When we moved here in 1989 the garden was a neglected, overgrown and unloved wasteland of long grass, brambles and forgotten brick-edged pathways from the nineteen twenties. There wasn't even a fence or gate or anything at the bottom of the garden which backs on to a communal lane.
The previous owners - who were British "Scrabble" champions - clearly weren't in the least bit interested in gardening and the lack of a fence at the bottom of the garden probably seemed unimportant given the lethal barrier of tangled bramble briars there. No intruders would ever do battle with that.
It was a wild domain in which neighbourhood cats could sun themselves, foxes could copulate and flying insects were untroubled by interfering humans.
Then I arrived and within three weeks set to. I hired a heavy duty petrol-driven strimmer, made bonfires, used "Round-Up" and tamed the jungle. The next thing I did was to make a little brick path that I pictured leading from the lower part of the garden to the top part. There would be shrubbery borders to each side of the path.
At the bottom part of the garden there would be a lawn and in the top part a vegetable patch. The very size of the garden was the thing that swung it for me when we decided to move here. It is 45 metres long - I know this because I once measured it.
Our garden is not neatly manicured and still has a degree of rough, unkempt wildness to it but that is how I like it.
In her retirement, Mrs Pudding has become much more interested in gardening and is often out there nowadays, showing keen interest. In the past - when she was nursing and being a homemaker, she was rarely drawn out to work in the garden. It was mainly a place to hang our washing. I must say, I rather like the fact that she now finds a lot of pleasure in growing things, tending plants and noticing the changes that Nature oversees.
You have a beautiful and welcoming garden! I would come sit awhile if invited.
ReplyDeleteYou are invited Kelly. Let's arrange it for when my wife is working at the charity shop on a Saturday afternoon.
DeleteOo you are norty!
DeleteWhen Kelly and I meet up, you are not invited Marcie. We need privacy.
DeleteIt is a very nice garden with plenty of interesting things to see and places to sit and have a cuppa.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome any time Elsie. You can do some digging.
DeleteI love it all!!!!! Super, smashing, great!
ReplyDeleteI am a very keen gardener. Ours is a mere 26 meters long but it is packed with plants and a fabulous greenhouse that was a present to myself when i turned 60.
We also have an allotment where we grow lots of vegetables and soft fruits.
I love being outside.
I like your choice of colour for the benches.
Your garden is wonderful.
Regarding the benches Christina, the first one - against the hedge is made from recycled plastic. . The other one was recently repaired and the colour I chose was forget-me-not blue.
DeleteOn you have SHEEP, how sweet. And Gnomes, always obey the Gnomes, they can be vengeful if ignored.
ReplyDeleteYou should see two of our other gnomes - Hamster and Penguin. They are old and worn but still seem happy.
DeleteThat is my sort of garden! Lots of pots and " creatures". I like the hare,( we have a stone rabbit that belonged to the in-laws) and the lizard on the wall.
ReplyDeleteI have a similar limey green acer in a pot.....lovely splash of colour. Our garden is getting rather overgrown though, as it is too big for us oldies to keep in check!
You need to bring in an occasional gardener. Just visit your local migrants hotel. I have heard that young Sudanese men are excellent gardeners and they only charge £1.50 an hour - off the record of course.
DeleteFor me that's a true garden where people, animals and insects all live together, with interesting bits to catch your eye.
ReplyDeleteThat's very nice of you to say that Poppy. I know how devoted you are to your garden.
DeleteI think every home should have a garden. Even if one is not interested in gardening, it's somewhere to sit in the fresh air and enjoy nature. Your garden is amazing- both relaxing and practical.
ReplyDeleteI agree - just be outside in the fresh air with some grass, some birds, some insects and some blue sky above. Does you the world of good.
DeleteI began by thinking it looked a bit rough, but as the photos went on, I decided I like it. I love the photo with the outdoor setting. When you get your annual day of warm sunshine, it must be a grand place to sit.
ReplyDeleteI could tell you so many stories about that garden and the things that have happened there. The bonfires, the barbecues, the animals, the birds, the vegetables, the flowers, the life. Actually, I am very glad that it looks a "bit rough" to you Andrew as my exchange with Colin demonstrates that I myself am "a bit rough".
DeleteMy garden needs some work again. Sadly ive let it decline apart from the seating area next to my shed. I'm hoping for time this year to get out and sort it. I want to get hold of some of that council grass seed for the bald patches, that stuff can grow grass on concrete.
ReplyDeleteI hope my p[ost and some good weather inspires you to get out and create a Viking garden Kirt.
DeleteJust beautiful! I love the many touches of art and whimsy!
ReplyDeleteSo pleasing that you noticed that Debra.
DeleteLovely. I love your patio and would be out there all day during the nice weather.
ReplyDeleteIf you were out there, my wife might say, "Who the hell is that brash American dude sitting at our table constantly swearing about the president of his own country?"
DeleteLovely photos and a lovely garden. I especially love the stone patio with the small garden beds. Is that a small maple in a pot, in front of the mirror. The colour of the leaves is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMaybe when my poor garden has grown a bit, I'll do the same, take photos. It's not a big garden but I love it still.
Yes indeed, it is a little maple tree Pixie. Its colours are quite subtle and we are glad we picked it rather than the usual gaudy red.
DeleteInteresting garden! I have a yard - not really a garden - mostly grass and a couple of trees. I have some plants, ground cover, and mulch up around the home and a line of bushes across the rear of the lot but no fences at all.
ReplyDeleteWhen I visited America in the past I noticed that few people had enclosed English-type gardens. More like the open "yards" that you describe Ellen. But my garden is my kingdom - an extension of me.
DeleteGreat job and it takes effort to keep it up. It looks like you have continued development. One thing that bothers me is bottom of the garden and top of the garden.
ReplyDeleteGood point about top and bottom Red! It is a conundrum.
DeleteA manicured, sterile garden is boring and doesn‘t do anything for wildlife. A garden with a variety of areas or zones, some left a little wilder than others, is a joy for humans and provides very welcome and necessary shelter and sources of food for insects, birds and small mammals. Children can learn a lot from them.
ReplyDeleteI love to take the granddaughters to see the worms in the compost bins.
DeleteI'm with you in keeping a somewhat naturalistic garden, not too tidy and trimmed. I didn't realize you have a greenhouse! That's a nice luxury. I wish we had one.
ReplyDeleteShirley wanted that little greenhouse and over the years it has been a very helpful space. Later this year it will be bursting with tomato plants.
DeleteLoving the sheep
ReplyDeleteAll Welshmen say that John. And from what I have heard, it is true
DeleteWhat a lovely, peaceful, welcoming outdoor space.
ReplyDeleteIt is very much an extension of our house - like another room but bigger and more "natural".
DeleteWell done! A wonderful refuge for you and the missus, I'd wager. I remember when Bo and Peep first arrived. Well done, Sir Neil. I dub you Earl of Sheffield and Hull City.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I now feel I know you and Ms. P a little better. I love the wild with the tame. I think that works for people as well as landscaping.
ReplyDelete