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Devon, United Kingdom Gb

oops! the previous was sent too early! It's my wonky laptop, not me - honest!
As I was saying, Dcr put me right about killing my carnations with kindness. I was gobsmacked but delighted too.
Anyone else remember their top tip?




Answers

 

I suppose it was not so much a top tip, more a realisation - don't hang onto plants once they outgrow their site or usefulness. We have an enormous, and now very woody and leggy Choysia, which in summer still looks pretty good, and still gets covered in flowers, but dominates an otherwise potentially very pretty border. Yesterday I jumped the gun on the New Year's resolutions, and the loppers came out. Today the massive roots will be grubbed out, and I shall sit with seed and plant catalogues making plans on how to rejuvenate and improve the site. Another, new choysia will be planted in the same place along with other things. Big, straggly and disease-prone roses went back in the spring, and things look much better now. A huge yew bush and a massive, top-heavy Viburnum tinus had better start toeing the line, too, or they'll be getting the same treatment. A small garden can't really carry bullies and geriatrics, and needs to be re-thought every now and then.

30 Dec, 2012

 

Thats exactly why the conifer bed is being revamped.
top tip

the garden is never static.

30 Dec, 2012

 

Yes, I absolutely agree. When I started gardening I was loathe to throw anything out until my neighbour told me that I must learn to be ruthless and I realised she was right.
Earlier this year I planted a Fatsia in a place where I particularly fancied it. It hasn't thrived and I think it could be the sandy soil, so I shall dig it up and plant in more suitable soil although not where I wanted it. I love Fatsia for it's tropical looks so not being ruthless this time.
Now I'm wondering whether Viburnum Bukwoodii would cope with sandy soil because I have one in a pot, waiting to find a home.
Thankyou Gattina and SBG, for reminding me to think about the garden of 2013.

30 Dec, 2012

 

Well, thank you, too, Merlinbabydog for giving us the opportunity to think about it. Being on this site has gradually changed my attitude to my garden and the way it's managed - mostly for the better! :o)

30 Dec, 2012

 

And I'd add to Seaburngirl's comment about the garden not being static a similar comment - a garden is never finished. It's not like redecorating a room, placing objects in it and that's it, job done apart from keeping it clean - its an ongoing project, really, because what's in it is alive. Or hopefully!
Re your Viburnum, they don't mind thin, sandy soils. And that's the other maxim - right plant, right place. Happy New Year.

31 Dec, 2012

 

I always used to think - "Ah, when I've done that and that this year, I can sit back and enjoy the results for ever more." It doesn't work like that, though, does it? What sort of an interest and passion would it be if it didn't throw up challenges? There's always room for experimentation and improvement.

31 Dec, 2012

 

I moved into this house 53 years ago in may next year,
still haven't got it "RIGHT" as they say it's a work in progress, Derek.

31 Dec, 2012

 

I guess it's been 50 shades of "Right, but different" for at least 50 of those years, Derek!

31 Dec, 2012

 

Bamboo, I'd rather be gardening than cleaning a room any day and I bet most people here feel the same way.
Thanks for the advice on Viburnum. Like the new avatar by the way.
Happy New Year to everyone and hope we have less rain in 2013.

31 Dec, 2012

 

The avatar will be changing shortly - its the only one I could find that suggested a party for New Year!
As for the rain, when you think that last year at this time, we were in drought.... and now we're practically drowning, talk about extremes.

1 Jan, 2013

 

How "RIGHT" you are Gattina, lol, Derek.

1 Jan, 2013

How do I say thanks?

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