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Post by 4pygmies on Jul 31, 2007 6:31:27 GMT 1
Here we are then - a thread dedicated to chores, ideas and resolutions for our gardens.
My list of things I must do gets longer and longer but the really urgent ones are:
Hedge trimming - thoroughly this year, reduce them all by 4' in height and shape them better.
Tree felling - I have several very overgrown hazels which need thinning. One or two elders which I am dispensing with (I have plenty and these are in the way)
Weeding - I have decided (very reluctantly) to weed kill huge swathes of my garden and start again. I seem to spend most of my time battling the nettles and couch grass, instead of doing some more creative gardening and it's getting me down and tiring me out. SO I am going to try and get ahead of myself. I hate doing it, I really do but one middle aged old lady simply cannot work a half acre garden on her own. I don't have enough free time.
Seeds - I am going to organise myself better this August and start a planned programme of seed sowing. I have seeds for school, for selling and for myself to sow so I gotta get myself sorted out.
Bulbs - one dream I have never realised is a huge bluebell display underneath all the Poplars at the top end of the garden. If I weed kill it all and can keep the nettles down a bit I am definitely going to break the piggy bank and plant a huge number of English bluebells this Autumn.
Vegetables - I'm not growing so many veggies next year. I'm going to stick to the things I know do well and that we eat regularly. And I am NOT growing courgettes any more......bloomin' things have already gone manky with mildew and it appears no one actually likes them anyway!
Paths - OH bought the sand months ago but there it sits still under its tarpaulin. He IS going to get them done for me! My neighbour has a source of cheap old slabs from County (those really big pavement ones) so I have asked him to get me a load next time somewhere is revamped at great public expense. They are much cheaper than the usual ones and make perfect paths for wheelbarrow use. I need them!
Rats - I am going to try to prevent the rats invasion this Autumn. I'm hoping a less weedy garden, more bait traps in their rat runs and the Bren gun station I'm building at the top end of the garden next to the farmers barn will keep the numbers down........just trying to keep positive........
Blimey, this is long...sorry - I have another list of things I really should get done.........
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Post by emseypop on Jul 31, 2007 7:05:15 GMT 1
4P your list is mammoth! I really hope you get to achieve all you want, but don't put pressure on yourself. Didn't someone once say gardening is a pleasure, not a chore! My list is a bit smaller, but then again so is my garden and I'm not toiling away to have IT all squashed by OH and kids. I dont want to stress myself and them by standing guard over hours of hard work and shrieking overtime a bud gets stepped on, only to have the whole lot trampled on while I'm on the loo/phone/way to the sweet shop. So here is my simple list.
Plant obelisk I'm going to dig out underneath, put in some compost and plant runner beans-today. (i know its a bit late but I'm optimistic!
Dig over and widen right border its mainly grass, so loads of planting potential.
sow seedsfill up GH over the coming months with seeds for said border.
Prune left boarder One of those jobs, could be done in a day if I put my back into it.
Tubs and pots for the front garden Really want to tart up our dull tarmacked driveway, something I could start now.
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Post by mickthecactus on Jul 31, 2007 8:24:52 GMT 1
4P, you are cruel. Why are you making as middle aged old lady look after your garden? You should do it yourself........
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Post by 4pygmies on Jul 31, 2007 8:27:03 GMT 1
The old girl needs the exercise, Mick......
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Post by mickthecactus on Jul 31, 2007 8:40:41 GMT 1
Fair enough.......
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Post by madonplants on Jul 31, 2007 13:20:44 GMT 1
Wow 4P, maybe I don't want a large garden after all!!  My list is simple... Pond Finish off surround and plant up, before winter arrives!! Clear behind where waterfall will go. Waterfall, next year I think now!! Well we will see! Borders Add a few more plants that are still sitting on the patio and improve soil in the process. Buy large Tree Fern and get settled before winter! Plant Banana and buy chimney pot for winter! General Clear Up Self explanatory, I think. I.e. Take excess soil and mess to the dump! Wildlife Pond Not sure whether to start this this year or wait until next, now. Frogs don't seem to mind the fish pond!! Weeds A few are popping up here and there in the borders, so must keep on top of them! Keith |
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Post by sweetleaf on Jul 31, 2007 13:29:45 GMT 1
Mammoth hedge cutting derby as soon as Im sure the last of the birds have vacated the nests, they seem to have been longer at it this year . New lavender hedge for border in back garden I have some plants I grew from plugs last year and have recently sown seeds which are germinating satisfactorilly. I have called it fancifully the "GWL" border as most of the other plants there, were purchased or given to me at GWL including two lovely white lavenders . Re-laying the path outside GH2 which as Ive shown is a real Heath Robinson job atm  Theres more, Ill add later.
Making some trellis from roofing lath for the Passion flower all I need to do is remember where the saw is. 
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Post by mickthecactus on Jul 31, 2007 13:34:50 GMT 1
I only have one "thing" and that is 2 turn the 2 lawns at the end of the garden over to vegetables as I won't have the allotment any longer. However, the lawns run roughly North/South so that the East facing one will be in shade in summer in the afternoon and will hardly see any sun in the winter.
Do you think it will work?
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Post by sweetleaf on Jul 31, 2007 13:36:04 GMT 1
Deep shade ?
If its not actually dark there its ideal for lettuce broad beans and spinach.... pak choi etc which would bolt in the hot afternoon sun.
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Post by mickthecactus on Jul 31, 2007 15:11:04 GMT 1
No, not deep shade SL. That's quite promising then.
Thanks.
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Post by cheerypeabrain on Jul 31, 2007 20:24:22 GMT 1
What a good idea....
Veg Plot
Once we've harvested the rest of this summer's veg we plan to dig it over more thoroughly (didn't dig deep enough last time) adding lots of sand and compost to try and loosen the thick clay layer that's about 12-24 inches down.
Flower bed
After the annuals are over (hmph...IF they ever start) I want to dig it over and move the 2 palms more to the front (swamped atm by bedding) hack back the big passionflower, move the bird table and try and place the evergreen shrubs more evenly....
GH
I want to take everything out, ask OH (nicely) to make fresh staging
as the stuff that's in there atm is going rotten. Need to improve the storage of pots in there as they're just shoved under staging at present.
Eric the Half a Tree
Hopefully I can start pruning him into his 'cloud' shape this year as he's put on a lot of growth... ;D
Seeds
Whilst I love growing flowers from seed, I'm going to TRY to be a little more sensible about the varieties I grow next year...it's all been a bit silly this year with me giving a lot of good stuff away because I didn't have room...then finding that the things that I have planted have been unsuitable...I'll not grow giant sunflowers, phacelia or hollyhocks again even tho they are gorgeous...they're just too big.
Veg
I'm planning on being a little more prepared next year...with successive planting, concentrating on stuff like carrots, onions, parsnips, turnips and swede...and I'd like to grow lettuce in the GH where the snails won't get them! (in theory)...and I'd like to have an area in the garden just for herbs as we're tripping over all the post...
prolly lots more...but that's all I can think of for now...
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 12, 2007 16:26:38 GMT 1
After yesterday's trip to Barnsdale I am even more aware of how manky my garden is so I spent a lot of last night rethinking it all......I am definitely going to weed kill as I can't get anywhere doing it the organic way. But once it's done I shall try not to spread myself too thin (HA! That'll be the day...) so I am going to just try and maintain my flower garden and vegetable garden and have a mighty strimming session regularly all through the Spring and Summer. I crave borders with flowers..........just a little area of them where I can sit and enjoy them instead of getting suicidal about the weeds.. And I shall NOT grow too many different seeds next year...I say it every year but this time I'm expecting my AF colleagues to lecture me sternly once the seed sowing season starts.......you may nag with my blessing. |
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Post by emseypop on Aug 12, 2007 17:00:04 GMT 1
4p, why did you have to post on this thread and remind me of my list  Well my runner bean/obelisk idea is too late now......isnt it? I may keep it for my Passion flowers next year now, unless anyone has any better ideas? I haven't done any pruning yet, but as I dint know what half the shrubs are and, I dont know when the best time to prune them is, maybe its for the best ATM. Pots, saw some lovely post at adsa, a set of 3 tin, quite light, on pastel green or blue, must go and get them as they are in a sale. What else can I say? I've got some seeds planted for my right boarders so thats something. |
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 12, 2007 17:02:23 GMT 1
August is a bit of a dull month for getting things done anyway Emsey...next month is when everything gets going again...bulb orders....hurray!
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Post by emseypop on Aug 12, 2007 17:06:18 GMT 1
I know, had to stop myself buying aload of bulbs inline today, I want allum, and some tulips, daffs, gotta have daffs. |
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Post by emseypop on Aug 27, 2007 15:29:24 GMT 1
Well getting going on the list, still planting seeds, buying bulbs, spending just a few pounds a week. Very disapointed not to see any planters at todays caar boot sale. I've been spoilt as I saw a great, massive 1/2 barrel planter at sil's house and she got it for £18. The shop she got it from is too far for me to get too. Hoping I see one the same but cheaper on my travels. Found a little space in betwwen my GH and compost bins. Have enough laminate flooring to make a nice raised bed there but not sure what to use it for yet. Have started widening and planting the right border. Bit dishartened as I cant get a small tree stump type thing out, I've cut all the branches off but its so close to the fence cant get the leverage to dig it out and OH is no help.
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 27, 2007 16:38:11 GMT 1
It's so annoying when they don't show any interest in helping isn't it? My OH mows the grass for me but that's about it. It looks as if I shall have to do all the stuff on my list above, on my own as usual. I just spent a painful couple of hours repotting my Agaves and succulents. I'm quite sure it's the wrong time of year but some of them look awful. They'll either live or die I did my insect eating plants too and had to poke about amongst all the dead fly corpses in the Venus Fly Trap pulling off the black bits..bleah. And my pitcher plant has got 3 enormous wasps trapped in its pitchers. One of them was buzzing still...I felt really guilty but its a goner once its in the pitcher.... You sound like you're getting on Emsey. P'raps the winter will rot the stump a bit..? |
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Post by emseypop on Aug 27, 2007 17:18:39 GMT 1
I hope so 4p, I feel like squirting it with somat tho! I will wait and see, I've plenty of time and space at the mo and other things to be getting on with. Your re-potting sounds perrilus, glad you survived to tell the tale That pitcher plant sounds bitchin! |
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 27, 2007 17:22:10 GMT 1
The pitchers are not very big to be tackling insects that size!  |
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Post by sweetleaf on Aug 27, 2007 19:41:33 GMT 1
ooh look theres Grahame ;D Hi Grahame!  |
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 27, 2007 19:49:07 GMT 1
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Post by madonplants on Sept 17, 2007 22:39:04 GMT 1
Been having a look around at some threads, that haven't been seen for a while. When I read what I was GOING TO DO on this one and what I have got done, I was shocked. Pond surround not done, tree fern not bought (yet!!) and bit where the waterfall is going to go, not cleared yet. Have kept it fairly well weed free, except for the little bit in front of the kitchen window. Well that is the general dumping ground atm and that is my excuse and I am sticking with it!!
Just keep saying, NEXT YEAR will be different!! Hopefully Jennifer will still have a job and so I will be more settled for the jobs to get done.
How has everyone else got on with their lists?
Keith
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Post by 4pygmies on Sept 18, 2007 7:10:01 GMT 1
Erm....it's terrible isn't it!?! I haven't even started some of the jobs I put down......still waiting for my friend N to lend me his knapsack sprayer, haven't bought any bulbs (no money), no hedge trimming (bad back), and sand still sitting under its tarpaulin (what a surprise...). I HAVE chopped back a big hazel though and I have tried to get my seeds sorted a bit........big sigh....still I am managing to keep the grass mown ready for winter and I HAVE got all my sales crates laid out neatly out of the way. Let's look on the bright side....
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Post by sweetleaf on Sept 18, 2007 8:32:31 GMT 1
Mammoth hedge cutting derby as soon as Im sure the last of the birds have vacated the nests, they seem to have been longer at it this year . New lavender hedge for border in back garden I have some plants I grew from plugs last year and have recently sown seeds which are germinating satisfactorilly. I have called it fancifully the "GWL" border as most of the other plants there, were purchased or given to me at GWL including two lovely white lavenders . Re-laying the path outside GH2 which as Ive shown is a real Heath Robinson job atm Theres more, Ill add later.
Making some trellis from roofing lath for the Passion flower all I need to do is remember where the saw is. Ok I admit the path isnt relaid, the trellis is only half done and so is the hedge, the trimmer has decided it was too much work, and given up the ghost! It was a Bosch too! The lavender plants havent put on enough growth to go out either, Im a complete failure.  |
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Post by madonplants on Sept 18, 2007 10:13:45 GMT 1
Mammoth hedge cutting derby as soon as Im sure the last of the birds have vacated the nests, they seem to have been longer at it this year . New lavender hedge for border in back garden I have some plants I grew from plugs last year and have recently sown seeds which are germinating satisfactorilly. I have called it fancifully the "GWL" border as most of the other plants there, were purchased or given to me at GWL including two lovely white lavenders . Re-laying the path outside GH2 which as Ive shown is a real Heath Robinson job atm Theres more, Ill add later.
Making some trellis from roofing lath for the Passion flower all I need to do is remember where the saw is. Ok I admit the path isnt relaid, the trellis is only half done and so is the hedge, the trimmer has decided it was too much work, and given up the ghost! It was a Bosch too! The lavender plants havent put on enough growth to go out either, Im a complete failure. No you are not, you do have your frogs!!! Well, I don't feel quite so bad now. Why do we gardener's make big plans to then fail?  Is this why Sleepy never put his jobs down!!?  Keith |
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Well my runner bean/obelisk idea is too late now......isnt it? I may keep it for my Passion flowers next year now, unless anyone has any better ideas? I haven't done any pruning yet, but as I dint know what half the shrubs are and, I dont know when the best time to prune them is, maybe its for the best ATM. Pots, saw some lovely post at adsa, a set of 3 tin, quite light, on pastel green or blue, must go and get them as they are in a sale. What else can I say? I've got some seeds planted for my right boarders so thats something.
