View Full Version : The Gardening thread.....
Been doing as much as i can which aint much today as its nice without being too hot
Cut back the rosa regosa's so i can get up the back without ripping myself up, and cut one bit of grass...plus a little weeding. Not too shabby for me
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170708/dc14a44e5b52fad08b8e718e5e2becd0.jpg
Looking a bit better
walpurgis
08-07-2017, 14:57
Done bugger all so far today. May do a bit yet. :)
Done a bit more. Cut top grass and topped weeds with mower on way back lol
Lovely blues sky first for several weeks
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170708/8f2895307eec49b0b9c9e55602e29586.jpg
walpurgis
08-07-2017, 15:15
Is that your playpen to the right Grant? :D
In a way it was... its the disabled ramp. I tied green netting over the sides to stop grandkids falling through years ago. stuff has lasted well and i think it blends in better so left it
walpurgis
09-07-2017, 11:04
Just spent twenty minutes gathering all the chopped ivy in the garden and putting in one pile. Soaked in sweat now. Too hot!
I'll have to start burning it tomorrow. Best not do it today with all the neighbours home with windows open.
pick a day when everyone has their washing out mate :D thats what folk seem to do around here :doh:
walpurgis
09-07-2017, 11:13
pick a day when everyone has their washing out mate :D thats what folk seem to do around here :doh:
Strangely (or perhaps not), I'm the only one around here that uses a washing line. Guess the locals just bung it all in the dryer.
What's all this with 'The Gardening thread.....' - and it being made a sticky to boot! :doh:
In case you haven't guessed, I loath gardening and only mow the grass because I have the neighbours to think of.
I love gardening, but cant do much these days. Enjoyed it yesterday. Its a sticky for now to see if there are any gardeners out there, and not couch potatoes lol
walpurgis
09-07-2017, 13:57
I loath gardening
So do I, but sometimes I have to do a bit. I'm planning to crazy pave a lot of the garden to reduce the flower bed sizes.
hifi_dave
09-07-2017, 15:30
We have a large garden - too large for a bit of light tinkering around and it's getting a bit much for me now. When we bought the house, 11 years ago, we thought the garden was nowhere as large as it is and that was because the previous owner had deliberately left it over-grown. When I started work on it - cutting back trees, bushes and brambles, the true horror became evident.
I work on it most days as it needs constant work but it's the only real exercise I get, so it's worth persevering. When it's under control and tidy, it's lovely to sit out there and ponder.
When i had my greenhouse, i was never out of it.. nice n warm too
Pressure washed slabs last week (had forgotten they were different colours)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170709/a9ec4cdc3b40737b3640840864d172d1.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170709/12024436dd0dba9b9b616b3c6bfea090.jpg
And de-weeded slabs at front (they're already growing back)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170709/731f9e84059f2d3733e38f4711f9d3c7.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
hifi_dave
09-07-2017, 16:05
I love the feel and ambience of being in a warm greenhouse or shed. It's nice when it rains too.
hifi_dave
16-07-2017, 10:38
Is it a good time to scarify the grass now ? I call it grass because it's a poor excuse for a lawn. I scarified it in the early Spring but due to the drought since, the grass has thinned out and the weeds, especially Clover and Moss have done very well. It's a right old mess.
im leaving it in, as it keeps the grass down :eyebrows:
..and you'd be better leaving it til there is a prolonged bit of rain for a few weeks forecast..autumn is often best
hifi_dave
16-07-2017, 16:21
It rained here a bit around 1230, so I thought I'd try a bit of light scarifying. It doesn't look bare, just scruffy now and will look better after a cut. It has rained quite hard twice since I did it, so it's quite green now and with less Clover.
perlogalism
16-07-2017, 18:57
Done quite a bit recently:
Put up the new fruit cage.
Weeded the Onions.
Trained the Apricot and put up some new support wires.
Sorted out the Polytunnel
Made new trellis for the climbing rose.......
and no, I don't get as much time to listen to music as I'd like!
hifi_dave
19-07-2017, 09:41
That all looks very professional and those onions outnumber mine by about 10 x
perlogalism
19-07-2017, 11:27
We've brought the numbers down a bit this year. For the last couple of years we've had 400+ onions but we simply can't get them to store long enough to use them all. They're the one thing that the pigs don't eat too!
That all looks very professional and those onions outnumber mine by about 10 x
So does the size of the garden by the look of things - easily outsizes mine by 10x.
hifi_dave
21-07-2017, 12:46
I grow a few veggies, just for fun really. The onions usually do well as do the runner beans but last year and this, everything else has failed to grow. Earlier, I planted spring onions, carrots and brussels but none grew, I guess because it has been so dry.
a list of products and water required to grow a lb of finished produce
Lettuce -- 15 gallons;
Tomatoes -- 22 gallons;
Cabbage -- 24 gallons;
Cucumber -- 28 gallons;
Potatoes -- 30 gallons;
Oranges -- 55 gallons;
Apples -- 83 gallons;
Bananas -- 102 gallons;
Corn -- 107 gallons;
Peaches or Nectarines -- 142 gallons;
Wheat Bread -- 154 gallons;
Mango -- 190 gallons;
Avocado -- 220 gallons;
Tofu -- 244 gallons;
Groundnuts -- 368 gallons;
Rice -- 403 gallons;
Olives -- 522 gallons;
Chocolate -- 2847 gallons;
as you see they need a lot of the clear stuff:lol:
That all looks very professional and those onions outnumber mine by about 10 x
a list of products and water required to grow a lb of finished produce
Lettuce -- 15 gallons;
Tomatoes -- 22 gallons;
Cabbage -- 24 gallons;
Cucumber -- 28 gallons;
Potatoes -- 30 gallons;
Oranges -- 55 gallons;
Apples -- 83 gallons;
Bananas -- 102 gallons;
Corn -- 107 gallons;
Peaches or Nectarines -- 142 gallons;
Wheat Bread -- 154 gallons;
Mango -- 190 gallons;
Avocado -- 220 gallons;
Tofu -- 244 gallons;
Groundnuts -- 368 gallons;
Rice -- 403 gallons;
Olives -- 522 gallons;
Chocolate -- 2847 gallons;
as you see they need a lot of the clear stuff:lol:
:eek:
My "Garden" is about two acres. There is half an acre of woodland, which is time consuming to keep clean.
The other acre and a half is grass, so takes a while to cut.
I wish I had time to sort out a vegetable plot, but there does not seem to be any left during the day.
onions.... Water if the weather is dry and give an occasional feed with a general liquid fertiliser. A light feed of sulphate of potash in June will help ripen the bulbs ready for storage.
Mulching the soil will help conserve soil moisture and keep down weeds. Stop watering and feeding once the onions have swollen, and remove any mulch or soil to expose the bulb to the sun.
Remove any flower spikes as soon as you see them.
Onions can be harvested when the foliage turns yellow and starts to topple over. Although it is sometimes suggested to bend over the foliage or gently lift the bulbs to break the roots, this is no longer recommended.
Leave for two to three weeks and then carefully lift with a garden fork. Onions for storage must be firm, disease-free and then dried for two to three weeks, either laid out in the sun or in a shed if the weather is wet
You certainly know your onions Grant
hifinutt
26-07-2017, 17:06
I have spent last 2-3 days cutting down huge amounts of VERY prickly bushes and various laurel bushes . in preparation for a 14 bay 7th high fence being started toommorrow . pretty scratched but that's the price of being secure . will have to get quite a few packets of spikes to go on top of fence . its not too bad an area but its next to a footpath . also next to some lovely oak trees which will look a picture in autumn
I entered the West Lothian Council Garden competition this year.
I have entered it in the past and done quite well, but stayed away from it for a few years due to mental health problems and a lack of interest in gardening.
However, this year I decided to go for it because I was feeling better.
Anyway, this week was judging week and the judges came around this morning (I am on holiday at the moment).
They didn't stay long because it was pouring down with rain. It rained virtually all weekend as well, so I have not had much time to give it a final tidy up. Mind you, everyone is going to be in the same position with regards to the weather!
[emoji6] good luck [emoji6]. Ive not heard of it Hope you get s mention
[emoji6] good luck [emoji6]. Ive not heard of it Hope you get s mention
Thanks Grant.
It runs every year and is open to all West Lothian residents:
https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/article/12029/Gardens-Competition
i see.. well hope you are at least enjoying the garden again. I like mine although its no longer up to show grade. probably was once though when fitter. I grew all my own and built and designed it all through the years. Great hobby
hifi_dave
27-07-2017, 09:54
I entered the West Lothian Council Garden competition this year.
I have entered it in the past and done quite well, but stayed away from it for a few years due to mental health problems and a lack of interest in gardening.
However, this year I decided to go for it because I was feeling better.
Anyway, this week was judging week and the judges came around this morning (I am on holiday at the moment).
They didn't stay long because it was pouring down with rain. It rained virtually all weekend as well, so I have not had much time to give it a final tidy up. Mind you, everyone is going to be in the same position with regards to the weather!
Good luck Adam.
Let's have some pics.
walpurgis
03-08-2017, 17:23
Hmm. Went outside to water some potted plants that I've moved into a corner while I do other work in the garden. Seems I stood too close and watered my feet as well, so I'm squelching about in soggy beach shoes at the moment :).
Click on image.
https://s4.postimg.org/gt8l5rrm1/garden_002.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/gt8l5rrm1/)
Dog wanted in on the act too.
Click on image.
https://s2.postimg.org/4k32xxon9/garden_003.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4k32xxon9/)
Hmm. Went outside to water some potted plants that I've moved into a corner while I do other work in the garden. Seems I stood too close and watered my feet as well, so I'm squelching about in soggy beach shoes at the moment :).
https://s4.postimg.org/gt8l5rrm1/garden_002.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/gt8l5rrm1/)
Now that is the extent of gardening that I like! ;)
walpurgis
13-08-2017, 10:57
Still working outside on the garage extension. Funny how modifying something is always more aggro than building from scratch.
walpurgis
20-08-2017, 11:45
Still working outside on the garage extension. Funny how modifying something is always more aggro than building from scratch.
Still at it.
New timber frame for the extended back end is up. Just been detaching the existing back tin wall, which is now inside the extension. I never want to see another clout nail, I must have battled with about fifty of the damn things getting them out after thirty or more years in place. Now I can set levels for the concrete floor extension. I'll poison the soil before laying anything on top, in order to deter the ivy growing roots underneath.
walpurgis
23-08-2017, 16:18
Took advantage of the dry weather to get some concrete down for the garage floor extension. Done nearly half, mixing batches by hand (literally, up to my elbows in it :)) in a big tub. Seemed the easiest way. I don't want to mix on the path. Got to be careful to get levels right. Colour looks consistent, so I seem to be gtting the mix about right. Not that fussy anyway, as long as it's strong enough.
What's all this with 'The Gardening thread.....' - and it being made a sticky to boot! :doh:
In case you haven't guessed, I loath gardening and only mow the grass because I have the neighbours to think of.
i thought mow the grass was a Jewish informer!
hifi_dave
24-08-2017, 09:16
Boom, boom..:)
Let's have some pics of that shed construction.
walpurgis
24-08-2017, 09:53
Boom, boom..:)
Let's have some pics of that shed construction.
Just been out and concreted a bit more. I'll bung some pictures up in a day or two. Got to go and buy more ballast now.
walpurgis
24-08-2017, 10:02
Actally. Here's a photo from the other day.
https://s30.postimg.org/7dr5j8bjl/003.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
The roof has been lengthened by around five feet, leaving the old 'tin' rear wall inside. The new timber frame extension has a pitched part just under the roof end for a clear fibreglass light, which will sit above the workbench, which I'll need to move from its current spot behind the tin wall.
A big job, but coming along nicely and a long as you have more corrugated wont take long. Wouldnt get away with a flat roof up here though
walpurgis
24-08-2017, 10:11
Yeah. Got more corrugated sheet. The garage has been there about 35 years and nobody has said anything. If anybody asks, I'll tell them it was there before I moved in. Going to give the whole thing a coat of paint before winter arrives.
Lengthening it is enough for me this year. Next spring, I plan to widen it too.
southall-1998
24-08-2017, 10:17
What does the sign on the door say, Geoff?
S.
walpurgis
24-08-2017, 10:18
What does the sign on the door say, Geoff?
S.
'Restricted Area' :)
https://s30.postimg.org/6s6s0v5v5/Screen_Shot_08-24-17_at_11.20_AM.png (https://postimages.org/)
stairpost
24-08-2017, 10:53
I have only just found this thread. I love gardening, we only have a smallish garden but we having it looking pretty tidy. I'm just about to start building a 2 tier pond in an unused hidden corner, it'll be hard digging but it will be incredibly rewarding.
I have only just found this thread. I love gardening, we only have a smallish garden but we having it looking pretty tidy. I'm just about to start building a 2 tier pond in an unused hidden corner, it'll be hard digging but it will be incredibly rewarding.
nice one. ponds are good, and always have a shallow exit for frogs etc or they will drown. used to have a huge formal one years ago with lights, fountains and fish, but filled it in and built a smaller oval two tier rustic one. still got 3 fish in it as the buggers live for ever. if there is a chance of kids being present then fence it off in case.. they are attracted like magnets to them
stairpost
24-08-2017, 11:39
nice one. ponds are good, and always have a shallow exit for frogs etc or they will drown. used to have a huge formal one years ago with lights, fountains and fish, but filled it in and built a smaller oval two tier rustic one. still got 3 fish in it as the buggers live for ever. if there is a chance of kids being present then fence it off in case.. they are attracted like magnets to them
We are actually building it to try to attract frogs, we do see them in the garden but I don't think there is suitable home for them, the plan is to put a few plants in that attract things that frogs eat so they have a good food source on hand, somebody recommended water cabbage. I shall make sure it is as frog friendly as possible, I'm planning to put a few places in for them to hide under too. Well, that's the plan anyway :)
I'll put some before and after pics up, although the after may take a while.
Actally. Here's a photo from the other day.
https://s30.postimg.org/7dr5j8bjl/003.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
The roof has been lengthened by around five feet, leaving the old 'tin' rear wall inside. The new timber frame extension has a pitched part just under the roof end for a clear fibreglass light, which will sit above the workbench, which I'll need to move from its current spot behind the tin wall.
One of the best buildings I've seen in Southall Geoff. b w
walpurgis
26-08-2017, 09:10
Nice weather today. I need some to get on with my garage extension. Have to go and buy more materials before I can progress. Hoping to get the bulk of the remaining work done this week. It doesn't look much, but I'm finding it very time consuming. No doubt I'm not as quick at this sort of thing as I used to be. :)
You not got a youngster to labour for you Geoff.? That speeds things up no end( if they are capable)
walpurgis
26-08-2017, 09:14
You not got a youngster to labour for you Geoff.? That speeds things up no end( if they are capable)
Got the daughter's partner here, but he's about as useful as a rubber chisel! :rolleyes:
Got the daughter's partner here, but he's about as useful as a rubber chisel! :rolleyes:
Know the type. ask them to get something and they bring the wrong thing.... several times;)
watched 1st half of footy and now cleaning pond out. its badly needing it. nearly fell in twice :doh: having a rest while it fills up a bit before a second drain. put a pic in later if i survive
walpurgis
27-08-2017, 16:25
Don't fall in Grant. You'll scare the fish! :)
I just laid bit more concrete. Nearly finished.
pics now it is done. it will settle cleaner later. that was 4, 2/3 refills. that way fish dont get stressed and the frogs/toads dont all abandon ship
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/53e7b9627baa412c36bc12b35cfc0b1b.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/83ebaa3140ff943a62045e01202de99e.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170827/0da6df22f6b8378d036534c4b67429d6.jpg
That's the garden done for this year bar a few bit of maintenance.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170830/19e3e6ea90a963b80875219b236f696c.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170830/7bf868727ad3349a08d1f8b635a766c6.jpg
Looking very good My mate did most of it to be fair
walpurgis
30-08-2017, 17:29
Looks good mate.
I got nothing done today. Rained off! :rolleyes:
Sorry to hear that, mate. You should've been here instead, as apart from a dullish start to the day, it turned out to be another warm, blue-skied cracker! :)
Marco.
perlogalism
31-08-2017, 09:24
What a difference a few miles makes: Near Shrewsbury it was dull, wet and generally manky!
It's the Welsh factor, Mike! :sheep:
;)
Marco.
Not so great here at the moment (but then it rarely is before midday). However, there's a nice brightness in the sky, which suggests some sunny spells later :)
Marco.
perlogalism
31-08-2017, 11:34
It's the Welsh factor, Mike! :sheep:
;)
Marco.
Pah! ;)
decided to clean the outside clothes drier thing. it was green lol.. a full bottle of cleaner anf buckets of hot water and its almost like new.. taken it down for storage. no point in throwing i way. need to make up something to plug the hole in ground so it doesnt block up. need some inspiration on that lol
Pah! ;)
Heh-heh... Well, today it pished down most of the afternoon, then cleared up about 3pm!
Marco.
walpurgis
02-09-2017, 16:49
Did a bit more on the garage. Finished a levelling screed on the concrete floor yesterday and got the remaining timber framing finished today, Bit of roof to drop in tomorrow if it stays dry long enough. Then the wall extensions can go up. Got about half a ton of topsoil I need to 'lose' somewhere. There's a big grass verge near the house. Nobody'll notice, it hasn't been mown for a year! :D
http://i67.tinypic.com/2emobwg.jpg
hifinutt
02-09-2017, 17:32
been having a wonderful time doing a garden next to some wonderful protected oak trees . this little oasis in a big city is a real joy . it was overgrown and small lawn and 6ft fence which we raised to 7ft due to rather a lot of recidivists [potential ] walking by
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4339/36794853526_b153e8de91_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4rf3j)P1050021 (https://flic.kr/p/Y4rf3j) by phil grimes (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158267783@N02/), on Flickr
you will note the barbed wire
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4425/36982750225_41ab5d32bf_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ym3gbz)P1050022 (https://flic.kr/p/Ym3gbz) by phil grimes (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158267783@N02/), on Flickr
still working on it but here is latest
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4362/36147217814_445d4a6a05_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X5cWvm)P1050068 (1) (https://flic.kr/p/X5cWvm) by phil grimes (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158267783@N02/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4393/36147207104_56c741e0d7_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X5cTjG)P1050067 (1) (https://flic.kr/p/X5cTjG) by phil grimes (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158267783@N02/), on Flickr
hifi_dave
07-09-2017, 09:08
Runner beans.
Do you guys use the beans from the current crop to plant for next year's plants or do you buy a new packet ?
walpurgis
09-09-2017, 10:19
Nearly there with the garage extension. Finished the roof yesterday. Back wall to go on today if it stays dry. Then fit the sloping light and paint all the walls grey. The 'new' panels are fibreglass, not alumimium like the old ones. Match well though. Dead easy to cut with a diamond blade on the angle grinder. Got a roof flashing strip to go against the concrete wall yet.
http://i63.tinypic.com/1zmyuiv.jpg
Taking my time. I'm not as quick as I used to be! :)
nice job. looks like it was always that size
Here is a shot of part of the garden - the bit that keeps me the busiest.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8432/28797909864_9c08218c37_c_d.jpg
walpurgis
10-09-2017, 09:10
Looks really nice Kevin.
walpurgis
12-09-2017, 10:44
Just about there with the garage extension exterior. The sloping panels at the rear are translucent and let light onto the workbench inside. Bit of carpentry to do inside and I'll extend the wiring for the relocated workbench lighting. Exterior coat of paint next big (ish) job. Piles of topsoil to shift too.
http://i67.tinypic.com/33o5tfq.jpg
hifilover
12-09-2017, 10:52
Our garden is absolutely sodden; turning into a bog currently :lol:
https://s6.postimg.org/s8pidcav5/garden.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/u0ih88u7x/)
I've all sorts growing in the raised beds you can see down the left hand side and the bottom right corner (sprouts, cabbage, caulis, 2 rows of parsnips, swede, scorzonera, celeriac and a plethora of herbs (bay, thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano etc)
The last of the brandywine toms and courgettes are in the greenhouse along with my 4 year old and getting very big Pinot grape vine :)
I've chard, spinach and cavolo nero/kale growing in there too, that's for the winter crop :)
Only a few apples on the trees at the bottom in front of the trellis fencing, the 2 pear trees (one Williams and one Conference) haven't fruited yet, they're only 3 years old though so still very young). Last crop of rhubarb is appearing too and that'll be it for this years fruit
looks good Dan.. Nice garden
hifilover
12-09-2017, 11:31
looks good Dan.. Nice garden
Cheers Grant
Can't wait for the day to get rid of the garage and erect something better...
I'll be having a few more trees felled this winter and clearing a large area in the woods so I can fence it off for chickens and their hutch :) I'll be putting another shed up behind the greenhouse too!
Every other house that backs onto the woods has extended into the woods bar ours; so I'll gain another 18ft in and 20ft wide too :D
It's gonna take a lot of clearing, but once it's done a fair bit, I'll let the chucks do the rest!
perlogalism
12-09-2017, 13:28
Very nice garden. You've got a lot packed in there! A word of warning though: Keep the chicken fencing much higher than you think you'll need, otherwise the Bugg£rs will ruin all your hard work!
Aye and go down deep with it. foxes will dig under if u dont.
hifilover
12-09-2017, 15:47
Aye and go down deep with it. foxes will dig under if u dont.
Usually yes, in this case, they haven't a chance. The tree roots form such a unmanageable ground that they stay away from this part of the woods
There are a few fox dens further down into the woods where the trees aren't as close together etc
The stakes will be set 2-3ft into the ground and the wire fence will be buried around 6" though, just to keep it taught etc
stairpost
13-09-2017, 12:29
I'm putting a pond in next week, I shall do before and after pics, if they don't appear on this thread then it didn't go well.
walpurgis
16-09-2017, 16:48
Finished the garage extension exterior bar the flashing strip, which I'll do Monday. Sorting interior now. Just filled gaps with expanding foam (ran out, need more :)). Need to paint the corrugated steel end wall, then fix the bench and work lighting to it. The lights are on that timber propped on the right, got to extend the wiring. No, the timbers are not bent, that's a bit of barrel distortion from the camera lens.
http://i67.tinypic.com/de9tlc.jpg
Ninanina
16-09-2017, 16:53
Is this going to be your new hifi room Geoff ? ;)
walpurgis
16-09-2017, 16:56
Is this going to be your new hifi room Geoff ? ;)
Well it will no doubt end up with some Hi-Fi in it, as I've run out of room indoors. :D
Side panels are semi clear too. Didnt notice before
walpurgis
16-09-2017, 17:28
Side panels are semi clear too. Didnt notice before
Yup. Provides a bit of light.
I've actually got enough of those corrugated glass fibre sheets to replace the roof, but I can't be bothered. :)
Yup. Provides a bit of light.
I've actually got enough of those corrugated glass fibre sheets to replace the roof, but I can't be bothered. :)
looks like plenty light at that end.. good those panels
walpurgis
16-09-2017, 18:31
How the workshop/garage looked thirty years ago.
http://i66.tinypic.com/qs83k1.jpg
A lot tidier than mine. looked great
stairpost
02-10-2017, 12:43
Here is the before, it's largely just wasted space
http://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/forumgallery/monthly_2017_10/large.20170918_094636.jpg.9005bbfb408d7a4d454c5a1f cfa891e8.jpg
It's pretty much finished, we are going to wait until spring to do the planting so it looks a bit bare at the moment, but it's a pond.
There is a pile of rotting wood to attract insects and a little stone ramp into the pond, we are determined to get frogs back :)
http://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/forumgallery/monthly_2017_10/large.20171001_155459.jpg.1e741a1cf5bc341f4938346f 8b0f880d.jpg
nice sheltered spot now. you did a grand job Rich
stairpost
02-10-2017, 14:44
nice sheltered spot now. you did a grand job Rich
Cheers Grant.
It was quite rewarding to do, the biggest issue was what to do with the soil I was digging out, it ended up smaller than I was intending purely for that reason. It will be nice to get stuck into it again when we put pond reeds in it and plant the rockery.
Plus, an other positive to come out of it was the realisation of how seriously unfit I have become since sitting at a desk for 4 years, so since the pond was built I have lost a stone, a very long way to go but it's a good start :)
aye gardening does keep you fit
stairpost
02-10-2017, 14:51
aye gardening does keep you fit
Bloody right it does, most rewarding exercise there is.
It was a shameful eye opener, I was working for 10 mins then sitting down for 10 to recover, took twice as long as it should have :)
walpurgis
02-10-2017, 15:15
Try mixing a couple of tons of concrete by hand. That'll warm you up! :lol:
stairpost
02-10-2017, 15:37
Try mixing a couple of tons of concrete by hand. That'll warm you up! :lol:
My Dad was a builder before retiring, I've been on the wrong end of too many jobs like that, always been strong and fit whatever size I was, so this was a really shameful eye opener :)
it can creep up all too easy. Look at me now; cant do anything much and its very frustrating
hifi_dave
08-10-2017, 09:36
Amen to that.
Things can strike you down at any time, whether you are fit or not. You can jog, go to the gym, diet etc but you can still get something nasty happen out of the blue.
A good friend was rushed to Hospital, a couple of weeks ago, with a ruptured bowel. She was fit and healthy, liked to walk, didn't drink and ate sensibly, yet this happened. She is in a poor state, in an induced coma for 3 days, has a bag fitted and a few days ago, one of her lungs partially collapsed. God willing, she will pull through but what a shock.
Make the most of the time you have because you don't know what's around the corner.
stairpost
10-10-2017, 15:11
Amen to that.
Things can strike you down at any time, whether you are fit or not. You can jog, go to the gym, diet etc but you can still get something nasty happen out of the blue.
A good friend was rushed to Hospital, a couple of weeks ago, with a ruptured bowel. She was fit and healthy, liked to walk, didn't drink and ate sensibly, yet this happened. She is in a poor state, in an induced coma for 3 days, has a bag fitted and a few days ago, one of her lungs partially collapsed. God willing, she will pull through but what a shock.
Make the most of the time you have because you don't know what's around the corner.
Sorry to hear about your friend, I hope she makes a full recovery. The good thing about being fit to start with is that her body should be in better shape to aid repair.
You are right though, you can't plan for everything, you just have to not live under the cloud of thinking it could happen and deal with it the best you can it if it does, the positive thing is that the unexpected won't happen to most people.
walpurgis
12-10-2017, 11:06
Just took a mountain of stuff to the council tip. Loads of timber offcuts, bits of roofing and panelling, old kids bikes, etc. Garden beginning to look better now. Still a way to go to restore normality though.
hifi_dave
18-10-2017, 10:18
Not much growing in the garden just now. The hedges I trimmed, some weeks ago, still look tidy, so there's not a lot to do. I would like to get out and tidy up a bit but there's not much point as all the leaves are still due to come down, undoing my work.
Just had a visit from a robin redbreast in front garden. Must be getting into winter afterall. I like Robins.. tough little birds
hifi_dave
18-10-2017, 10:50
In the Spring, we had two of the little fellas, one at each end of the back garden. One was very friendly, sitting with me whilst I worked, often just 6 inches or so from my feet and a couple of times he sat on my boot. I would whistle and he would whistle back. Like having a friend in the garden. The other Robin didn't come anywhere near me - very aloof.
Thats great ... shows it trusted you. you must give off a good vibe;birds are quite astute on trusted friends. They do like worms of course too. :)
hifi_dave
18-10-2017, 14:57
Yes, the worms and insects I disturbed would have been welcome. What fascinated me was the way he appeared to talk with me. Sitting there with his head cocked to one side whilst I talked and whistled, then he would chirrup back to me. Hope he returns this Winter.
hifinutt
28-10-2017, 17:45
Not much growing in the garden just now. The hedges I trimmed, some weeks ago, still look tidy, so there's not a lot to do. I would like to get out and tidy up a bit but there's not much point as all the leaves are still due to come down, undoing my work.
ashamed to say , we have a fab gardener to do our lawns and gardening . done today and looks wonderful . it gives him some work and frees me up to transform other places and gardens
hifi_dave
29-10-2017, 10:14
We have a couple of Polish chaps doing our lawns. It's far too much for me and doesn't make any sense for me to do it. They charge only £40 a go and it takes them just 45 minutes. If I did it, I would need to buy an expensive and large mower, have it serviced twice a year, fill with fuel and it would wear me out. Far better to pay them, have a chat and marvel at their speed.
walpurgis
29-10-2017, 10:20
I was toying with the idea of doing a bit in the garden. Well past what I call teeshirt weather though. Might have a bash later.
hifi_dave
29-10-2017, 13:29
Anyone know what you're supposed to do with Christmas roses this time of year ? I mean the low growing shrub thingie and not Roses.
Do you cut down the leaves or keep them ?
dunno Dave. Normal roses you would cut back to 2 buds. Rosa regosa which is a bushy shrub that gets big if you let it and gives you hips you can cut back when the hips are gone after first frosts.. they are tough as old boots
I've got a big lawn so I've got a lot of cuttings , finally after 9 years I cannot get anymore in the compost area , the last week or so I've been forking it out into a barrow and using as weed suppressor . The dense , compactness of each fork load means its tough going so I do five barrow loads a day , nearly there . Here's to the next 9 years of mowing :D
i always let my grass go brown before composting it and added old compost to it in layers. green grass doesnt compost so well. once lawn is right height its just as good, nay better to let it lie on grass and cut it just a little a lot. it then self fertilises the lawn
walpurgis
02-01-2018, 14:39
I see my flowerbeds are sprouting Goosegrass. That's the horrible stuff that leaves little sticky bobbles all over the dog and my clothes. I'll have to spray it with weedkiller, otherwise it'll take the whole garden over. It grows like mad and invades every place it can. I've had a problem with it for a year or two for some mysterious reason.
walpurgis
04-01-2018, 16:05
Got the Goosegrass weedkillered. Glyphosate is weird stuff, you spray the weeds and nothing tends to happen for ages, then a week or so later everything curls up and dies. On Ivy, it can take two or three weeks to work. Give me big bag of Sodium Chlorate anyday.
got that goosegrass as well.. makes a mess of you
walpurgis
04-01-2018, 16:09
I'm getting rid of it before it gets a proper foothold. It went bonkers last year, I was ripping up mountains of it.
hifi_dave
17-02-2018, 16:33
Lovely day today. Been doing some gardening in between dealing with customers..:)
The driveway is pea shingle over tarmac, which looks nice but this Winter I have noticed quite a few patches of moss/algae growing. I saw some last Summer and gave it a dose of heavy duty weedkiller but it didn't seem to stop it growing and spreading. Any ideas what I can use, other than a flame-thrower ?
walpurgis
17-02-2018, 16:51
Salt.
hifi_dave
17-02-2018, 16:59
Really ?
Are you pulling my plonker ?:interesting:
walpurgis
17-02-2018, 17:12
Are you pulling my plonker ?:interesting:
Mosses tend to like acidic conditions. Salt is alkaline and neutralises acidity.
hifi_dave
17-02-2018, 17:16
Thanks for that, I'll give it a go.
washing up liquid in water and sprayed on will kill it too. 2 fluid oz to a gallon. moss will turn orange/brown in 24 hours and eventually dry-up . salt as geoff says will help too for reasons given
hifi_dave
17-02-2018, 17:24
Right. I'l try both and see which does the job best/quickest.
I've got moss and Ivy all over the garden. Both drive me nuts. Oh and the Brambles..:mad:
probably do both. soak with the mix then sprinkle with salt it should do trick. i use more salt in garden than anywhere.
walpurgis
17-02-2018, 17:45
Glyphosate weedkillers (as most are) kill ivy effectively. I have an ivy problem and it works. Once applied, nothing seems to happen for a week or two, then the ivy dies.
hifi_dave
18-02-2018, 10:13
I use an extra strength Glyco weed killer - bought in a concentrated form and added to water. I go through loads of it on the paths and to keep under control, the Bramble 'trees' growing in the field, the other side of our fence. Bloody stuff seems to grow about a foot per day and worms it's way through the fences and hedges.
I use an extra strength Glyco weed killer - bought in a concentrated form and added to water. I go through loads of it on the paths and to keep under control, the Bramble 'trees' growing in the field, the other side of our fence. Bloody stuff seems to grow about a foot per day and worms it's way through the fences and hedges.
i get mine from my bro who has a small holding..about 8 acres so uses these things a lot. he mixes me some up ..takes a couple of weeks to start showing usually. he gets another one that works on the soil too. stops growth for about 6 months
hifi_dave
19-02-2018, 12:32
It is slow acting and I quite often give a couple of doses in desperation. It is very effective, eventually.
walpurgis
15-05-2018, 16:52
Just finished cutting the hedges and lawns. Dusty and tired now. Nothing else to report. :)
Just took me watch off to go out and do a bit then the UPS man knocked on the door..
hifi_dave
16-05-2018, 16:46
With the wind from the North, I could have a sodding great bonfire, as the smoke blows across the fields. The bonfire was approx 15ft diameter and as tall as me. All gone now..:carrot:
I'm not much of a gardener, but SWMBO wins all the competitions so I have to try and not appear too ignorant. I have enormous respect for people who can visualise what a garden will look like once it has grown from seedling stage to full maturity. It's a gift.
walpurgis
19-05-2018, 17:54
Just been in the garden watching a False Widow spider murdering a Bluebottle fly. It was quite fascinating.
Plenty of biting spiders here. I see false widows comonly and woodlouse spiders. Both are venomous, but symptoms are usually not much.
Gave the weeds, sorry, lawn a trim today (borders are full of weeds to but it’s all green stuff anyway) Now I’m drinking that Guinness [emoji846]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180526/a0772065e2f910e6389e1bac4e3cf4c2.jpg
walpurgis
26-05-2018, 16:45
My flower beds were so bad, I weedkillered the whole lot and dug it over once everything started dying off.
My flower beds were so bad, I weedkillered the whole lot and dug it over once everything started dying off.
Which weedkiller do you use? I got some Resolva 'Xtra Tough' (oh really?) which seems to do absolutely nothing :rolleyes:
Which weedkiller do you use? I got some Resolva 'Xtra Tough' (oh really?) which seems to do absolutely nothing :rolleyes:
I find napalm and Agent 'Orange' to be quite effective.
walpurgis
26-05-2018, 17:41
Which weedkiller do you use? I got some Resolva 'Xtra Tough' (oh really?) which seems to do absolutely nothing :rolleyes:
Just Tesco's own brand glyphosate concentrate. Mixed it and used a big sprayer. You see little happening for a week or two, then it all starts dying.
walpurgis
26-05-2018, 17:43
I find napalm and Agent 'Orange' to be quite effective.
I'm glad I'm not your neighbour Barry. :)
Just Tesco's own brand glyphosate concentrate. Mixed it and used a big sprayer. You see little happening for a week or two, then it all starts dying.
Thanks. Maybe I don't give it long enough but even over time there's little or no effect. Maybe Barry can spare some Napalm?
I'm glad I'm not your neighbour Barry. :)
Yes, the noise of the helicopter really annoys them. ;)
Pigmy Pony
28-05-2018, 07:32
Aren't bees cool?
I'm sat out in the garden, and am surrounded by countless bees. There seems to be more bees than flowers, but they never seem to fight over them. They never bother us, we're all but invisible to them.
They are real grafters, working from dawn til dusk, and never seem to complain. They don't even seem to be worried about their shape.
Unlike the wasps, they're a right bunch of bastards they are. :(
Another big bee fan...gees, I must be losing it :eek:
walpurgis
28-05-2018, 19:34
Bloody typical. I go round the garden and water all the potted plants, then an hour later there's a downpour! :rolleyes:
Each bee is a blessing and a friend. You are lucky to have so many around you.
walpurgis
02-06-2018, 13:20
Well that was disappointing. I was moving stuff around in the garden and had to shift a couple of eighty pound paving slabs. They definitely felt heavier than they used to. I've had them a long time and used to be able to lift them over my head easily. Can't do it now! :rolleyes:
Need to work out a bit again I think! :)
just put roundup down again as it didnt work last time. 35 mins later it rains:doh:
Well that was disappointing. I was moving stuff around in the garden and had to shift a couple of eighty pound paving slabs. They definitely felt heavier than they used to. I've had them a long time and used to be able to lift them over my head easily. Can't do it now! :rolleyes:
Need to work out a bit again I think! :)
at your age lifting them is good enough mate:D
walpurgis
02-06-2018, 13:26
Used to do 150 pound reps on the gym bench. Might struggle a bit now. :D
thunder storm at moment.. torrential rain... theres been a few poor souls dressed in very little struggling up road in near see-through clothes :D
‘Conifer corner’ gets its annual haircut
Before
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180604/0f7496a94b66c51bd076e31185c7ef8b.jpg
After
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180604/4e7d66d39c532af334fd9751a10f1319.jpg
walpurgis
04-06-2018, 14:13
At least you've got some green stuff. Mine's gone! I got so fed up with the weeds, I weedkillered everything in the flowerbeds apart from a couple of tall roses. Still got lawns to mow though.
Fighting a losing battle with stuff coming through from the rain forest next door, every handful of stuff I picked up had brambles in it, some of it like barbed wire.
Pigmy Pony
05-06-2018, 18:18
Sorry Roy, I thought 'Conifer corner' looked better in the 'before' picture. Looks more like a 'Muller Corner now. Maybe it just needs a few days to grow into its new look.
Sometimes things look better with some growth. A few years ago I worked with a young lad who had this weird hairstyle which made his head the shape of a lightbulb, and I constantly took the mickey. One day he came into work having shaved it all off. And you know what? His head was still the shape of a lightbulb. I felt so sorry for him I never took the mickey again, apart from criticising his sawing skills by asking him if he was sure he was left handed and had he ever tried using his right hand.
He grew into quite an angry young man. I think it was more to do with the poor wages than his head shape.
Sorry Roy, I thought 'Conifer corner' looked better in the 'before' picture. Looks more like a 'Muller Corner now. Maybe it just needs a few days to grow into its new look.
.
Yes I did go in a bit hard but I’m sure it’ll soon recover, was getting me monies worth out of councils green bin collection as I pay extra for that.
walpurgis
13-06-2018, 09:09
Yes I did go in a bit hard but I’m sure it’ll soon recover, was getting me monies worth out of councils green bin collection as I pay extra for that.
Since the council brought a fee in for collection of garden waste, what I can't take to the tip gets burnt! (bugger the neighbours :))
walpurgis
13-06-2018, 09:19
This is the current burn pile. About half a ton! Mostly Ivy chopped off adjoining walls and fences. I may start on it this afternoon.
http://i67.tinypic.com/2r5ro6r.jpg
I’m in Egypt for 2 weeks now so the garden can please itself!
I’m in Egypt for 2 weeks now so the garden can please itself!
walking like an egyptian i take it :eyebrows:
walpurgis
13-06-2018, 15:27
This is the current burn pile. About half a ton! Mostly Ivy chopped off adjoining walls and fences. I may start on it this afternoon.
http://i67.tinypic.com/2r5ro6r.jpg
All gone now. So is half the hair on my forearms and I need a bath! (yes, that is smoke to the right, it's still burning)
http://i66.tinypic.com/20ii39g.jpg
hifi_dave
13-06-2018, 15:42
Can't beat a good bonfire. I have a pile like that every 3 - 4 weeks and have to wait for a Northerly wind to blow the smoke across the fields, away from the neighbours.
I scarified a large part of the back lawn today, so my bonfire is looking healthy.
walpurgis
13-06-2018, 15:45
I have a pile like that every 3 - 4 weeks and have to wait for a Northerly wind to blow the smoke across the fields, away from the neighbours.
Nah. I just smoked the whole neighbourhood out. The nearest are just a bunch of scumbags, so this is a little payback! :lol:
Geoff, did you take the opportunity to grill a few sausages while you had the bonfire going?
Not if I can help it Grant, the Bangles have a lot to answer for.
walpurgis
15-06-2018, 14:14
A plant related question, so I suppose it counts as gardening related.
Why are there dozens of baby oak trees in a local park when there are no mature Oaks nearby? They are clustered, which suggests they were not planted intentionally.
The only thing I can think of is that acorns may have been swallowed by horses and deposited there in manure. The area has been used for exercising horses for many years, but they are stabled elsewhere in an area that does have mature Oaks. Could this be right?
http://i66.tinypic.com/309mp3q.jpg
more likely squirrels mate. they bury thousands and forget where many are.
walpurgis
15-06-2018, 14:19
more likely squirrels mate. they bury thousands and forget where many are.
I did consider that, but the nearest large Oaks are nearly a quarter of a mile away.
I did consider that, but the nearest large Oaks are nearly a quarter of a mile away.
jays maybe.. they eat them. might be the ones they drop?
walpurgis
15-06-2018, 14:24
Ah, yes. There are Jays about. Hmm, Parakeets too, might be them?
dunno, maybe.. jays do eat them a lot. horses will eat them given the chance but they can be fatal if they eat a lot. blame the jays :lol:
I tried a new technique for planting strawberries last year.
Rather than planting them in rows I planted them all together like a sea of green. The leaf canopy, hiding the berries seems to deter the birds. However the chipmunks are being well fed, and picking is more difficult.
walpurgis
18-06-2018, 16:15
Right. I've had another bonfire day. I can't find anything left to burn. I need a bath 'cos I smell like a bonfire myself. :)
And I've been weedkillering once more. There's nothing growing apart from two big roses, the lawn and potted plants. The flower beds are bare earth and they can stay like that as far as I'm concerned. Less to look after and I'm not keen on gardening anyway.
walpurgis
23-06-2018, 16:36
Been painting the garage. Needs another couple of hours work yet. I have to work fast, as it's water based paint that dries as I'm applying it. Should look decent once done.
That the shed u extended Geoff
walpurgis
23-06-2018, 19:30
That the shed u extended Geoff
Yup. Was out doing a bit more while the light was still OK. Should be done tomorrow.
My ferny bush has done this for first time. Looks great
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180626/2e546dda979b6968fddabed5458dabad.jpg
Been so long since I planted it I forgot what it is
Looks nice, mate. You can underestimate the pleasure some nice plants and trees in your garden gives, plus having a comfortable space you can sit outside and enjoy, especially in the nice weather:)
Glad that your bush has grown without having had too much attention! Hang on, that sounds naughty:eyebrows:
Marco.
'tis a big bush...:lol: first time its flowered like that... bees everywhere lapping it up.
Front white rose is doing well this year. Been there 16 years now.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180701/bc31a6366509063da5584e719efdbcb4.jpg
The front section next to fence has filled out nicely too. Took me years to turn that bit into something usable
Back garden in its glory
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180701/90346d64a80260a0ac59b1935c2ffe08.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/919/42344508164_a8a91aaeaf_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/923/28194810177_914cdf3965_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1796/28083145547_bbd577f5a2_b.jpg
SWMBO is the head gardener. Wins all the competitions. I just do what I'm told.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/919/42344508164_a8a91aaeaf_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/923/28194810177_914cdf3965_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1796/28083145547_bbd577f5a2_b.jpg
SWMBO is the head gardener. Wins all the competitions. I just do what I'm told.
Very nice garden
RobbieGong
01-07-2018, 21:55
Absolutely beautiful Graham !!! :thumbsup:
Looks nice, mate. You can underestimate the pleasure some nice plants and trees in your garden gives, plus having a comfortable space you can sit outside and enjoy, especially in the nice weather:)
Glad that your bush has grown without having had too much attention! Hang on, that sounds naughty:eyebrows:
Marco.
It's very true what you say, I've got big trees around the car park in front of me and they look glorious in the autumn but now they are a really lush sea of greenery. I really enjoy the changing colours and the best bit is the birds that live in them. There is one very feisty Blackbird with absolutely jet black plumage and bright orange eyes, stunning. The river Arun runs past here only about 100 yards away and is home to loads of geese.
I don't have a garden but plenty of lovely things out side to see.
Sounds like you have the best garden of all, Ian. All the wildlife and no maintenance.
Wow - that's a stunner! Major respect, Graham (and to your good lady) :youtheman:
It's really good for the soul, isn't it, having nice outdoor space to enjoy? I simply couldn't live anywhere where there wasn't a nice, decent-sized garden to sit out in:)
Marco.
I am always amazed when everything dies in winter and it never seems possible that anything would survive the snow and ice and then, come spring, everything just explodes into life and colour again.
Marco, I couldn't agree more. I only wish that I could see the horizon. Too many houses around us.
I can’t see the horizon due to all the trees.
I wish I could see the Pyrenees from my house, but it is not possible.
The good thing is that the trees give us a lot of shade and keep the house cooler. The bad news is that there are a lot of leaves to clean up every year.
I am always amazed when everything dies in winter and it never seems possible that anything would survive the snow and ice and then, come spring, everything just explodes into life and colour again.
Marco, I couldn't agree more. I only wish that I could see the horizon. Too many houses around us.
Ah, that's a shame... Can't have it all I guess! Have you got any of the garden dedicated to growing some veg/herbs/fruit, etc? As much as I love nice flowers, I like gardens also to have some practical function:)
Marco.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/919/42344508164_a8a91aaeaf_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/923/28194810177_914cdf3965_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1796/28083145547_bbd577f5a2_b.jpg
SWMBO is the head gardener. Wins all the competitions. I just do what I'm told.
Lovely garden, and the photos are not too shabby either.
Very nicely done.
It's very true what you say, I've got big trees around the car park in front of me and they look glorious in the autumn but now they are a really lush sea of greenery. I really enjoy the changing colours and the best bit is the birds that live in them. There is one very feisty Blackbird with absolutely jet black plumage and bright orange eyes, stunning. The river Arun runs past here only about 100 yards away and is home to loads of geese.
I don't have a garden but plenty of lovely things out side to see.
Enjoy, Ian. Nature is a wonderful thing, which unfortunately passes most folk by these days: read as 'zombies' glued to their bloody mobile phones!!!:doh::rolleyes:
Problem is, too many folks today merely exist, rather than LIVE.....
Marco.
Here's my garden:
https://img.discogs.com/QZfsTZaI221T7eIuDPdVzwkdS2Y=/fit-in/600x595/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():qualit y(90)/discogs-images/R-372267-1272218047.jpeg.jpg
Low maintenance! :D
Ah, that's a shame... Can't have it all I guess! Have you got any of the garden dedicated to growing some veg/herbs/fruit, etc? As much as I love nice flowers, I like gardens also to have some practical function:)
Marco.
The practical function is the preservation of my sanity.
walpurgis
03-07-2018, 22:23
I urgently need to do some hedge cutting, but I just can't cope with the heat at the moment. Funny, I used to work outside all year round when I was younger and nothing bothered me, cold or hot!
I urgently need to cut the grass. It was 36 degrees C when I had an opportunity to do so, so I sat down and listened to some music instead.
I urgently need to do some hedge cutting, but I just can't cope with the heat at the moment. Funny, I used to work outside all year round when I was younger and nothing bothered me, cold or hot!
I used to be able to do a lot of things when I was younger........
I urgently need to do some hedge cutting, but I just can't cope with the heat at the moment. Funny, I used to work outside all year round when I was younger and nothing bothered me, cold or hot!
I pay someone to do that for me.
walpurgis
04-07-2018, 18:35
I pay someone to do that for me.
I avoid paying anybody to do things if I can. Yes, I'm a skinflint! :D
Yesh, but you like 'trimming bushes' the old-fashioned way:eyebrows:
Marco.
The Black Adder
05-07-2018, 19:22
Our potatoes have been growing poisonous tomatoes... Anyone heard of this before? Apparently its rare but it's because of unusual weather...
Its well weird.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
walpurgis
05-07-2018, 19:28
That's funny, my tomato plants are producing potatoes. ;)
walpurgis
05-07-2018, 19:31
Have you noticed that both tomato plants and potato plants smell similar and that they also smell like Nightshade? They are related.
My bush nearly died!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180705/facbb67c5e9ca94b5dd48e878f076c69.jpg
You need to keep it wet;)
Marco.
That's funny, my tomato plants are producing potatoes. ;)
Think you 2 need to get together !
walpurgis
07-07-2018, 08:46
Just cut the hedge. There's an exciting bit of news for you! :lol:
walpurgis
09-07-2018, 17:01
Had a mishap. I showered myself with Glyphosate weedkiller. Forgot to depressurise the sprayer before unscrewing the regulator valve. Got sprayed all down the front and arms and I had no shirt on. Washed it off, but probably absorbed a bit.
Unless you are related to a weed, you should be fine.
walpurgis
09-07-2018, 22:30
Unless you are related to a weed, you should be fine.
Not too sure. I've started going mauve and growing fur all over.
Not too sure. I've started going mauve and growing fur all over.
If you develop an urge to start shouting "Feed me, Feed me!" then you are in trouble....
walpurgis
25-07-2018, 14:44
Well that was possibly a mistake. It's nudging 32C and I've spent nearly an hour burning garden waste. I'm really overheated now and stink like a bonfire.
walpurgis
25-08-2018, 17:05
I just mowed the grass. First time since May. It had more or less stopped growing through the hot spell and only started growing again in the last week or so.
There are quite a few bare patches, but I won't bother seeding it until maybe February. Not worth doing this side of winter.
My gardener did some weeding [emoji38]
I just mowed the grass. First time since May. It had more or less stopped growing through the hot spell and only started growing again in the last week or so.
There are quite a few bare patches, but I won't bother seeding it until maybe February. Not worth doing this side of winter.
Snap! I did mine, as it needed a haircut and it has sufficiently recovered after the 'drought'. Was not pleased however to discover a couple of places where next-door neighbour's cat had defaecated on it! :steam:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180828/269819aa818a3c323fa977cacf49447a.jpg
Am I being hopelessly optimistic thinking that might be the last time I have to cut it this year?
hopelessly:lol:
Thought so..
The later you make the last cut of the year, the later you need to start in the following spring.
walpurgis
28-08-2018, 13:59
The later you make the last cut of the year, the later you need to start in the following spring.
My hedge is almost needing a trim. I'll give it another week or two, but that will definitely be the last cut until about the end of March.
My hedge is almost needing a trim. I'll give it another week or two, but that will definitely be the last cut until about the end of March.
had mine done week or so ago. looking better and the bush in front of window too.. lots more light in room now
hifi_dave
01-09-2018, 09:50
I must be a bit on the OCD spectrum because any little bits which poke up from the hedges drive me nuts. So, I'm constantly out there giving them a trim. Had a respite during the drought because they stopped growing.
Has anyone grown Agapanthus from seed ? The Agapanthus did really well this year but have now finished and covered in large seed heads. Is it possible to grow from these ?
Has anyone grown Agapanthus from seed ? The Agapanthus did really well this year but have now finished and covered in large seed heads. Is it possible to grow from these ?
Not a good idea - we have tried with little success. Better to just split the plants in early spring before they wake up from their winter hibernation.
hifi_dave
02-09-2018, 09:24
What is the problem frowing from seed ? Don't they germinate ?
yup, its a lot of work from seed and it will take 3 years til it flowers. not difficult tho. dividing plants is quick and easy way to get more plants without buying them.
you pick the pods when they go brownish and keep them in a paper bag til they split. then remove seeds and put in a box with lid so no moisture or light gets to them. seed them in trays as per usual in spring. look after for a full year then plant out. dont over dampen them..use perlite etc, moist not wet
hifi_dave
02-09-2018, 12:48
Thank you. How do you know these things ??
walpurgis
22-09-2018, 09:04
I think I'll cut the grass later if it stays dry. That should see it through to March with a bit of luck!
mine could do with a topping for the winter too. dont think it will grow much more now. mate came and tidied my shed yesterday so its much better orginised now; especially the bird food for winter and suchlike. snow shovel to the fore etc....not that i will be using it alas....i liked shovelling snow
walpurgis
22-09-2018, 16:12
I think I'll cut the grass later if it stays dry. That should see it through to March with a bit of luck!
So much for mowing the grass. The moment I mentioned it, the rain started and hasn't stopped! :rolleyes:
walpurgis
23-09-2018, 07:50
So much for mowing the grass. The moment I mentioned it, the rain started and hasn't stopped! :rolleyes:
Still raining. So much for any gardening!
brian2957
23-09-2018, 08:00
Same here Geoff . Yesterday I opened the garage door to get the lawnmower out and it started chucking it down . Five minutes later it stopped and never came on the rest of the day . Grass was too wet to cut of course :rolleyes:
Not a cloud in the sky here this morning :)
walpurgis
23-09-2018, 08:03
Think I'll hibernate. :)
lovely sunny morning. dead still too
walpurgis
27-02-2019, 18:04
I cut the grass earlier. First time this year, it looks much better. Seeded some bald areas too. Hedge next!
I try to do at least one useful job a day outside as soon as the weather becomes tolerable. I need to work off the stone in weight I put on over the winter.
Need to get mine cut soon. Its mostly miss and clover
Last year we moved into a house with a garden that we knew was going to a major challenge/project
When we moved in the garden had been pretty much neglected for a year or more and had waist high stinging nettles mingled with brambles and a nice side order of brambles, in early autumn we paid a guy to come in with a brushcutter and effectively level everything.
Now growing season has arrived and we can see what may have been a lawn but with a fresh new crop of stinging nettles. Our plan is to reinstate the lawn and are thinking of hiring a rotivator as it needs levelling/flattening. I have treated the nettles with 15 litres (so far) of SBK brushwood killer and they do seem to be wilting nicely.
If we wait for the nettles to die off then rotivate and level the lawn will it be of to turf without removing all the nettle roots (albeit dead, hopefully) or will they all need digging out to prevent regrowth through the new lawn?
If the latter I may just concrete over the lot
If they are truly dead then cut off the tops where seed may be, as this can produce new plants. If you don't then they will probably come again. Interestingly nettles grow in good soil so your in luck that way
If the latter I may just concrete over the lot
We have just replaced our lawn with artificial lawn. Looks stunning. No more mowing, no more weeding, no more watering, no more spiking, no more fertilising. We got ours from here:http://bit.ly/2Z7FuRS
but I'm sure that there are suppliers where you live.
my daughter did her back with that stuff. its great. the kids love playing on it
walpurgis
12-04-2019, 10:00
They surface roads with synthetic 'tarmac' now.
would that be synthetic gilsonite?
walpurgis
12-04-2019, 10:14
would that be synthetic gilsonite?
I was kidding a bit, but SMA, synthetic mastic asphalt has been in use for decades. The aggregate is mineral stone, but the binder is a bitumen/polymer mix. You just don't see real coal based tarmac these days.
Gilsonite is a natural asphalt, they occur all round the world. As with most things, I dare say an artificial equivalent can be made.
think they developed it in Russia of all places.
walpurgis
18-04-2019, 09:58
As it's warmer, I think I'll do a bit more crazy paving in the garden later. I have a redundant border between a path and wall that just gathers weeds, so I've started filling it in. I've put a storage 'cupboard' on the bit I've already done.
http://i67.tinypic.com/2vl9sbb.jpg
Got rid of a lot of the ivy at the back a week ago, just cut the grass.
Bald patch in corner is where compost bin & bird bath used to be (they were fun to move). I have seeded it without much success.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190418/c7e03a7c5eab9da3d3cf4ccfedf8c6a7.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190418/f3693bb012bcb9bcd377c111a8e8388b.jpg
You must have a very private garden then...….sorry, I'm being rude :D
You must have a very private garden then...….sorry, I'm being rude :D
I'm largely unoverlooked but then I've never got that excited about gardening ;)
walpurgis
18-04-2019, 14:47
Just got a bit more done (not pointed yet), then ran out of sand. I'll have to pop down to Wickes.
http://i67.tinypic.com/t0je2w.jpg
managed to mix up some poison and spray some weeds in back garden. legs gave out but got a good stretch done. couple of weeks then they should start to die.
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