Work in progress

12 comments

I came home from work yesterday to find that Jim had started work on increasing one of the borders. I`d hinted at it for ages to no avail so in the end I asked him directly and he agreed immediately (you were right Hywel!). I didn`t realise that he would do it so soon and certainly not before he went to work at lunchtime. I`ll give him his due, when he says he`ll do a job he does it well. I told him I wanted it moved back a foot and he has done just that. Now we have to move the border stones forward as well as some of the smaller plants, dig it over a bit more and then build it up with topsoil and farm manure. Then I can plant a few shrubs along the fence, I really need some height along there…any suggestions? Its south facing. I also need something to grow around the obelisk so will have to think about that too. I`m quite looking forward to choosing new plants for the new border, I think I`ll get Nandena `Firepower` that I`ve wanted for so long.

I spent all Sunday afternoon on my hands and knees, forking over and weeding the existing borders. This bed is one of the newest and has the best soil. Its all ready for the Summer bulbs and flowers along with the plants already there.

One of which is Lobelia `Tanya`

And this Lupin that I have forgotten the colour of, I think its yellow though I`ll have to wait and see.

The large Acer is coming into leaf now. I pruned it just before it started into growth and I`m really pleased with the shape, I thought it was looking a bit wild so I tamed it a bit!

This photo is a bit blurred but I think the black bamboo has come through the Winter well. Its still anchored to the fence because of the March, and maybe April winds. Last year it really took a beating from the early Spring weather.

At last the Hellebore `Orientalis` are looking good

I`ve come to the conclusion that Perry doesn`t share my enthusiasm for gardening. I dig it and leave it looking nice, he walks all over it and leaves pawprints all over nice, tidy dug over soil. He doesn`t go anywhere near when I`m watching him but the moment I turn my back he strikes…we have already had words about it but he doesn`t seem to understand my point of view! I`m going to have to work at that one. I might try dog repellent and see if it works but knowing him he won`t even notice. Another positive of having another dog is we now have more birds visiting the garden. Willow, the cat from next door either scared them away or worse. Now Perry gives Willow more exercise that I think he wants and I have happy birds again!

Sandra xx

23 Mar, 2010
11 likes

Comments

Sussexsarah

I seem to have quite a few deciduous shrubs against the fence in this new garden which is all very well but it leaves you longing for something to look at in the winter, so I would be tempted to put in something neat, not too rampant and ever green - my money is on a ceanothus, which has beautiful dainty leaves and the most gorgeous powder puff blue flowers. Hmm I appear to be talking myself into this.

23 Mar, 2010

Labdancer51

Thanks for the suggestion Sarah but I had one before and it grew so big...my fault I know..so in the end I dug it out. I must admit is WAS beautiful when it was in flower and I really missed the colour. :o)

23 Mar, 2010

Joanella

hi Sandra,Jim did a good job for you & all before work too good lad,i can now imagine you going home from work daily with a few carrier bags lol love the bamboo too :o))

23 Mar, 2010

Jacque

Looking Great Lab i bet u was well plezd 2 see it? :)

23 Mar, 2010

Megan75

He's made a really good job on widening that border, you must have been so pleased to come home to it. Now an it's given me an idea for my narrow border........ lol : o ) )

23 Mar, 2010

Stroller

I agree with you Sandra that border is crying out for one or two shrubs. How about Osmanthus delavayi, Evergreen with small glossy dark green leaves and a profusion of very fragrant white flowers from mid to late spring.

23 Mar, 2010

Sanbaz

glad you got your border done sandra, im not good on shrub names but some clematis would also look lovely and honeysuckle on fence, i have just bourght obelisk for my passionflower to grow round, whatever you chose it will be lovely im sure :o))

23 Mar, 2010

Freesiaperson

Seeing as it is South facing, you do have a good choice for Shrubs that love a sunny spot..Sanbaz has given you a few plants, that would be ideal.
Your `NANDINA firepower is a good choice. Get 1 it is a beautiful shrub...I have 1 in a pot, i do not know what they are like in the ground, they seem to change colour with every Season. I am sure you will choose wisely...wish you luck with your planting Ld : >))))

23 Mar, 2010

Wagger

A Trachelospermum would be nice and not protrude too much. What fun having that extra space to play with. I like the look of your Lobelia Tanya - lovely foliage.

24 Mar, 2010

Hywel

I'm glad my suggestion worked Sandra :o) Actually after I wrote it I thought I've opened my big mouth again lol . I do tend to say things bluntly :/
Still, it's better than being 2-faced :o))
I'm glad you have more birds now . It's nice to see them. And your border is going to look wonderful in the summer :o)

24 Mar, 2010

Clarice

Great job done for you, bet you was over the moon to see it done.

24 Mar, 2010

Labdancer51

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, I`m sure I`ll give some of them a try. This afternoon I brought home an Aucuba `Variegata` from work which was going to be thrown away. After some pruning here and there it was fit for planting. I now have my large shrub. :o)

24 Mar, 2010

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