.
looks a bit like an azalea
Interesting shape and colours, Roy? What is it?:)
looks a bit like an azalea
It's called Gynura 'Purple Passion' :eyebrows:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50016008207_8d185020f8_h.jpg
...and also considerably purple;)
Mint's coming along too, Roy!:thumbsup:
Marco.
...and also considerably purple;)
Marco.
LOTS OF THINGS ARE PURPLE :eyebrows: BUT IF THEY GO YELLOW YOUR IN TROUBLE:ner:
oops caps were on
LOTS OF THINGS ARE PURPLE :eyebrows: BUT IF THEY GO YELLOW YOUR IN TROUBLE:ner:
Yes, might need to get Dr Pimple Popper involved
LOTS OF THINGS ARE PURPLE :eyebrows:
Yesh... Especially 'bulbs':D
Marco.
Mint's coming along too, Roy!:thumbsup:
Yes, won't be long before it can go in a tub outside.
Have repotted my Bay tree as well, was looking a bit sorry for itself.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50015873086_f964b81825_h.jpg
(don't study the end of the garden too hard, that's something I need to tackle)
You could consider growing a few "new" bay trees from those runners - they grow like the clappers.
You could consider growing a few "new" bay trees from those runners - they grow like the clappers.
You're not kidding. We planted a bay tree in our herb garden forty years ago and it grew and grew into a massive bush whose trunk was around 6" in diameter. Had it cut down last year as it was staring to cause structural damage to a nearby wall.
Lol - that's why bays are better kept in pots, to limit their growth! Plus, when they grow too big and the stems become too 'woody', the leaves aren't as nice and lose their perfume and flavour. The same also applies to the likes of rosemary bushes and sage.
Small and nicely trimmed is best, just like other 'bushes'...:eyebrows:
Marco.
Lol - that's why bays are better kept in pots, to limit their growth! Plus, when they grow too big and the stems become too 'woody', the leaves aren't as nice and lose their perfume and flavour. The same also applies to the likes of rosemary bushes and sage.
Small and nicely trimmed is best, just like other 'bushes'...:eyebrows:
Marco.
No disagreement there Marco. Actually the new growth leaves had their perfume and taste, but the whole bush became just too large.
Moved my ferns out of their corner into tubs.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50026030313_3f8b6aeffe_o.jpg
What's growing in the toilet bowl?
What's growing in the toilet bowl?
I'd always thought it was a form of holly but have just double checked on the web and the closest looking plant is Gilt Edge Silverberry (although I stand to be corrected by those in the know). What appeals to me is it needs zero maintenance (except the odd trim), it can go without water for weeks, just drops a few leaves. I've a larger one in the front garden my green bin hides behind.
What's growing in the toilet bowl?
Now that is a question :D
InThe Sticks
24-06-2020, 16:56
Veg garden is doing well.
Courgettes are the perfect stir fry size, onions and shallots are ready, as are the mangetout, lettuce and baby spuds.
Just waiting on the sweetcorn, french/runner beans, tomatoes, patty pan & crown prince squashes.
https://i.imgur.com/0ZrknCL.jpg
Asparagus is finished and being left to fern out ready for next year..
https://i.imgur.com/CgUMaEK.jpg
And in the greenhouse the peppers, cucumbers/gherkins, courgettes and tomatoes are getting there.
I’ve also got a lemon verbena as a flavour for some home made ice cream.
https://i.imgur.com/iJBhxdv.jpg
Very impressive, Jon. Some top work there! You must hardly ever have to buy veg from shops?
What about herbs? If you've mentioned those, I must've missed it. We grow loads of different varieties, which we use a lot in cooking:)
Marco.
InThe Sticks
25-06-2020, 09:04
Thanks.
That lot doesn’t last as long as you may think.
Some can be frozen, but courgettes, toms, asparagus etc don’t respond well to it, but are ok for soups and sauce bases.
When you’ve got your veg garden up and running i think you’ll be surprised how fast you scythe through the produce, and then wish you’d grown more.
As an aside, i was talking to my mother yesterday (who’s veg garden makes mine look like a window box) and she can’t last that long on the produce she grows (she & my step father are vegetarians).
Herbs i have are parsley, sage, chives/garlic chives, thyme and rosemary. I’ll be planting garlic when the weather gets a bit colder.
These are the garden highlight for me..
Are you any further forward to getting some?
https://i.imgur.com/Efa9gxG.jpg
Lol - love it... They'd be also be ours! Not yet, as we've still got lots of prep to do. Noted on the quantity thing, so thanks.
We want to get the veg patches sorted first (before the chicken run is installed), and a seated patio area built in the main part of the garden, which will be kept shaded by a large fabric tarpaulin, and used for parties and entertaining.
When this CV crap is over, we intend on having a big party, to make up for all the get togethers with friends and family we've missed so far this year!:cool:
Marco.
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