View Full Version : The Gardening thread.....
Very tidy Guy. How’s your pooch getting on?
Cheers Roy, Daphne is doing really well, likes "helping" in the garden although a bit scared of the mower.
She is beginning to look more like a Staffy, muscles looking more defined, adult teeth coming through and much calmer - very friendly with people and other dogs, I think that she could be a bit of a star. Lessons start next week :)
Thanks for asking.
Cheers Roy, Daphne is doing really well, likes "helping" in the garden although a bit scared of the mower.
She is beginning to look more like a Staffy, muscles looking more defined, adult teeth coming through and much calmer - very friendly with people and other dogs, I think that she could be a bit of a star. Lessons start next week :)
Thanks for asking.
Nice one.
hifi_dave
31-05-2021, 15:43
Anyone know how to kill Ground Elder ?
I have used Roundup Ultra and it doesn't appear to touch it.
I think you are in for lots of digging with a fork, try to remove root fragments as well as you can - could take several seasons :(
hifi_dave
01-06-2021, 10:01
Trouble is, the weed is in and around many established plants and shrubs, so impossible to dig out. Isn't there anything which kills it ?
Bugger, just looked it up and Glyphosphate will work. BUT, several applications per year over the course of two or three years :(
I would go for careful forking out as much as you safely can - you need to get rid of as much of the root system/rhizomes as possible (it will regenerate from any tiny sections left behind), then glyphosphate on any leaves as soon as the appear, or better in my view just keep on removing fresh leaves until the rhizomes "give up".
Must admit to not being keen on Glyphosphate as it seems to be linked to Bee death.
Trouble is, the weed is in and around many established plants and shrubs, so impossible to dig out. Isn't there anything which kills it ?
systemics will kill it; eventually but could take a few growing seasons.. everytime you paint it on, after a few weeks cut it right back to soil. when it starts producing a few leaves then do it again right through season. If you dig it out you will need to dig up and wash all the roots of other plants and replant into clean soil.. (if you see white stuff around roots, which you will. you need to get rid of the white.
it depends how bad it is and how widespread. if its really infested then you might be better starting again..
Log cabin finished a month or so ago, now in use as brew store and bike "workshop"
Current stock: 40 bottles of each - Honey Porter, Stout, American style pale ale (dry hopped with 50g of Cascade). Barrel of Pilsner to be bottled tonight (again dry hopped, but with 50g Saaz hops)
https://i.postimg.cc/L4wGdVP7/IMG-0377.jpg (https://postimg.cc/DmQxLLBd)
Quality, Guy, love it!:respect:
Although I think I'd be turning the full space into a bar...;)
Marco.
a nice shed and space for you..
Quality, Guy, love it!:respect:
Although I think I'd be turning the full space into a bar...;)
Marco.
Cheers Marco,
funnily enough, original idea was to make workbench/bar on right hand side (I have a good piece of wood for it). But Fliss wanted the corner cabinet from her fathers house when we cleared it. Nowhere suitable in our house for the corner cabinet at the moment, so it has ended up in the cabin.
mind you, there are several bottles of spirits in the bottom section and everything is in easy reach for the pergola for long evenings of entertaining (thank goodness we can have a few people over now).
Yeah, good stuff, mate, It's a happy enough compromise. I like your garden too, btw - some nice shrubs:)
Del wants to convert our summer house into a girlies changing room (when she has parties) for the hot tub. Waste of bloody space if you ask me, but if it keeps her happy... Sometimes it's about earning 'brownie points' and knowing when to cash them in!;)
Marco.
After a trim a weed and a bit of a sweep
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51217890151_cc9766de40_o.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51217189257_d99af73a17_o.jpg
looking very nice.. top job...wish u were here :)
Quality, Roy. Nice space, that... And plenty of room too, for your better half to sunbathe topless!:D;)
Marco.
looking very nice.. top job...wish u were here :)
Quality, Roy. Nice space, that... And plenty of room too, for your better half to sunbathe topless!:D;)
Marco.
Thanks both.
I'm always amazed how quickly weeds grow compared with 'proper' plants (and the nurturing the latter often need to thrive).
After a trim a weed and a bit of a sweep
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51217890151_cc9766de40_o.jpg
Nice place to sit, have a beer and admire the surroundings :cool:
Beobloke
01-06-2021, 16:37
We spent most of he bank holiday weekend sorting out the garden. A very nice man came last week and steam cleaned, weed treated, re-sanded and sealed our patio and left it looking fantastic. Sadly the downside was that everything around it was covered in the dirt, grime and sand that was dislodged!
Consequently, the weekend involved cleaning all the furniture, doors and windows, plus our water feature, as well as trimming the hedges and mowing the lawns. We also put up a new owl box to replace the one that fell down last winter and Ursula planted some more plants and weeded the beds.
We’re both knackered and stiff as a result, but very happy with the outcome!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210601/9e072818b0af870de6991012077aeac7.jpg
a nice setting that too.. love the tree.
Beobloke
01-06-2021, 17:15
a nice setting that too.. love the tree.
Thanks - me too. We’re surrounded by lovely trees but that one’s my favourite!
Nice place to sit, have a beer and admire the surroundings :cool:
Thanks. Just about to enjoy a glass of pinot grigio out there before I sort out dinner.
We spent most of he bank holiday weekend sorting out the garden. A very nice man came last week and steam cleaned, weed treated, re-sanded and sealed our patio and left it looking fantastic. Sadly the downside was that everything around it was covered in the dirt, grime and sand that was dislodged!
Consequently, the weekend involved cleaning all the furniture, doors and windows, plus our water feature, as well as trimming the hedges and mowing the lawns. We also put up a new owl box to replace the one that fell down last winter and Ursula planted some more plants and weeded the beds.
We’re both knackered and stiff as a result, but very happy with the outcome!
Lovely outside area and a nice looking house.
Thought I'd add my stripy lawn
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51219327755_e747ae0a89_o.jpg
Beobloke
01-06-2021, 20:49
Lovely - you can’t beat a stripy lawn!
hifi_dave
02-06-2021, 16:39
systemics will kill it; eventually but could take a few growing seasons.. everytime you paint it on, after a few weeks cut it right back to soil. when it starts producing a few leaves then do it again right through season. If you dig it out you will need to dig up and wash all the roots of other plants and replant into clean soil.. (if you see white stuff around roots, which you will. you need to get rid of the white.
it depends how bad it is and how widespread. if its really infested then you might be better starting again..
Thanks Guy and Grant.
I have been pulling out as many leaves as I can but the infestation is pretty bad. I have also sprayed the leaves where I can.
I will now regularly pull out, dig up and spray several times during the year and see what happens. It's driving me nuts.
if its widespread you may have to give up the area and strip it. its a really difficut thing to remove. roots can go over 2 foot down and even a little bit of root can come back again. it will eventually strangle the roots of other plants. good luck with it, as its a spreader. sometimes you need to give up an area.. dig it over a few times.. burn it all and put a cover over it for a year.. then redig it...
Lovely - you can’t beat a stripy lawn!
I loath stripes on lawns - it's unnatural, though Roy's doesn't look too bad.
I loath stripes on lawns - it's unnatural, though Roy's doesn't look too bad.
ive never had a lawn that could stripe.. bowling greens always amazed me.. quality grass
I have been growing on a range of hardy perennials in pots, supplied as plugs:
Salvia, Achillia, Rubekia Dianthus, Delphinium, Aquilegia etc (12 different plants x 6 of each).
I have been pleasantly surprised with success rate only five have died - unlike my tomato plugs which all died in transit, over a week to get from Ipswich to where I live (8 miles :steam:).
I complained and Thomson and Morgan sent replacements only for the same to happen again. Too late to worry now, I bought some good tomato plants from a hardware store in Harwich which are looking good.
Last few days have been too hot for planting out, but today is perfect - warm and dry in the morning, now steady rain :)
Most are in the ground now and for the first time ever, I have tried to come up with a planting scheme.
Really looking forward to see what happens (will post photo's if all goes to plan)
InThe Sticks
05-06-2021, 17:50
Guy, if you want tomato, courgette plants etc, then Tattingstone garden centre sell those and at very reasonable prices, and its only a few minutes away.
Nice people as well.
I've donated 20+ Sun Gold & San Marzano tom plants (grown from seed) this year to our community shop, and if I'd known, you could have collected as many as you wanted from here.
InThe Sticks
05-06-2021, 18:39
A couple of the hundred + roses coming into bloom over the patio doors..
https://i.imgur.com/to08kGG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8EFTmmO.jpg
Pond Iris et al..
https://i.imgur.com/VBwC80K.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/A4ZP25Y.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KJG6y1X.jpg
Going for a killer tomato sauce this year from home grown ingredients…
Toms, garlic, basil and oregano
https://i.imgur.com/OEbsWYi.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rfEvXMR.jpg
Guy, if you want tomato, courgette plants etc, then Tattingstone garden centre sell those and at very reasonable prices, and its only a few minutes away.
Nice people as well.
I've donated 20+ Sun Gold & San Marzano tom plants (grown from seed) this year to our community shop, and if I'd known, you could have collected as many as you wanted from here.
Thanks for info, my lawnmower is with them for service at the moment so I will have a look (very nice people, I taught one of their sons :)) - the seedlings which died were "sun dried tomato" plugs which I wanted to try out
hifinutt
09-06-2021, 21:47
over past 3 months i have had the privelige of working on a fabulous garden [ i think] next to a park with wonderful trees . its in the site of an old psychiatric hospital . it had a pond which we had to fill in. I just love the place , its nearly ready for its new occupant who i think will love it too
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51237800325_b3eb435fe8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m4H7Wr)pk2 (https://flic.kr/p/2m4H7Wr) by [/url], on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51236737791_77a4534fb1_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158267783@N02/)pk3 (https://flic.kr/p/2m4BF5T) by , on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51190754685_85f7379119_k.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158267783@N02/)20210518_101158 (1) (https://flic.kr/p/2kZxZUH) by , on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51190456224_086ce49007_k.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158267783@N02/)20210518_101135 (1) (https://flic.kr/p/2kZwtbQ) by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/158267783@N02/], on Flickr
hifinutt
09-06-2021, 21:49
by the way the pics do make it look a lot bigger but its really idyllic
InThe Sticks
12-06-2021, 16:42
Rosa 'Alberic Barbier'
https://i.imgur.com/OnNpZMc.jpg
:D
over past 3 months i have had the privelige of working on a fabulous garden [ i think] next to a park with wonderful trees . its in the site of an old psychiatric hospital . it had a pond which we had to fill in. I just love the place , its nearly ready for its new occupant who i think will love it too
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51237800325_b3eb435fe8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m4H7Wr)pk2 (https://flic.kr/p/2m4H7Wr) by , on Flickr
Nice when trees in other gardens add to your view, boundaries tend to "disappear"
Rosa 'Alberic Barbier'
https://i.imgur.com/OnNpZMc.jpg
:D
Lovely rose, is it scented?
Just beginning to plant a few roses myself - just started a few "Compte de Chambord" and up couple of "Claire Austin". Obviously a long way to go before they match that beauty though :)
InThe Sticks
12-06-2021, 20:10
Sadly not, unless one buries one face into them.
That rose (according to the previous owner) is 40+ years old!
Still, patience is a virtue and all that.
This is my favourite though..
https://i.imgur.com/qgwryDP.jpg
It was here when I bought the place.
walpurgis
12-06-2021, 20:21
I cut the grass today. Not much else to report really! :D
I cut the grass today. Not much else to report really! :D
Me too, though the garden shed could do with a coat of "creosote".
hifinutt
13-06-2021, 17:30
Nice when trees in other gardens add to your view, boundaries tend to "disappear"
yes indeed guy , its next to a park and its superb .
InThe Sticks
23-06-2021, 17:34
Finally got round to cutting the lawn, and just for Barry's viewing pleasure...
https://i.imgur.com/RK11NPM.jpg
some stripes :D
Just cut mine and have the same effect.
Finally got round to cutting the lawn, and just for Barry's viewing pleasure...
https://i.imgur.com/RK11NPM.jpg
some stripes :D
I wish my yard was as flat as that.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
An American tourist asked the groundsman at a large country house "How do you get your lawn to look like that?" 'Well maam" he replied. "We use the very best compost, and the very best seed, we sow the seed with great care and then, once it grows, we roll it for 500 years...."
An American tourist asked the groundsman at a large country house "How do you get your lawn to look like that?" 'Well maam" he replied. "We use the very best compost, and the very best seed, we sow the seed with great care and then, once it grows, we roll it for 500 years...."
Purported to have been said to a visiting tourist by a gardener at one of the Oxford colleges. But whatever the source, it's a nice anecdote. :)
This will be my new ‘patch’ at some time in the future.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210627/186c7e7c3900de3226a8f9da2bbd7a10.jpg
Cool - I like the tree boundary, very relaxing and gives privacy. Which way are you facing (when you took the photo)?
Cool - I like the tree boundary, very relaxing and gives privacy. Which way are you facing (when you took the photo)?
It’s south facing and backs onto a park. It belongs to the bungalow my partner’s just moved into, I’ll be moving in eventually but there’s a bit of ‘housekeeping’ to do first. Already identified my new music room [emoji4].
eldarvanyar
27-06-2021, 08:19
Here’s my back garden , with many mature trees and a bit of a hill really
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210627/016995e31c208acaaa8ef817b326a67a.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Here’s my back garden , with many mature trees and a bit of a hill really
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210627/016995e31c208acaaa8ef817b326a67a.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
delightful :)
hifi_dave
28-06-2021, 20:53
Holy crap. You need a couple of Sherpas to help with that.
Don't forget, you environmentalists, to knock little holes in your fences to let the Hedgehogs roam. Also leave some water, or even a pond out for amphibians.
Otherwise your garden gets infested with the Hedgehog's favourite dinner, slugs and snails! Hedgehogs and Frogs and Blackbirds are the gardeners friends.
I have a relentless war with Slugs and Snails. Nothing like slug pellets for me, which might poison the birdies. I stomp them with my boot. :lol:
Happy with my Hanging Baskets this year in my small Urban Garden.
Get them off the ground.
The Pink ones were a surprise, but I like surprises.
29580
Don't forget, you environmentalists, to knock little holes in your fences to let the Hedgehogs roam. Also leave some water, or even a pond out for amphibians.
Otherwise your garden gets infested with the Hedgehog's favourite dinner, slugs and snails! Hedgehogs and Frogs are the gardeners friends.
I have a relentless war with Slugs and Snails. Nothing like slug pellets for me, which might poison the birdies. I stomp them with my boot. :lol:
Happy with my Hanging Baskets this year in my small Urban Garden.
Or get them off the ground.
The Pink ones were a surprise, but I like surprises.
29580
not had a hedgy for quite a while. got a pond and my goldies are still alive. toads galore too. the fish eat the spawn. slugs i get, although mostly on the bin. a bit of salt does for them. when i was gardening i used coffee grounds. they dont like it and the grounds give nitrogen into soil as a bonus.
Very dependant on circumstances.
I love having hedgehogs around, Fliss and I used to enjoy hearing them snuffling around our patio while we were having a glass or two on warm evenings (my word they can be noisy :))
Unfortunately, my previous Staffy tore a couple of them apart. I only realised when she came in one evening with cuts on her nose. So I had to block entrances which the hedgehogs used.
however, we are lucky enough to have Stag beetles in our area. Scared the hell out of me the first time one came rattling past me ( how the hell they remain airborne is a miracle ) - I'd never even heard of them before i first moved here from Hertfordshire :). So I have left tree stumps to rot on the edges of our plot for the Stag beetle larvae.
Never yet had any cherries from our trees as the birds have them first (mainly blackbirds, which I also have a soft spot for).
As I put in a previous post, this year I have left parts of the lawn uncut and have already seen more bees and a couple of slow worms (just hope that my puppy doesn't take an interest in them).
But yes you are correct Steve, not much point in having a garden if local wildlife doesn't visit and get fed.
I would often hear hedgehogs having a 'turf' war late at night with their (surprisingly loud) snuffling. But that was a few years ago and I haven't seen or heard one for a long time.
Very dependant on circumstances.
I love having hedgehogs around, Fliss and I used to enjoy hearing them snuffling around our patio while we were having a glass or two on warm evenings (my word they can be noisy :))
Unfortunately, my previous Staffy tore a couple of them apart. I only realised when she came in one evening with cuts on her nose. So I had to block entrances which the hedgehogs used.
however, we are lucky enough to have Stag beetles in our area. Scared the hell out of me the first time one came rattling past me ( how the hell they remain airborne is a miracle ) - I'd never even heard of them before i first moved here from Hertfordshire :). So I have left tree stumps to rot on the edges of our plot for the Stag beetle larvae.
Never yet had any cherries from our trees as the birds have them first (mainly blackbirds, which I also have a soft spot for).
As I put in a previous post, this year I have left parts of the lawn uncut and have already seen more bees and a couple of slow worms (just hope that my puppy doesn't take an interest in them).
But yes you are correct Steve, not much point in having a garden if local wildlife doesn't visit and get fed.
I haven't seen a hedgehog in years, though my mother always had us leaving a saucer of milk out for them at Night. Sounds like you have a garden full of interest.
But did you ban the Hedgehogs for THEIR safety or your Staffy's? It would be dumb for a well-fed Dog not to learn its lesson with sharp prickles in its nose... :lol:
Slow-worms are bizarre creatures. A 6" silver snake for the unitiated. A legless lizard AFAIK and very pretty. Lives in compost heaps. Let me assure you if your puppy (or some bird) picks one up, it's tail drops off and wriggles and looks a bit bloody, and probably gets eaten. The smarter front half crawls off quietly. It's not as bad as it looks. The slow-worm just grows another tail.
I never put anything more dangerous than dilute Fairy liquid on my plants. Kills the rotten aphids. Birdies all happy. We have tiny sparrows and coal tits this year up in the trees. Also feasting on Aphids. Bit short on Stag-Beetles, though my brother liked them.
I haven't seen a hedgehog in years, though my mother always had us leaving a saucer of milk out for them at Night. Sounds like you have a garden full of interest.
But did you ban the Hedgehogs for THEIR safety or your Staffy's? It would be dumb for a well-fed Dog not to learn its lesson with sharp prickles in its nose... :lol:
Slow-worms are bizarre creatures. A 6" silver snake for the unitiated. A legless lizard AFAIK and very pretty. Lives in compost heaps. Let me assure you if your puppy (or some bird) picks one up, it's tail drops off and wriggles and looks a bit bloody, and probably gets eaten. The smarter front half crawls off quietly. It's not as bad as it looks. The slow-worm just grows another tail.
I never put anything more dangerous than dilute Fairy liquid on my plants. Kills the rotten aphids. Birdies all happy. We have tiny sparrows and coal tits this year up in the trees. Also feasting on Aphids. Bit short on Stag-Beetles, though my brother liked them.
For the hedgehogs safety and my feelings :) My previous Staffie seemed totally unconcerned about her injuries (a Staffy trait I think). I was amazed that she had managed to kill them, I guess that she had rolled them on to their backs before going in for the kill. Really upsetting to find the remains.
Reassuring about the slow worm, I didn't know that.
On the aphid front, I have managed to get in early on my roses and seem to have pinched them off before too many appeared - not so successful on my blackcurrant bushes, two dead :(
My mum used to boil up rhubarb leaves and spray the liquor on aphids (oxalic acid I guess), although I don't fancy doing that.
I did try companion planting in one of my beds last year - French Marigolds seemed to keep it pretty much pest free, and they looked good too.
walpurgis
01-07-2021, 15:58
Well that's the grass cut again. It grew really fast after all the recent rain. Got a bit hot doing that! :)
the guys cut mine on tuesday..
walpurgis
01-07-2021, 16:09
Hedges to do next. Keep thinking about doing away with them.
Stripes are back for a day or so
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210701/40b62b5ec4d33e02a19081205f1b31e0.jpg
Truly nice thread this... I like Roy S's ferns. Have a couple myself in pots and am investigating where to plant them optimally.
Everyone I know wants to spray poisonous chemicals on the garden. I mistrust them for their effect on friendly wildlife. But my war with the bugs continues... :lol:
Here's a bit of detective work for you:
1) Where were the snails hiding that have been munching my hollyhock, and evading my boot?
29584
2) Why is the healthy Dahlia on the right so unaffected by aphids? The two on the left are all gnarled and struggling despite the Fairy liquid treatment.
29585
3) What is the front garden's most popular plant currently?
29583
Answer:
1) There were 20 of the blighters hiding in the cable TV boxes! Now in snail heaven.
2) It's the water-filled dish keeping the ants off the healthy one. The one without a dish is crawling with ants, and hence greenfly. My landlady is rustling up more dishes.
3) Bees having a great time with the lavender.
Bit of folklore for you. Always grow Rosemary by your gate, and Lavender by your front door. Keeps flies and evil spirits away...
I actually transferred my ferns from the garden to large pots last year and they’re doing much better.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210703/c5f4bea860e57c31c7783d6b2933ae58.jpg
they quite like alkali sandy soil. no peat. most should grow well anywhere.. put some fertilizer under the plant roots covered with a little soil and moistened. then to mulch when ground is moist.
"Lust for life":
Earlier this year I tidied up my cobnuts - pruned some 6 - 8' side branches off:
https://i.postimg.cc/3r6Y38yK/IMG-0438.jpg (https://postimg.cc/grvfDPq5)best filter for betta 10 gallon (https://bettafishcaretaker.com/filter)
Rather than chopping them up for mulch, I decided to make some obelisks to grow a couple of roses up and around:
https://i.postimg.cc/WbW9Bztn/IMG-0432.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ZCNF3T8B)
They have behaved as hardwood cuttings :) I quite like the effect, so will let them grow and see what happens:
https://i.postimg.cc/9QwBsB6m/IMG-0434.jpg (https://postimg.cc/YvkgWQ2Z)
Meanwhile, the tops of the "wigwam" work as holders for fat balls (various Tits, Robins and Blackbirds were benefitting, but Crows have moved in and take the whole ball :eek::
https://i.postimg.cc/d1srQRxT/IMG-0439.jpg (https://postimg.cc/p9Spqjx2)
And Daphne quite likes the obelisks too:
https://i.postimg.cc/FKZk6dHF/IMG-0436.jpg (https://postimg.cc/DWSzJzGR)
hifinutt
03-07-2021, 16:12
oooh my squirrels would love those fatballs in the wigwam !!
they quite like alkali sandy soil. no peat. most should grow well anywhere.. put some fertilizer under the plant roots covered with a little soil and moistened. then to mulch when ground is moist.
The Boston is thriving in J Arthur Bowers multi purpose compost whereas the Hart’s Tongue seems to like the moss I scraped off a driveway I used to pot it in.
The Boston is thriving in J Arthur Bowers multi purpose compost whereas the Hart’s Tongue seems to like the moss I scraped off a driveway I used to pot it in.
the boston will be ok in peat. i wouldnt with the hart. both like good drainage
walpurgis
04-07-2021, 12:24
I can't believe how fast the grass is growing, I only cut it Thursday and it needs doing again!
The back lawn is causing me worry...
Infested with those ground-hugging weeds called plantains. Which slightly spoil the bowling green look.
Think I'll just have to dig them out... any advice appreciated.
I remember this one from the South of France. Always watered it, and it did well.
https://i.postimg.cc/3r6Y38yK/IMG-0438.jpg (https://postimg.cc/grvfDPq5)
Staggering amount of wildlife in France. Not only tiny dormice, but some creature that eats nuts in the top of the fir trees, and of course, "Le Grand Duc".
The bird that makes everything else go quiet (even the small choufleur Owls) when it flies over in the dark. A Giant Owl.
Apparently in New Zealand a 1000 years ago there was an Eagle that could carry off us humans, so big was it. :eek:
yeah dig out if they are not too big. areate the lawn regularly and fertilize it. oh and water it regularly..good grass usually stops those. you can poison them, but best time is in autum. they are not to hard to beat but might take a few goes
Thanks, struth. Looks I will just have to dig them out. (Plantains) :)
Here, FWIW is my two (Hart's Tongue) ferns, Rescued from the coal hole next door.
They seem to dislike hot Sun. So still thinking about an ideal new home for them.
Curiously, Portsmouth Dockyard still has loads of these plant fossils in the dry docks. Clearly tolerate salt. :scratch:
29586
Thanks, struth. Looks I will just have to dig them out. (Plantains) :)
Here, FWIW is my two (Hart's Tongue) ferns, Rescued from the coal hole next door.
They seem to dislike hot Sun. So still thinking about an ideal new home for them.
Curiously, Portsmouth Dockyard still has loads of these plant fossils in the dry docks. Clearly tolerate salt. :scratch:
29586
yes ferns grow slightly under trees, so a little sun but slightly sheltered.. They like well drained rich homus in their sandy soil mostly. too much sun burns them. too little and they wont do well either. they like the light and sun sprinkling through tree branches.. not so important up here as its rarely much sun:D if in pots make sure the pot can drain
Here's how desperate things are on the back lawn. Flipping plantains taking over! :eek:
I have, having beaten the Snails, declared WAR on them too! Gonna take struths's advice and dig them up individually. We have Zero-Tolerance to Weeds. :lol:
29587
Portsmouth is extremely tolerant of the loveliness that is the Pink and Green colour combination. The unfortunately named Lavateria just grows like weeds here. But good weeds IMO.
29588
Roses work for me too. But, next door. Paul must have green fingers! But needs decluttering, IMO.
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yeah the lawn isnt exactly lush.. thats why they are out muscling the grass.. needs areating badly and fertilizer and grass seed; lots of water etc... or dig it up and put astroturf down. it works very well
The back lawn is causing me worry...
Infested with those ground-hugging weeds called plantains. Which slightly spoil the bowling green look.
Think I'll just have to dig them out... any advice appreciated.
I remember this one from the South of France. Always watered it, and it did well.
https://i.postimg.cc/3r6Y38yK/IMG-0438.jpg (https://postimg.cc/grvfDPq5)
Staggering amount of wildlife in France. Not only tiny dormice, but some creature that eats nuts in the top of the fir trees, and of course, "Le Grand Duc".
The bird that makes everything else go quiet (even the small choufleur Owls) when it flies over in the dark. A Giant Owl.
Apparently in New Zealand a 1000 years ago there was an Eagle that could carry off us humans, so big was it. :eek:
That looks like one of my cobnuts :lol:
Here's how desperate things are on the back lawn. Flipping plantains taking over! :eek:
I have, having beaten the Snails, declared WAR on them too! Gonna take struths's advice and dig them up individually. We have Zero-Tolerance to Weeds. :lol:
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Is your house relatively new? Looks like lawn has either a lot of builders rubble under it, or it needs treating like Grant suggested.
Quite an old House, AFAIK. Maybe 100-y-o.
But a desperate back Garden recently inherited. Anyhoo, have been busy mopping up the horrible Plantains.
Seem to have shallow roots, so not a huge problem, unlike the wretched Dandelions which go about a foot down.
Back Lawn looking much better almost immediately. In the course of my digging and weeding and mowing, I discovered a rare and delicate Fuchsia.
Will investigate ground conditions tomorrow with a ground fork. But Fuchsia now moved to front garden. We wish it well. :lol:
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Well the ferns are certainly enjoying the recent wet weather.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51309172704_27a94a20e1_o.jpg
walpurgis
14-07-2021, 18:00
Just cut the hedges. The electric clippers packed up, so I did the last 20% with secateurs, took a while, but I got it done! :)
Just cut the hedges. The electric clippers packed up, so I did the last 20% with secateurs, took a while, but I got it done! :)
Crikey, bit of a nightmare - any blisters?
walpurgis
14-07-2021, 19:30
Crikey, bit of a nightmare - any blisters?
No. I didn't really mind doing it.
I'll wait until August now and get some new clippers in the end of season sales..
All the recent rain combined with warm weather has made my vines grow like the clappers:
https://i.postimg.cc/wxF2nRpz/IMG-0453.jpg (https://postimg.cc/w3yDmvM4)https://i.postimg.cc/V6kgNzqp/IMG-0450.jpg (https://postimg.cc/1gbwChYr)
One brown bin full of clippings later (I had to climb in the bin and jump up and down a bit to get it all in)
https://i.postimg.cc/GpcJMb5t/IMG-0456.jpg (https://postimg.cc/hX5dvRgR)bb uploads (https://postimages.org/)https://i.postimg.cc/pLB1VcN9/IMG-0454.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dhL94BVv)
Also trimmed out a lot of the developing bunches of grapes as I want to be sure that puppy doesn't eat them (very bad for dogs):)
(one of my home brew Pilsners on the table to celebrate :cool:)
walpurgis
16-07-2021, 17:10
Well that's the grass cut again, only did it three weeks ago and it had grown about six inches. Had a bonfire too. Did the laundry and will now have to do more, as everything I was wearing pongs of bonfire now! :D
All the recent rain combined with warm weather has made my vines grow like the clappers:
https://i.postimg.cc/wxF2nRpz/IMG-0453.jpg (https://postimg.cc/w3yDmvM4)https://i.postimg.cc/V6kgNzqp/IMG-0450.jpg (https://postimg.cc/1gbwChYr)
One brown bin full of clippings later (I had to climb in the bin and jump up and down a bit to get it all in)
https://i.postimg.cc/GpcJMb5t/IMG-0456.jpg (https://postimg.cc/hX5dvRgR)bb uploads (https://postimages.org/)https://i.postimg.cc/pLB1VcN9/IMG-0454.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dhL94BVv)
Also trimmed out a lot of the developing bunches of grapes as I want to be sure that puppy doesn't eat them (very bad for dogs):)
(one of my home brew Pilsners on the table to celebrate :cool:)Vines are supa. I used to grow some but grapes even a good year never got big or sweet. Not hot enough
Well that's the grass cut again, only did it three weeks ago and it had grown about six inches. Had a bonfire too. Did the laundry and will now have to do more, as everything I was wearing pongs of bonfire now! :DMine is cut regular. Costs a fortune tho
Vines are supa. I used to grow some but grapes even a good year never got big or sweet. Not hot enough
I manage to grow and ripen the grapes here, taste nice and sweet but very small - seem to be mainly pips so hardly worth the bother of eating/spitting out :)
I tried making wine last year, but very thin even with added grape concentrate.
I love sitting under the dappled light of the vine on a sunny day though - I have also strung LED Christmas lights along the pergola struts so effect is very pretty (in my opinion ) at night.
walpurgis
17-07-2021, 07:16
Local greengrocer was selling Indian grapes a while back. They were smallish and a yellow/brown colour, but the flavour was amazing. I wouldn't mind growing some of those.
InThe Sticks
17-07-2021, 18:04
Veg garden getting there..
Asparagus, radishes and mangetout finished up, early potatoes nearly gone, just waiting on the sweetcorn, French beans, celery, onions and garlic now.
https://i.imgur.com/YdsCAWy.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tj36OFj.jpg
Planted some yellow courgettes, and am pleasantly surprised at the taste and sweetness of them.
Really nice shredded in a salad or in a stir fry or frittata.
https://i.imgur.com/zHRMuJw.jpg
San Marzano and Sungold tomatoes nearly ready as are the cucumbers (which will be pickled small for gherkins) and Basil.
The idea is to make a killer tomato sauce with the onions, garlic, celery, basil and toms.
https://i.imgur.com/dGC1ksG.jpg
Fortunately, and after a bit of work, the box hedge and lawn are back from the brink of death.
I think (know) that a lot of it was down to cats pissing on both, but since I’ve installed an ACME Catsoaker 3000 with pir sensor, things have improved no end..
https://i.imgur.com/aH6PhNQ.jpg
I just need to remember to stop walking within 10 feet of it :doh:
I love your garden Jon - lots of skill and hard work.
Did you have any/many aphids this year? I have had two cucumber plants in the greenhouse infested with black ones (moved them outside and keeping an eye on the clean one)
hifi_dave
18-07-2021, 15:48
What do you lads consider to be the best weed killer ?
I have used Roundup Ultra for years but it doesn't even touch Ivy, let alone kill it and it takes around 3 - 4 weeks to kill weeds. I often spray the same weed twice or three times because they look so healthy before they eventually die.
InThe Sticks
18-07-2021, 18:23
I love your garden Jon - lots of skill and hard work.
Did you have any/many aphids this year? I have had two cucumber plants in the greenhouse infested with black ones (moved them outside and keeping an eye on the clean one)
Thank you.
It's more luck than anything, that and fertile soil.
Cant say I've seen a single aphid this year or any other for that matter.
Lets hope it stays that way.
InThe Sticks
18-07-2021, 18:26
What do you lads consider to be the best weed killer ?
I have used Roundup Ultra for years but it doesn't even touch Ivy, let alone kill it and it takes around 3 - 4 weeks to kill weeds. I often spray the same weed twice or three times because they look so healthy before they eventually die.
I use Roundup and it murders pretty much anything its sprayed on, although I haven't used it on ivy.
The only way to kill ivy imo is dig it up at source.
walpurgis
18-07-2021, 18:43
I've had no bother killing ivy with regular weedkillers. They nearly all contain Glyphosate. It takes about three weeks to start working after application, until then the ivy looks healthy, then suddenly starts going brown. Just use it as per instructions and don't overdilute it if using concentrate.
...........
Cant say I've seen a single aphid this year or any other for that matter.
Lets hope it stays that way.
Worst I have had, ever - need a few hundred ladybirds :)
hifinutt
23-07-2021, 21:19
We have vines like guy but not quite so big , we were away for a week and I reckon they grew 2 foot in that week !
We have been known to employ weedkiller on paved or brick areas, but mostly you just pull up weeds or use that wire-brush thingie on a pole to destroy them. Nothing hard about chopping brickwork-destroying Ivy off at the roots either. Kills it stone-dead.
I am extremely reticent about insecticides. Occasionally needed when aphids and their ant friends destroy my plants, and leading shoots and Dahlia flower buds. But try to keep them away from blooms and the bees
Snails have no human-rights in my Garden. I seek out their hiding places and crush them with my boot! Hardly less humane than slug-pellets. And the Blackbirds and Thrushes, who are partial to a snail, avoid eating poison that way.
Anywhoo, a proud moment when I made Google Streetview, and yes, that is me inspecting our bumper 2020 plum crop:
https://www.google.com/maps/@50.7899424,-1.0897904,3a,90y,295.6h,86.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6571h3banStCxgejh0eEbw!2e0!7i1 6384!8i8192
This must be August 2020 with various clues on blooming times. I have severely decluttered the Garden now. See below.
Hanging baskets and Hollyhocks going a good 'un. Annual Lavateria putting on a show. Annual Lavateria is one of the few plants that keeps going until October. Highly recommended.
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All the recent rain combined with warm weather has made my vines grow like the clappers:
https://i.postimg.cc/wxF2nRpz/IMG-0453.jpg (https://postimg.cc/w3yDmvM4)https://i.postimg.cc/V6kgNzqp/IMG-0450.jpg (https://postimg.cc/1gbwChYr)
One brown bin full of clippings later (I had to climb in the bin and jump up and down a bit to get it all in)
https://i.postimg.cc/GpcJMb5t/IMG-0456.jpg (https://postimg.cc/hX5dvRgR)bb uploads (https://postimages.org/)https://i.postimg.cc/pLB1VcN9/IMG-0454.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dhL94BVv)
Also trimmed out a lot of the developing bunches of grapes as I want to be sure that puppy doesn't eat them (very bad for dogs):)
(one of my home brew Pilsners on the table to celebrate :cool:)
That's a very nice space, Guy (with the pergola), and almost continental!:respect:
I could spend a long time just sitting there and enjoying the surroundings, sipping a nice red or glass of fizz (beer, too), which I'm sure (Fiss? Spelling, sorry) and you do, as well as enjoying some nice meals.
For me, a home's not a home without an attractive and functional outdoor space - and somewhere to chill and 'escape' to when life becomes hectic, or rather difficult, as it did during the lockdowns with Covid. I just couldn't do with always being cooped up inside.
I'd have gone cuckoo/doolally if I'd been 'imprisoned' in a flat for all that time!!:mental:
So what are your plans for the vines - producing some Chateau de Guy [pronounced 'ghee'] Blanc, Grand Cuvée?;)
Marco.
A few of the tomatoes and cucumbers in one of the polytunnels:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/6EwA1G.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/tgphHm.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/I8EnoW.jpg
A few strawberries starting to appear (although one has been nibbled by something, lol):
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/JbyXmM.jpg
An assortment of flowery things at the side of the house and elsewhere:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/NpsNvC.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/qIvGCk.jpg
Some fresh herbs in pots... Marjoram (top pot), then below, lemon verbena, which is growing among some foxgloves:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/onnfnM.jpg
Bay leaf:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/FgmcPK.jpg
Spearmint and garlic chives:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/MX5Pwc.jpg
Little box at the front door:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/xaUTjx.jpg
Apologies for the 'white stuff' beside the tiles, which is ant powder, as we were getting some of the little buggers coming into the house!
Some of the mature trees we have around, with produce in front (squashes and sweetcorn), and summerhouse at the rear:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/69kN6x.jpg
Overview of the lawn, which unfortunately is looking rather dry:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/wxIJUk.jpg
From the opposite end, showing the gates to the old estate (Acton Hall):
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/vW3qwF.jpg
More squashes, courgettes and baby sweetcorn:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/neIzz0.jpg
Some sage, rosemary and other bits:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/P0waZc.jpg
Our main rosemary plant:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/T5imL9.jpg
Some gherkins and cucumbers:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/UqDK9O.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/c5Cm2S.jpg
Some edible flowers, which I believe are Nasturtiums:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/r1gPFv.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/cs1lK4.jpg
Some more courgettes (different varieties):
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/SPojwM.jpg
'Ball'-type courgette:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/C7MhuR.jpg
Disco/scallop squash:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/k32Cme.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/ijgFM4.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/UFTmsP.jpg
Some more corn:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/xqKUij.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/1gG4hZ.jpg
You can see some of the shoots starting to grow:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/LNmfIl.jpg
Some raspberries:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/Ubwwxo.jpg
And some grasses in pots, in the backyard, beside our al fresco dining area [Del's shoved in some solar-powered lights, which glow in different colours at night. She likes it 'spangly', lol]:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/oIa9lR.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/9c9rGv.jpg
Not a bad start, and nice to be able to enjoy your own (free) produce... There'll be a LOT more stuff next year!
:cool:
Marco.
dave2010
26-07-2021, 06:04
Looks good. How big are the poly tunnels?
We have a sort of poly "greenhouse" - really not used at present - tried to use to germinate some seeds, but things didn't work out.
Currently have raspberries and strawberries , and a few hanging baskets with tomatoes.
Maybe we'll get the garden sorted out one year .....
Cheers, Dave. There are two of them, at 2 x 3m each, almost joined together, but with a small gap in between, so she can access both easily, and are situated at the rear of the property.
The back of our garden's as big as the front, but there's no grass... Room for about a dozen cars, though!:D
We don't like the look of greenhouses, and with all that glass can be problematic. With the polys, you can move them around too, if you want. Essentially, they're like big tents!:)
Marco.
Very nice mate. and well done to Del for all the hard work. A nice singleton red valarian in the rosemary too.. lots of cucs and toms; were they beef toms i saw or are they a heratige wild variety.
Cheers, mate. She's been working her little socks off! She loves 'playing', as she calls it, in HER (note it's hers, not ours, lol) garden!:D
The toms in question are Black Russian: https://marshallsgarden.com/products/tomato-black-russian-f1-seeds-10202483?variant=32662824353843¤cy=GBP&ds_rl=1278790&ds_rl=1284267&ds_rl=1278790&ds_rl=1284267&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz7nwqL6A8gIVQq-GCh1ZIQhcEAQYBCABEgKOivD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
There are quite a few types in there, including San Marzano, for making pasta sauce, but they've been a bit later in developing, as they were planted later.
Marco.
For those interested, info now updated on produce that was unknown to me, so scroll back to see:)
Marco.
A Clematis in our backyard/al fresco dining area, which flowered last month, so unfortunately not much colour:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/Ethc7w.jpg
Some more of our herbs... Orange thyme:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/x3p2Aa.jpg
Broadleaf thyme:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/xQ7lkP.jpg
Doone Valley Thyme:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/SkWLa3.jpg
'Country Cream' oregano:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/JQQGMQ.jpg
Hot & Spicy oregano:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/LgZEdS.jpg
Oh, and a cat....
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/MZM3AO.jpg
:D
Marco.
That's a very nice space, Guy (with the pergola), and almost continental!:respect:
I could spend a long time just sitting there and enjoying the surroundings, sipping a nice red or glass of fizz (beer, too), which I'm sure (Fiss? Spelling, sorry) and you do, as well as enjoying some nice meals.
For me, a home's not a home without an attractive and functional outdoor space - and somewhere to chill and 'escape' to when life becomes hectic, or rather difficult, as it did during the lockdowns with Covid. I just couldn't do with always being cooped up inside.
I'd have gone cuckoo/doolally if I'd been 'imprisoned' in a flat for all that time!!:mental:
So what are your plans for the vines - producing some Chateau de Guy [pronounced 'ghee'] Blanc, Grand Cuvée?;)
Marco.
Cheers Marco. "Fliss" is correct - actual name Felicity (one of my mates tried "Flic" years ago, they only did that once :lol:).
In my opinion, you are spot on about the garden being an important part of the home. We also felt for people living in flats during the lockdowns, particularly if they have children.
The last year or two the garden has been a very enjoyable refuge for me.
We helped our eldest with her recent house purchase as I wanted any grandchildren to have a garden where they could play in safety (there goes my bolt hole in Normandy for the moment :))
We have two pergolas, the slightly larger for eating out/entertaining where possible (We have a "Kadai" https://www.kadai.co.uk for cooking or just sitting around in the evening), the smaller is a sun trap. I made them both with timber from a local woodyard about fifteen to twenty years ago, I was so pleased with the smaller one that I made the second. Very proud of them, it is surprising how having an open framework "defines the space" and makes sitting outside more desirable
photo taken just now (weather very pleasant; just as I was taking shot, Fliss was coming out to have a coffee and lemon drizzle cake but didn't want to be "in shot")
https://i.postimg.cc/rFsyZ5RX/IMG-0520.jpg (https://postimg.cc/XpM0pGgQ)
The lavender just cost me £240, indirectly, as puppy was stung on her lip by one of the bees that she was bothering :( hopefully she will learn from it.
I tried making some red wine with last years crop, but it turned out very thin and not very drinkable - ended up pouring twelve bottles down the drain. It makes more sense just to enjoy seeing the grapes and eating them, despite the large pip to flesh ratio, at least being outside I can just spit out the pips :)
By the way Marco - very impressed with your fruit and veg lots of work involved there, but the payback in terms of both mental wellbeing and taste of homegrown fruit and veg definitely worth it.
I must admit to being slightly envious of your success with the cucumber and tomatoes - mine have been hit by blackly this year and survival very touch and go, in fact I think that I will be taking the tomato plants to the "brown bin" this evening :(
once blackfly have a grip of plant its doomed alas. you gotta get em early.. chives are a good plant to deter them. think nasturshiums are good as well although not tried them. best to burn them
Cheers Marco. "Fliss" is correct - actual name Felicity (one of my mates tried "Flic" years ago, they only did that once :lol:).
Hahaha... Some folk presume that my wife, who's known as 'Del' (sort of short for her name of Dolores), but it really means 'little pretty' in Welsh, as she's half welsh, and so they think of 'Del Boy', in Only Fools & Horses, and therefore presume she's some sort of tomboy, lol!
Then when they meet her, they discover something a little different:eyebrows:;)
In my opinion, you are spot on about the garden being an important part of the home. We also felt for people living in flats during the lockdowns, particularly if they have children.
The last year or two the garden has been a very enjoyable refuge for me.
We helped our eldest with her recent house purchase as I wanted any grandchildren to have a garden where they could play in safety (there goes my bolt hole in Normandy for the moment :))
Good stuff on the last one - what life's all about, mate.
In terms of the former, I of course completely agree. I doubt I'd have survived with my mental health still intact if I'd lived in a flat during the lockdowns, as I'm just so used to having a private outdoor space to enjoy, not only with Del, but numerous friends and family, so to be forced into a 'glorified cell' like that would simply be unbearable.
We have two pergolas, the slightly larger for eating out/entertaining where possible (We have a "Kadai" https://www.kadai.co.uk for cooking or just sitting around in the evening), the smaller is a sun trap. I made them both with timber from a local woodyard about fifteen to twenty years ago, I was so pleased with the smaller one that I made the second. Very proud of them, it is surprising how having an open framework "defines the space" and makes sitting outside more desirable
Yup, very nice indeed. Top work!:thumbsup:;
It's the 'small details', which personalise it for you and maximise enjoyment of the space, and that truly makes a garden.
photo taken just now (weather very pleasant; just as I was taking shot, Fliss was coming out to have a coffee and lemon drizzle cake but didn't want to be "in shot")
Sounds very civilised! I applaud that:)
The lavender just cost me £240, indirectly, as puppy was stung on her lip by one of the bees that she was bothering :( hopefully she will learn from it.
Indeed, and it looks very nice.
I tried making some red wine with last years crop, but it turned out very thin and not very drinkable - ended up pouring twelve bottles down the drain. It makes more sense just to enjoy seeing the grapes and eating them, despite the large pip to flesh ratio, at least being outside I can just spit out the pips :)
Lol - I'm not surprised with red wine, which is virtually impossible to make to any decent level in the UK. If you have a warm enough climate, then quality white wine and 'English sparkling wine', using the same grapes for producing Champagne (although it can't be called such) is certainly possible.
However, to do it properly takes considerable knowledge, experience and effort! If it works though, the rewards can be superb!
Marco.
By the way Marco - very impressed with your fruit and veg lots of work involved there, but the payback in terms of both mental wellbeing and taste of homegrown fruit and veg definitely worth it.
Cheers, however I can take little credit for it, as the princess did it all! Including making little 'frames', tied together out of sticks, for produce to cling to and group up, which you'll notice in the pics if you look closely. All I did was help her lug some heavy stuff around (as she's only little), and I water everything.
I must admit to being slightly envious of your success with the cucumber and tomatoes - mine have been hit by blackly this year and survival very touch and go, in fact I think that I will be taking the tomato plants to the "brown bin" this evening :(
That's shame... Erect some polytunnels - they've made all the difference here, as they control the temperature of the environment very well, and you can get them as big or bigger than any greenhouse!:)
Marco.
having my front hedges and bushes chopped.. let some light in again. already its nice and bright again.
Good stuff, mate. The fresh air and exercise will do you good! Just be *careful* not to fall!
What do you think, btw, of 'Del' meaning 'little pretty' in Welsh? Bet you didn't know that:) Possibly appropriate, lol...
It's so funny when folks who haven't met her think of 'Del boy' and expect a 'ladette', in a boiler suit or something, to great them when they visit!:D
Marco.
Good stuff, mate. The fresh air and exercise will do you good! Just be *careful* not to fall!
What do you think, btw, of 'Del' meaning 'little pretty' in Welsh? Bet you didn't know that:) Possibly appropriate, lol...
It's so funny when folks who haven't met her think of 'Del boy' and expect a 'ladette', in a boiler suit or something, to great them when they visit!:D
Marco.
she's no lad lol.. its a mexican or spanish name originally apparently (dolores). forgot what it means in spanish but not that. it was imported to uk in 18/19th c apparently.. its a nice name; i like it. she is only person ive known who have it.
and im not doing the hedge, a mate of my son is. i cant do diddly squat now
she's no lad lol.. its a mexican or spanish name originally apparently (dolores). forgot what it means in spanish but not that. it was imported to uk in 18/19th c apparently.. its a nice name; i like it. she is only person ive known who have it.
and im not doing the hedge, a mate of my son is. i cant do diddly squat now
Ah I see, no worries. I'm sure things will look better now, though:)
Yes, you're right on the origins of Del's name. It's also very Catholic, again which is appropriate given our religion, and as I've said before (as Del told me herself), if her and I hadn't met, she'd likely have become a nun!
She certainly knows plenty and is friendly with them. The reason she said that of course is that she's VERY fussy and choosy about men, and rather miraculously I passed the test!:confused::D
However, given her, shall we call it, 'feisty and adventurous' nature, and with more than a passing penchant for naughtiness:eyebrows: it would be hard to imagine her as 'Sister Dolores'!:eek:;)
Although, as you once said, there are quite a few pretty nuns out there...
Marco.
The ferns tonight
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51337022811_28bc3de5a4_o.jpg
Nice, Roy. You gonna kneel down among them and do a David Bellamy impression?:D
Marco.
Nice, Roy. You gonna kneel down among them and do a David Bellamy impression?:D
Marco.
Parting the bush as it were? :D
Well, there are worse things a chap could do:eyebrows:
Marco.
So with bushes and hedges cut and today grass cut.
Things are a bit neater. Hedges were nearing the height of roses lol and the ivy was setting off the car sensors.
Not up to the standards here but it's tidier. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210727/fb7a7cccc4c7bbaa51d52305b1a3fec1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210727/d1f962ea8563f50fca451d96a1eb03eb.jpg
Looks tidy, mate! They've done a good job:)
Princess says she could happily sunbathe there in her bikini, but your neighbours might not approve!:stalks::D
Marco.
Looks tidy, mate! They've done a good job:)
Princess says she could happily sunbathe there in her bikini, but your neighbours might not approve!:stalks::D
Marco.
lol, its a mess but a tidier messs than before. there was no light getting in my window i struggled to see out. and no, princess wouldnt get much sun as its north facing, one other reason why it can be dark. back garden is a sun trap tho; it needs some work too.. getting overgrown again.
none of it would be a mess if i was able as i kept it perfect.... it depresses me to see it now
InThe Sticks
29-07-2021, 18:44
Cucumber/Triffid plants have gone ballistic this year and have taken over the greenhouse.
The Basil plants aren’t too shabby either..
https://i.imgur.com/fuBqDM4.jpg
Fortunately they’re providing many many pickles, I have two jars already full..
https://i.imgur.com/zgmRvNo.jpg
Also the fine weather has given a boost to my San Marzano plum and Sun Gold toms, which at this rate are going to be rather sizeable..
https://i.imgur.com/Ng1NxLD.jpg
Sweetcorn and French beans are getting there, and stand at 7ft+ tall..
https://i.imgur.com/0JiFbbI.jpg
Some onions and shallots are ready, and some are still in the ground.
Most of the garlic is hanging in the shed, ready to add to the toms, celery, basil and onions/shallots to make a decent fully home grown tomato sauce..
https://i.imgur.com/xBNKR6G.jpg
I’ve never really bothered with the Black currant plants, but my mother asked me pick the fruit and she’d rustle something up..
https://i.imgur.com/M3uF3n2.jpg
This is what she made, and made superbly..
https://i.imgur.com/wJ8Ue0g.jpg
That jam, coupled with blue Stilton on a sourdough cracker is just simply out of this world.
After a few of those I’m not sure whether to sleep or run a few marathons, they’re pretty rich to say the least.
InThe Sticks
04-08-2021, 19:19
Sat in the garden this afternoon with a rather agreeable bottle of Chablis and watched one particularly busy solitary bee line her nest in my hose reel..
Time after time she appeared with some huge leaves and proceeded to gnaw them down to the perfect size
Apologies for the poor phone pics
https://i.imgur.com/GFyz4zZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YT3HXeG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Oe7RIyC.jpg
And she’s back to do it all again..
https://i.imgur.com/EBWoVi9.jpg
It certainly beats sitting in front of the TV.
Brilliant - excellent way to spend some time :cool:
walpurgis
06-08-2021, 07:37
Looks like the end of season sales are starting. I'll be looking for a hedge clipper bargain, as mine packed up. :)
InThe Sticks
10-08-2021, 20:03
A few bits plucked from the garden today..
https://i.imgur.com/Z7PXGds.jpg
The French beans should see me through to next year at the very least.
I picked at least half a carrier bag of them yesterday and yet they still come.
I seem to have far more garlic than I’d thought I’d grown, so i lobbed some into a pot of Verdemanda extra virgin olive oil and cooked for half an hour, then cooled and added some of last years dried chillies and some rosemary from the garden.
https://i.imgur.com/KmeSZcM.jpg
The oil should make a nice dressing and I’ll add the garlic to a tomato sauce when the toms are a bit more abundant.
Cut the grass, reintroduced the division between the lawn and the beds ;) & tidied up a bit. Looks like rhododendron might flower again?
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51396467817_b79d8a3a14_o.jpg
Very tidy, Roy, and just enough room there for a hot-tub!:eyebrows:
Marco.
Very tidy, Roy, and just enough room there for a hot-tub!:eyebrows:
Marco.
Thanks Marco.
If I was to splash out (see what I did there?) on a hot tub it would be for my lady friend's new gaff, there's already a base there for one near power and plumbing, just needs a gazebo over it.
Once used one in Scotland, up there in Montrose. Lovely while you were in the tub but I've never been so cold when I got out! Soon warmed up by a nice bit of pie from a butchers in Aberfoyle and a few single malts.
Lol, nice one... Ladies love a hot tub, Roy-boy. Del and her pals will be enjoying theirs at her sleepover party this weekend. A gang of young girlies in bikinis, pissed on Prosecco inside a hot-tub... What could possibly go wrong?:D:eyebrows:
Aberfoyle's a cool little place - you've painted a nice picture of it... So is Callander. Remember I mentioned it and the Roman Camp Hotel?:)
Marco.
Lol, nice one... Ladies love a hot tub, Roy-boy. Del and her pals will be enjoying theirs at her sleepover party this weekend. A gang of young girlies in bikinis, pissed on Prosecco inside a hot-tub... What could possibly go wrong?:D:eyebrows:
Aberfoyle's a cool little place - you've painted a nice picture of it... So is Callander. Remember I mentioned it and the Roman Camp Hotel?:)
Marco.
I liked Aberfoyle & Callander
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51399169315_ca97e82387_o.jpg
Like Scotland in general really, shame it's so bloody cold!
Apologies, can't recall the Roman Camp Hotel?
Lol - it was somewhere I was recommending you to try with your lady friend, for a special occasion, next time you're visiting Callander: https://www.romancamphotel.co.uk/
The rooms are lovely (very cosy and romantic) and the food is superb. Would make for a nice weekend break:)
Marco.
Lol - it was somewhere I was recommending you to try with your lady friend, for a special occasion, next time you're visiting Callander: https://www.romancamphotel.co.uk/
The rooms are lovely (very cosy and romantic) and the food is superb. Would make for a nice weekend break:)
Marco.
Thanks for that. We must start getting away more often now things are back to 'normal'.
It's a bit difficult for her indoors at the moment whilst she's project managing a whole raft of tradesmen at her new place.
Fella made a fabulous job of the new wardrobes
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51397435257_1c9b6ece9a_o.jpg
Yeah, I get that, mate. Defo remember it though, if you're going up that way, as I think you'd love it - and the selection of malts in the bar is legendary!:eyebrows:
Wardrobes are looking good! So where are YOUR clothes going to go?:D;)
Marco.
Yeah, I get that, mate. Defo remember it though, if you're going up that way, as I think you'd love it - and the selection of malts in the bar is legendary!:eyebrows:
Wardrobes are looking good! So where are YOUR clothes going to go?:D;)
Marco.
Many a true word...
There'll just about be room for a sweat band & briefs, my usual attire...
Lol... Del's the same. Hence why she needs a separate dressing room all to herself!:doh:
Marco.
walpurgis
24-08-2021, 07:08
It'll be bonfire day if I can find the time later. Gave the porch a lick of paint yesterday, looks better. Got to reseal the front downstairs window frames and repaint the ledges yet, need it done before winter. Then my side of nextdoor's fence needs wood treatment to avoid rotting. And the grass needs cutting again!
So... Del's growing some ornamental gourds, for Halloween. She loves Halloween, and wants to make it really fun this year, as last year it was cancelled by Covid. For those who don't know what Ornamental Gourds are: https://www.google.com/search?q=ornamental+gourds&rlz=1C1RFPM_enGB708GB709&sxsrf=AOaemvJVYymgg0aUt3gE21icr2CPfKEElQ:163084877 7602&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj8yciQ-efyAhWCnVwKHWejBjsQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1280&bih=577
Inedible, but they look great made into different shapes with some pumpkins, and with Del being rather creative, I can imagine the display outside our door this year will look fab!:)
Anyway... Some of the buggers are getting big now, and therefore heavy, so are prone to sagging and touching the ground, which you don't want, or they'll rot. So, what was her solution? Recycle her old tights and use them as 'hammocks', to keep the gourds upright...
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/qvE1ql.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/uEuIyL.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/HohMb2.jpg
Think it works quite well!:D
She's off her nut, lol... However, I'd say that the tights were nicer housing her legs than the gourds!:eyebrows:
Marco.
So... Del's growing some ornamental gourds, for Halloween. She loves Halloween, and wants to make it really fun this year, as last year it was cancelled by Covid. For those who don't know what Ornamental Gourds are: https://www.google.com/search?q=ornamental+gourds&rlz=1C1RFPM_enGB708GB709&sxsrf=AOaemvJVYymgg0aUt3gE21icr2CPfKEElQ:163084877 7602&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj8yciQ-efyAhWCnVwKHWejBjsQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1280&bih=577
Inedible, but they look great made into different shapes with some pumpkins, and with Del being rather creative, I can imagine the display outside our door this year will look fab!:)
Anyway... Some of the buggers are getting big now, and therefore heavy, so are prone to sagging and touching the ground, which you don't want, or they'll rot. So, what was her solution? Recycle her old tights and use them as 'hammocks', to keep the gourds upright...
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/qvE1ql.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/uEuIyL.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/HohMb2.jpg
Think it works quite well!:D
She's off her nut, lol... However, I'd say that the tights were nicer housing her legs than the gourds!:eyebrows:
Marco.
very good... tights are great for storing onions as well.
Lol - indeed.. Next she'll be recycling her knickers, into what I don't know... A hammock?:lol:
I'll tell her you said that, not me!:eek::D
Good job 'grannies' are fashionable;)
Marco.
Use an old bra - could do two at a time :lol:
Lol... Are you inferring that she's 'amply bosomed''?:eek::D
Granty will slap you for being so familiar towards his niece;)
Marco.
Lol... Are you inferring that she's 'amply bosomed'?:eek::D
Granty will slap you for being so familiar towards his niece;)
Marco.
apologies, actually I was thinking of yours :rofl::rofl:
Heh-heh... I'm rather proud of my voluptuous puppies, but I'm positively flat-chested compared with Granty, the puppie-meister himself!:D
...let alone Del, lol.
Marco.
Some rainbow corn on the cob we've just picked from the garden:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/14dZaF.jpg
It not only looks nice, but tastes great!:)
Marco.
interesting .not seen those before.
I know, neither had I, until now! All grown from seed (from the variety 'Fiesta') - and there's a stack more:)
Educate yourself here, lol: https://dengarden.com/gardening/beautiful-glass-gem-corn
Marco.
I know, neither had I, until now! All grown from seed (from the variety 'Fiesta') - and there's a stack more:)
Educate yourself here, lol: https://dengarden.com/gardening/beautiful-glass-gem-corn
Marco.
i ve never grown corn.. doubt its warm enough here tbh and season short here too.
well done to princess..
No worries, mate. She's worked hard on it. Here's some more, growing in their husks:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/zFRYOf.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/F9jGTc.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/WvufaI.jpg
Some Borlotti beans:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/HoAA1x.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/Mk2UV6.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/XzNOIX.jpg
Del's Ornamental Gourds are coming along nicely, and should be ready for Halloween, for her to decorate [she's rather excited about that, lol]:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/J7AK4J.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/LQ3oO2.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/RBTuIl.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/KFVQO7.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/2HBdvS.jpg
This one seems to be thriving inside her old tights, lol:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/wG7eCp.jpg
Some nice courgette flowers, which we'll be frying up in batter for tea later:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/5aqHyW.jpg
And lastly, a couple of nice big cucumbers, picked earlier:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/nEg3DE.jpg
...but which have miraculously 'disappeared' :eyebrows:;)
Marco.
the girl has green fingers.. bravo..
Cheers, mate. I guess you could say she has a varied array of talents, lol...;)
She's still out there now playing (planting more stuff) in her pink wellies. I'll be getting the call shortly: 'WANT a foot rub, a hot bath running and a glass of Prosecco!':D
Marco.
P.S I wonder what happened to the cucumbers?:eyebrows:
Cheers, mate. I guess you could say she has a varied array of talents, lol...;)
She's still out there now playing (planting more stuff) in her pink wellies. I'll be getting the call shortly: 'WANT a foot rub, a hot bath running and a glass of Prosecco!':D
Marco.
P.S I wonder what happened to the cucumbers?:eyebrows:
the girls had em...;) cuc sarnies:ner:
Of course, why didn't I think of that:doh: That's exactly what would've happened - Sophie and Becca LOVE their greens!:lol:
Marco.
Fab vegetables - my kids love sweetcorn, the rainbow ones are amazing!
hifi_dave
19-09-2021, 10:01
What do I do with my Garlic ?
I planted cloves, back in the Spring. They grew really well but nothing appeared above ground as do Onions, just a lot of greenery. I dug one up and it is tiny, so do I abandon them or do they over-winter and ready next year ?
see if they grow better next year i guess. they often grow the cloves right at last month. some should be planted in spring but most in uk are planted just before beginning of winter. they dont like heavy or wet ground.
What do I do with my Garlic ?
I planted cloves, back in the Spring. They grew really well but nothing appeared above ground as do Onions, just a lot of greenery. I dug one up and it is tiny, so do I abandon them or do they over-winter and ready next year ?
Have a read here, Dave: https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-garlic/
Noting this in particular: "Whichever way you decide to grow garlic, always buy bulbs at the garden centre or order from a seed supplier – don’t use bulbs from the supermarket. Break up the bulbs into separate cloves and plant the large ones with the fat end downwards and the pointy end 2.5cm below the soil surface. Harvest from July onwards, once the top growth has begun to die back. Leave the bulbs to dry in the sun for a few days before storing."
I presume the bulbs you used weren't 'supermarket specials'? If so that's your issue right there. Otherwise, follow the advice given:)
Marco.
InThe Sticks
19-09-2021, 19:50
Dave I posted this months ago..
Supermarket, but organic bulbs.
There’s a chance the non organic ones will not be fit for growing (I think they get sprayed with something to stop the shoots appearing after a while).
https://i.imgur.com/IY0dedt.jpg
Mine have done well this year, and my good god the flavour is intense.
As a side note, the fucking adverts on this site remind me why I don't visit often.
Become an AoS Supporter, like Dave (see the badge under his name) and you won't get any!;)
Or use an ad blocker (Google Chrome has one built in). The revenue from ads helps towards the site's running costs.
Marco.
hifi_dave
20-09-2021, 09:53
Have a read here, Dave: https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-garlic/
Noting this in particular: "Whichever way you decide to grow garlic, always buy bulbs at the garden centre or order from a seed supplier – don’t use bulbs from the supermarket. Break up the bulbs into separate cloves and plant the large ones with the fat end downwards and the pointy end 2.5cm below the soil surface. Harvest from July onwards, once the top growth has begun to die back. Leave the bulbs to dry in the sun for a few days before storing."
I presume the bulbs you used weren't 'supermarket specials'? If so that's your issue right there. Otherwise, follow the advice given:)
Marco.
Thanks for the link.
I did use Supermarket, organic bulbs broken up into cloves. The above ground growth was impressive but the bulb I have dug up is very small.
Nothing I can do now but see if they get through the Winter. One problem is that our soil is clay, so that plus the lack of Sun through this year isn't ideal for Garlic.
hifi_dave
20-09-2021, 09:55
Dave I posted this months ago..
https://i.imgur.com/IY0dedt.jpg
Mine have done well this year, and my good god the flavour is intense.
As a side note, the fucking adverts on this site remind me why I don't visit often.
That's what I saw which prompted me to plant Organic cloves. I'm thinking it's my heavy clay soil, frequent rain and lack of Sun which has stunted growth..
Lines going across for a change
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210920/43f979b7869f51d52b1f37c48cdf8354.jpg
Good work Roy, have to have lines on my lawn, I did diagonal a couple of weeks ago. Had a circular lawn in last house, doing a spiral was fun! I need to get in more!
I'm thinking it's my heavy clay soil, frequent rain and lack of Sun which has stunted growth..
I'm thinking that too... Not a create combo for growing stuff, is it?;)
Doubt it would matter how good the bulbs were - any are going to struggle developing in that environment. See here: https://www.thompson-morgan.com/how-to-grow-garlic ...noting:
"Garlic bulbs prefer light, nutrient-rich soil and they don't tolerate water-logging, so dig in plenty of organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure or recycled green waste before planting. ... Plant each clove just below the surface of the soil (about 2.5cm deep) with the pointed end facing up."
...and perhaps plant them in an area of you garden that gets more sun - one to bear in mind for next year:)
Marco.
Lines going across for a change
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210920/43f979b7869f51d52b1f37c48cdf8354.jpg
Nice one, Royster. Lawn's looking good! Maybe it now needs 'framed' by a bit of colour, in terms of plants around the borders?:)
Marco.
Good work Roy, have to have lines on my lawn, I did diagonal a couple of weeks ago. Had a circular lawn in last house, doing a spiral was fun! I need to get in more!
Stripes on lawns are the work of the Devil - it's contrary to Nature.
Throw away the lawn mower and get yourself a sheep. Or do what I do, and have my minions out on their hands and knees cutting the grass with nail scissors. ;)
Nice one, Royster. Lawn's looking good! Maybe it now needs 'framed' by a bit of colour, in terms of plants around the borders?:)
Marco.
I always intend to get some bedding plants (is that what they’re called?) but for whatever reason never get around to it). Maybe next year.
Yeah, cool. Do you have a decent garden centre near you. Always best to examine plants up close, physically, and if necessary take the advice of knowledgeable staff, who can advise you of when to plant what, when, and where best to put it:)
Marco.
Yeah, cool. Do you have a decent garden centre near you. Always best to examine plants up close, physically, and if necessary take the advice of knowledgeable staff, who can advise you of when to plant what, when, and where best to put it:)
Marco.
This one used to be a wyvale, much improved since it changed & they do a decent breakfast [emoji846]
https://britishgardencentres.com/upminster-garden-centre/#
There you go, sorted!;)
If you go along, there might be some stuff you can plant that flowers throughout the winter, then you'll have a head start for next year:cool:
A wee day out, and breaky, perhaps?
Marco.
A wee day out, and breaky, perhaps?
.
Definitely sounds like a plan [emoji106]
Fig has done well this year, and surprisingly (given the recent lack of sunshine) some of the figs are ripening - first time in about eight years :)
https://i.postimg.cc/xCWLnyQm/IMG-0591.jpg (https://postimg.cc/G8x4jDH3)
https://i.postimg.cc/Wb7qHPdg/IMG-0588.jpg (https://postimg.cc/GHHp4VJm)upload a new photo (https://postimages.org/)
Nice, mate... Ever tried slices figs with some Parma ham, as an antipasto? A match made in heaven, trust me!:)
It also forms the basis of a classic Tuscan pasta dish with pine nuts: https://www.seriouseats.com/italian-easy-pasta-with-figs-and-prosciutto
Marco.
Figs with Parma ham (and some cheese), I know and love - little glass or two of Merlot = very happy bunny :)
Not tried with pasta though - thanks for link, I will try that :cool:
No worries. Thought you'd have heard of the former., and yes a classic combo. Works lovely with pasta too, as outlined. Some farfalle shapes would be ideal:)
Marco.
Del's gourds have been harvested and, along with a pumpkin, are now ready for use for Halloween:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/oii3SW.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/rkxj0M.jpg
She's *all* excited and can't wait to do something really special this year, with a cool 'fright show' on our doorstep... Pumpkin will have a scary face cut out and be illuminated, and she'll be getting all her spooky ghosts and witches out :eyebrows:
'
Marco.
getting her sloggies in a twist:D they look magnificent... the fruit that is, not the sloggies:o:lolsign:
Haha, thanks. You're a naughty boy, as usual. Yup, she's like a kid in a sweet shop. I can indeed verify, however, that she looks magnificent in her Sloggies, or is it that they look magnificent on her...:scratch::D
Anyway, she's thinking of dressing up as a naughty witch with black fishnets and all. That would probably give the dads a heart attack!;)
Marco.
Haha, thanks. You're a naughty boy, as usual. Yup, she's like a kid in a sweet shop. I can indeed verify, however, that she looks magnificent in her Sloggies, or is it that they look magnificent on her...:scratch::D
Anyway, she's thinking of dressing up as a naughty witch with black fishnets and all. That would probably give the dad's a heart attack;)
Marco.
lol, irene used to do that with pointy hat and face makeup, which was mostly a face pack.. looked pretty scary...;)
Lol, nice one. it's just a giggle, and she loves having fun. I think Del greeting all adult arrivals in a black mini-skirt, cape, thigh-high boots and fishnets might give a new meaning to 'trick or treat', don't you, lol?;)
Marco.
they might wonder if they have arrived at wrong address..lol. is this a halloween party or a key party??:D
Lol, nah... You know what she's like and wouldn't project that kind of vibe, plus she's great with kids, who of course will be the main focus.
Besides, she might 'downplay' things in a pair of black leather hot-pants instead (mostly hidden by her cape)!:eek::D
Marco.
i will of course travel down :ner:
Excellent. You can be her bodyguard and ward off any pervs!:bum:
Marco.
Poacher turned gamekeeper eh lol
Lol - well you said it not me! Knowing her though, you can probably sense her excitement? Bless..
She's going to be working hard over the next week to get it all ready! Think she's doing a Halloween wreath, too:)
Marco.
Del's gourds have been harvested and, along with a pumpkin, are now ready for use for Halloween:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/rkxj0M.jpg
'
Marco.
Brilliant selection. I've never grown pumpkins, do they come as mixed seeds (lucky dip, so to speak) or several packs of different varieties?
Apologies for the late response, Guy. She didn't grow the pumpkin. That was bought, but she grew all the gourds (stuff inside the basket), which I believe come in several packs of different varieties of seeds. The gourds will accompany the pumpkin, cut out and illuminated like this:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/9XMU3z.jpg
She's got all her animated witches down from the loft, like these only a bit bigger. They have censors built in, so activate (light up and cackle) as soon as someone approaches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CC8hC3Qbpo
What she *really* wants though is this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTG7TRDcNcw
:D:eyebrows:
She's like a big kid and just LURVES scaring folk! Two years ago (as last year it was banned), she was in her element, scaring not only some of the kids calling, but the adults!! When they'd gone, she was laughing at their reaction so much, I thought she was going to wet herself!:lol:
Along with all the props (spooky music and blood-curdling screams, played through the downstairs system, cobwebs, ghosts and skulls adorning the house/front door, and our old house, which looks spooky anyway, save the odd candle, in total darkness), her outfits and make-up can be very convincing, lol!
Next she'll be making the wreath and some other decorations for the front door.
Marco.
its the wife, back to haunt me:eek:
She's got all her animated witches down from the loft, like these only a bit bigger. They have censors built in, so activate (light up and cackle) as soon as someone approaches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CC8hC3Qbpo
What she *really* wants though is this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTG7TRDcNcw
Marco.
Good idea - wouldn't want the kiddies learning any bad language from a foul-mouthed old crone! :lol:
I'm looking for a reliable portable (i.e. battery powered) leaf blower.
It will be used by others as well as myself, so needs to be reliable and hard wearing. I'm looking at the likes of DeWalt or Stihl.
What would you recommend?
Thanks
not what you asked for but; cheaper, no batteries, gentle exercise :)
https://www.toolstation.com/bulldog-plastic-lawn-leaf-rake/p14131?store=I1&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googleshoppingfeed&mkwid=s_dc&pcrid=515847200300&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CjwKCAjwn8SLBhAyEiwAHNTJbTOgQTCu2RjcamxZTDUt quEBGV0UQJ2WeiKMmjLbTO1jvrdckw3eZhoCYTgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
They had to leave
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51720493175_f4725a8c16_o.jpg
hifi_dave
28-01-2022, 17:04
Lovin' the loo. Every garden (gardener) needs one.
Another old/dead tree down at the bottom of my garden, thank goodness that I have a large bay tree which cushioned the falls and directed them away from my shed and greenhouse :)
Just texted a mate to see whether I can borrow his chain saw, otherwise it is going to be lots of exercise with my hand saw - plenty of wood for my "Kadai" in a few months.
Not my garden but a nice show of daffs opposite local shops.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220228/c6fbf0941de8b0327ebfefb04d2d5ff1.jpg
walpurgis
25-06-2022, 15:04
Well I got next-door's hedge cut, 'cos he's not well enough to deal with it and half of my own done, then the backache started setting in so I'll give it a rest until tomorrow. There are rain clouds coming over anyway.
Well I got next-door's hedge cut, 'cos he's not well enough to deal with it and half of my own done, then the backache started setting in so I'll give it a rest until tomorrow. There are rain clouds coming over anyway.
wel done. hard work, especially the clearing up...
Did you use a hedge trimmer, or by hand?
walpurgis
27-06-2022, 06:36
Did you use a hedge trimmer, or by hand?
Electric trimmer. Not owned or used hand shears for over forty years. I finished the job yesterday, now I have a mountain of clippings along the back garden path to dry out before burning.
hifi_dave
11-07-2022, 16:32
Anyone know what to do with dozens of Wasps eating our sheds and a garden bench ?
We often have the occasional Wasp scraping the wood to make a nest but this year there are hundreds of the little sods.
Anyone know what to do with dozens of Wasps eating our sheds and a garden bench ?
We often have the occasional Wasp scraping the wood to make a nest but this year there are hundreds of the little sods.
Wasps have a strong sense of smell and dislike certain plants like peppermint, spearmint, basil, eucalyptus, cloves, geranium, thyme, citronella, bay leaves, and lemongrass. They are also repelled by vinegar, cinnamon, coffee grounds, and sliced cucumber.
the worlds your oyster :)
ive heard of cloves in oranges scarrered arounf the areas.. also fabric softner apparently
hifi_dave
13-07-2022, 16:17
Thanks Grant, thought you'd know what to do..:youtheman:
I'll try one patch with white vinegar and see how they like it.
walpurgis
27-07-2022, 12:42
Ow! Just got stung on a toe by a bee while kneeling in the garden, felt like being jabbed with a lit fag. I'm hoping I don't get an allergic reaction, I'm prone to them. OK so far, it was half an hour ago. Washed it with acetic acid solution. Not had one for years.
Ow! Just got stung on a toe by a bee while kneeling in the garden, felt like being jabbed with a lit fag. I'm hoping I don't get an allergic reaction, I'm prone to them. OK so far, it was half an hour ago. Washed it with acetic acid solution. Not had one for years.
hopefully youll be ok mate... i remember a wasp flying down my shirt arm inside and stinging me several times. i tried to kill it and somehow missed every time ggrrr.
walpurgis
27-07-2022, 14:32
hopefully youll be ok mate... i remember a wasp flying down my shirt arm inside and stinging me several times. i tried to kill it and somehow missed every time ggrrr.
Yeah, I've had similar.
My old patch looking very dry on my cctv, looks like next doors cats keeping an eye on it
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220727/406771c7cd2e31324afee6a949f109fc.jpg
Ow! Just got stung on a toe by a bee while kneeling in the garden, felt like being jabbed with a lit fag. I'm hoping I don't get an allergic reaction, I'm prone to them. OK so far, it was half an hour ago. Washed it with acetic acid solution. Not had one for years.
Bee venom is acidic, so you ought to wash the area with a solution of bicarbonate of soda, or try toothpaste. Wasp stings on the other hand are alkaline.
My old patch looking very dry on my cctv, looks like next doors cats keeping an eye on it
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220727/406771c7cd2e31324afee6a949f109fc.jpg
same here - at least it gives us a break from mowing :)
walpurgis
28-07-2022, 09:08
Bee venom is acidic, so you ought to wash the area with a solution of bicarbonate of soda, or try toothpaste. Wasp stings on the other hand are alkaline.
I did wonder, but couldn't be bothered to look it up. Toe seems OK now.
Bee venom is acidic, so you ought to wash the area with a solution of bicarbonate of soda, or try toothpaste. Wasp stings on the other hand are alkaline.
good point. used to remember it as a VW car. wasps vinegar, but alas you then get mixed up... do you use vinegar for a wasp sting lol:doh: no you dont
walpurgis
27-08-2022, 10:13
Being dry and sunny but not too warm, I may cut the hedge after lunch. A bit more productive than dozing off! :)
Cut what there was of the grass (mainly so mower would hoover up some of the leaves) and did a quick weeding, not looking bad, could be greener.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220830/2e9f34726f0b39594e4e8ede89579589.jpg
Being dry and sunny but not too warm, I may cut the hedge after lunch. A bit more productive than dozing off! :)
:lol: I have just taken a hedge trimmer up to the recycling centre for disposal.
hifi_dave
05-02-2023, 17:33
Have a lot of damage in the garden recently, due to the cold spell and snow. Far more established plants look damaged than usual during winter.
I have several Fuchsias which look very dead. Should I cut them down and hope for regrowth or leave them with branches and dead leaves to give them a bit of protection ?
iwouldnt cut them back til your sure the frosts are over. then treat a bit like roses.. cut back to second bud to old growth. if they are devestated then you can cut back to near ground and with a bit of luck they will regrow.
hifi_dave
06-02-2023, 17:29
Thanks Grant. I'll do that.
First grass cut of the year yesterday - took an age because box kept filling up with dead leaves, but all looks so much better now
hifi_dave
18-02-2023, 16:00
You're lucky, we have had our's cut twice already.
walpurgis
18-02-2023, 18:52
When I can only see the top of the dog's head I'll cut mine :D.
mine hasnt been cut;; hasnt grown yet either much tbh. another month or so i'd think up here
Mine needs to be cut - it's looking quite shabby.
Mine needs to be cut - it's looking quite shabby.
i'm saying nowt ;):eek:
Well, it's green but scruffy.
You're lucky, we have had our's cut twice already.
I remember being very impressed/slightly envious of your garden when I came over with and LP12 once
hifi_dave
19-02-2023, 18:05
Thanks but it's a pain in't ass to keep it looking tidy.
https://youtu.be/ujeUrXWJXBY
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230228/6c81dbe1f75114a5f7dae621329d1f19.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230228/9e6be673c7bfbc9662eb4da0455fb9f7.jpg
Looks very tidy!
mine doesn't :D
but ive an excuse of sorts... i cant get out there lol
hifi_dave
28-02-2023, 17:13
https://youtu.be/ujeUrXWJXBY
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230228/6c81dbe1f75114a5f7dae621329d1f19.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230228/9e6be673c7bfbc9662eb4da0455fb9f7.jpg
Is that a Camelia in bloom ?
Is that a Camelia in bloom ?
It was
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230313/390a913733f3d005f5b83a341441a263.jpg
hifi_dave
13-03-2023, 21:23
Wow !!!
Unfortunately my soil isn't suitable for Camelias, Magnolias, Heathers, Rhodedendrons etc. They don't die, just hang on and don't put on any growth.
pretty bush.. my neighbour had lots of that when he was here. sadly garden has suffered since the left
Wow !!!
Unfortunately my soil isn't suitable for Camelias, Magnolias, Heathers, Rhodedendrons etc. They don't die, just hang on and don't put on any growth.
you could try growing them in big tubs.. fill them with an acidic compost and keep them out of wind..
something like this... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Westland-11400006-Ericaceous-Compost-Pink/dp/B0866GC639/ref=asc_df_B0866GC639/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=430680605463&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6856892293054841407&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046884&hvtargid=pla-905802812059&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=105650286848&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=430680605463&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6856892293054841407&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046884&hvtargid=pla-905802812059
hifi_dave
14-03-2023, 17:57
I have been successful with Azaelias in large tubs with Ericaceous compost but the larger shrubs need to be in the soil, either that or it's my fault for not looking after the larger shrubs as I should. I think to be successful you need to change something like 1/3 of the compost every year, feed regularly and repot into larger pots every couple of years. None of which I do regularly.
I have come to the conclusion that I'm not a gardener, more like a tidy-upper.
I have been successful with Azaelias in large tubs with Ericaceous compost but the larger shrubs need to be in the soil, either that or it's my fault for not looking after the larger shrubs as I should. I think to be successful you need to change something like 1/3 of the compost every year, feed regularly and repot into larger pots every couple of years. None of which I do regularly.
I have come to the conclusion that I'm not a gardener, more like a tidy-upper.
my mum grew them; lots of them in back garden... they got huge if you didnt be very severe with them. garden did have a fairly acidic soil, and we added fresh stuff and fertilizer most years. if you were not careful the grew to 8 ft in one season if not pruned properly. those and roses, which i was inclined to look after; we had over 200 rose bushes... gotta be hard with them to and spray, spray, spray lol
hifi_dave
17-03-2023, 17:51
200..:wow:
We have around 50 Roses and thought that was a lot. They do well in our garden, which is South facing and clay but anything needing some acid is doomed.
200..:wow:
We have around 50 Roses and thought that was a lot. They do well in our garden, which is South facing and clay but anything needing some acid is doomed.
yeah, mums back garden especially was big but on a heavy slope as house was on a hillside really. so being clay and acidic it could be heavy going doing veg so we sculpted it into beds and grew flowers' mostly roses.(dug loads of manure and topsoil into the garden over years, all carried up a 1 in 6 slope) i liked roses as they minded their own business if to pruned and sprayed regular, and got flowers a good chunk of year. had loads in front and down side too. rhubarb grew well too so i got a lot of that too.. lots of manure:D
Pigmy Pony
24-03-2023, 18:47
I've been told that if I'm to spend less time going out to work, I will have more time for the garden :( Anita's not keen on the thought of a paid gardener doing what he does outside while I sit on my arse indoors playing records.
I can't be doing with corded power tools any more, so I've put an Ebay bid on one of these:
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/o58AAOSws7dkFU~E/s-l1600.jpg
And I ain't doing stripes either. If she wants me to take on the lawn mowing, these are my terms.
Can't believe I'm getting excited about a bloody lawnmower, must be an age thing.
you could get a robotic lawn mower;) watch it cut while you relax... that'll sort her:D
hifi_dave
24-03-2023, 19:07
I've got a 'robotic lawn mower'. He comes from Poland and does a great job, makes it look easy as he strolls around with the mower wearing his earbuds.
Pigmy Pony
25-03-2023, 08:10
you could get a robotic lawn mower;) watch it cut while you relax... that'll sort her:D
That would be ideal, but, well, £800 :eek: I'm trying to stick with Makita stuff as I already have one of their better chargers and plenty of batteries.
walpurgis
25-03-2023, 08:15
My grass desperately needs a cut, but it's too soggy!
Pigmy Pony
25-03-2023, 08:17
I've got a 'robotic lawn mower'. He comes from Poland and does a great job, makes it look easy as he strolls around with the mower wearing his earbuds.
Yeah they're pretty hard-wearing those Polish mowers, not like our home-built ones, that need constant maintenance ;)
There used to be a well-publicised 'Naked Gardener'. But that would be 30-odd years ago, I doubt even the most desperate housewife wants to see that. And he probably had to give up strimming.
hifi_dave
25-03-2023, 19:56
:eek:
Lovely afternoon spent on ‘the estate’ taking an old bit of tree down and disposing of it (cutting it up with a bow saw into pieces I could fit into the incinerator). Warm work, before and after -
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230403/3cee5386e52aeab133163ef26d8bcdbe.jpg
hifi_dave
10-04-2023, 15:02
Sounds like a good workout.
Looks like you moved the tree in to next door’s backyard :lol:
hifi_dave
18-04-2023, 16:12
It does. That would take a bit of huffing and puffing.
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