Hello...hope you are all well, I've had a lovely couple of weeks, a very relaxing half term, and this week has been dedicated to making cups of tea for Mr Landscape Man's team of gardeners.
I'm joining in with Sarah, sharing my garden changes over 2016. I was hoping this phase, which is all very grey, would be complete for this post, but a failed slab delivery has halted work until next week. It all looks rather messy, but in my minds eye I can see how it is starting to shape up.
In the words of Monty Don, it's "the practical bits and pieces, that if you don't get right, won't hold the garden together." So this is that practical bit, which although not colourful, is essential.
In order to manage my gardens transformation, gosh that's sounds good doesn't it, I'm thinking of it in terms of phases:
The Studio: complete.
Landscaping around the studio: complete.
Retaining wall, steps and path: nearly complete.
Patios: Summer 2016.
Top garden, path and landscaping: Autumn 2016.
Greenhouse and cold frames: 2017.
This summer I will be concentrating on the top garden beds, editing my plants and generally getting rid of those I no longer want. The top garden will then have a path laid, linking it to the steps, and three slate filled circles, in different sizes. I want this area to be planted with colourful, fragrant, cottage garden plants. Lots of height in here too, so that you only get glimpses of the other parts of the garden.
I don't think I appreciated just how destructive a little dog could be in a garden, initially the three circles planned for the top garden were going to be grass, but every time he has a wee, a small patch of grass dies...oh and he likes to dig too...not to mention eat plants! So we will see what I can manage to conjure up, and I thought it was just the slugs I had to contend with ;)
Let's hope there's a bit more colour in my March review!
Amanda :) xxx
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Wow your vision sounds very nice, I like the paving and I think it will look great when your done, we need to do work on our patio this year needs a really good clean and tidy. Have a nice weekendx
ReplyDeleteOur top patio does too Michelle, full of moss...I need a power washer! (Or just ask hubbie) ;) xxx
DeleteHello, recently found your lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteI've got a dog and a lawn too, every time I see a wee happening I give it a good "watering in" with the watering can. It's completely stopped the grass from dying.
There is something you can buy called "dog rocks" that you put in their drinking water but I've not tried that, the watering in works well.
Hi Jan, thanks for stopping by, I will try this, fingers crossed! :) xxx
DeleteHi Amanda, It is progressing well. Planting will take time and then the growing time, so don't expect it to look perfect just yet. Well besides the dog chewer having his nibbles at the plants!!! Enjoy watching it evolve as I am sure many of us will.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Alison, I always think it takes 2/3 years for new planting schemes to mature...I'm in for the long haul ;) xxxx
DeleteIt's all coming along beautifully, and once the summer planting is in it's going to look gorgeous. I'm taking notes about the small dog, it's been a surprise to me as well how much impact one so small can have! But he is oh so sweet. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteHe's a little rascal but a bit like a toddler he finds joy in the silliest of things he makes up for it by making me laugh! :) xxx
Deleteso good to see the steps it will make things so much easier and safer for you and your plans for the. I should get working on mine as I planted loads of things 8.5 years ago so when I moved here, nothing but grass and privets before and now needs a lot of prunning, did cut a few back in the autumn but needs a lot more work, will have to wait till it is warmer
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be a lot easier for me Margaret thanks. I never manage to prune stuff nicely, everything always looks oddly shaped when I've finished! ;) xxx
DeleteSNAP!!! I was way behind you on the summer house front, so our best efforts are going into the landscaping around it and the patch opposite which previously housed Jim's "fishing lodge" (!) will be herbs and salary stuff. Lots of work to do. I like the way your top garden landscaping is coming along and I've envied your raised beds for ages! ! Lxx
ReplyDeleteThe raised beds were fantastic last year Lynne, I fully recommend them :) xxx
DeleteExciting for you to see it all taking shape, and how well organised you are with the planned phases! Love your raised beds!
ReplyDeleteLook forward to seeing more photos as it all progresses!
Have a good weekend
Gill xx
Thanks Gill, having clear steps has helped keep my focused, also gives me an something to aim (and save!) for :) xxx
DeleteWow. That seemed to happen quickly!. What a good job your landscaper is doing. Those steps are lovely. It's amazing how it will come together and take shape over the summer when you can progress to the planting.
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited about the planting, won't really start to take shape until next year but that gives me lots of time to make my mind up! ;) xxx
DeleteLovely photos dear Amanda, your landscaping looks great, I like the levels and how wonderful it will all be when it is planted out. Those steps might pose a problem for Otto and his little short legs but I'm sure he will get used to them.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Minnie as always looks relaxed.
xoxoxo ♡
Hi Dianne, the steps have been made with a slightly shorter tread but longer depth to accommodate his shape, he's very quickly adapted to them :) xxx
DeleteThat's good and I'm sure he is having fun exploring and digging. ;)
Deletexoxoxo ♡
It's like an adventure playground! ;) xxx
DeleteIt all looks and sounds so exciting! I love garden plans as much as the gardening. We've got lots to do outside too this year, including digging out some new veg patches - your broccoli looks delicious. Looking forward to more of your garden posts :) Claire x
ReplyDeleteThanks Claire, I'm finally creating the garden I've had in my head since we moved into our home! :) xxx
DeleteWelcome back Amanda! Your garden is very big, it asks too much work! And your little dog is so...sweeeeeet! :-))
ReplyDeleteMiriam
It certainly is a lot of work, I'm hoping the structural changes I'm making will make it more manageable for me ;) xxx
DeleteI'm so glad you are joining me looking at your garden each month! It will be so exciting to see all the changes you will be making. Your retaining wall, steps and patio look wonderful and will be such an asset for you. I forgot to tell you about puppies and gardens! Tavi seems to prefer the beach rather than the garden for digging. We did buy lots of wood bark for paths last year but had to take it up when he decided it was a good thing to chew! I expect Otto just wants to join in and help you with the improvements! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteHe just loves my gardening gloves- tries to chew them when they are on my hands and run off with them if I put them down! Yes it's a challenge with four little paws running around! ;) xxx
ReplyDeleteI love your corrugated metal raised beds, they are awesome! I've never seen ones like that before...did you have them made?
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks for visiting! They are made by an Australian company Birdie, I've got mine from Sutton Seeds. They are expensive, mine were bought from a little bit of money my mum left when she died so it makes them even more special :) xxx
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