New Project

This is going to be fun for you David. The posibilities are endless. I can picture a wall water fountain on the chimney wall that extends out :) A couple large pots with trellises in them with some kind of climbing plants againts the white wall at the end :)

cant wait to see it full of plants.............

So exciting :)

Isn't "exciting"?, You're right there, Littledove. I'll be like you, moving things around and around, as there WILL have to be pots. You are thinking along my lines, Mike. I'm thinking about a water feature, trellis, large pots. A sort of alley garden. Thing is, folks, this side entrance is mostly shady, running north/south, with only full sun for a couple of hours at midday. But I can divide up and have some of my hostas here, ferns. I think I want mainly just greenery in here. And it will all have to be resistant to kids on bikes, rollerblades, footballs, et al, LOL! The area is only 10ft wide and 42ft long. Bet I could get loads of ideas from Grenville's garden! Firstly, though, I'm going to look at what I already have around the place, and repoint and paint the wall of the outbuilding facing the path. Will keep you posted! Thanx!

I like your ideas & hope you'll keep the walls white, perfect :) I will enjoy seeing your progress

this will look fab when planted up with all your plants&ideas David :)Looks like your bank hoilday has been taken;)

Looking forward to watching the progress on this

Many thanx, folks. Today, I stripped the flaking paint off the outhouse side wall, re-pointed the brickwork, and this evening, repainted the wall, yes, Littledove, brilliant white. Also, I gave the fence and posts for new gate a stain (rustic oak). This "alley" is not at all as shady as it looked. The outhouse wall faces south, and at this end, the temp was 79 degrees C nearly all day today (was like being in Spain or somewhere). I figure I could have some of our climbing runner beans, pumpkins, etc against this wall this summer. Anyhow, will keep on with the project, and will post pics in due course.

YESSSSSS :) runner beans will look fab, are they the ones that have wee orange flowers ?

Lovely little spot there, David! It wouldn't be Diagon Alley, would it? Hmm... 'Wizard' hosta, 'Magic Lantern' pumpkins, 'Hedwig's Eyes' daylilies...

yes, Littledove, runner beans usually produce orange/red flowers, but ours, this year, are of a variety called "White Lady" and should have white flowers (?)

Oooohhh Grammazoo! I've thought oft about HP as a theme, and the plants you mention make complete sense to me, have come across them in my plant searches ( I always wanted to do a Halloween garden party). Right! That's the year 2010 sorted). Many thanx!

With all that walll space what about a mural? you could find vegetation to fit in with the mural... My cousin bought a small portable windmill that he uses to oxygenate his pond... maybe you could rig up wind power to run your waterfeature pump, or somesuch. What plant is coming over the wall (right rear)? How about an optical illusion...make the walk way continue to a vanishing point... or paint a door in the end wall. (secret garden?) Or a window (faux) with a real window box mounted in front.

This alley project is progressing, but am unable to post pics at the moment due to loss of 'net access at home. Lori, the climbers coming over the fence and building are a mix of Clematis "Armandii" and Hydrangea petiolaris. A few ferns are now beginning to peek through at the base. These, of course, all belong to the neighbours, but I benefit, too, without the upkeep, lol! A mural? Hmmmm.....will keep that in mind, thanx!

I love new projects - as you well know, David! The planning is as much fun as the carrying out! Good luck with yours. How did you suddenly get a whole new area to play with?

I've only waited 6 years to get this area sorted out, Spritz. Other things always seemed to get in the way, and time just flew by. At the moment, I'm finding this a very useful place to keep those "plants-in-waiting" until they can be placed in their final locations. Unfortunately, I cannot post pics at the moment, but it is so attractive right now with the freshly-painted white walls, dark oak-stained fencing and trellis up the end wall. There are numerous pots with Asiatic and Turk's-cap lillies, cordyllines in green and brown, a tree peony about to bloom, and some edibles. I should have done this area years ago!

sounds like having come computer down-time hasn't been an altogether bad thing for you, David. I was without mine for five days and it seemed like forever...but i caught up on some tasks and actually made some phone calls...and all in all it wasn't too bad. Sounds like you're channelling your energy into this great new spot... can't wait for the pics.

Week 3 Lori, and have given up counting, but I may soon be okay again. Meanwhile, am at the Library again (thank you so much for "reminding" me that I had that facility. Have been outside even at midnight some evenings, so, yes, lots getting achieved, I guess.