#11 - Let the seed starting begin

 

The first ones of the season, Mr Fothergill’s:

Aquilegia Biedermeier Mixed (Columbine)

Hardy Perennial 

Flowers: May to July

60 cm high / 40 cm spread

Well drained soil

Full sun 

Sow indoors: cold frame or up heated greenhouse: February to June

Plant out: April to June

Sow outdoors: April to June

Germination: 21 to 42 days

Tray code: AQ

One of my all time cottage garden staples, who seem to always be happy little breeders and spreaders throughout the garden.

#10 - Getting ahead … new shed

 The installers have temporarily left site to get the glass, and so I popped outside to take a photo, and “move” with a couple of empty boxes.

It will look nicer, when painted inside and out, and dressed, but I am so excited that we are moving forward, plus it gives us much more privacy.

The hedge too is being replaced later in the year with 6 feet Laurels to block out the ugly neighbouring shed, the pew needs to be unwrapped after the Winter sleep, and I still have to weed and wash part of the brick paving.

It is so very windy here at he moment, and I was a bit disappointed to see that my temporary greenhouse has done a somersault and ripped … just as well I have another new one to hand.  Of course there will be a permanent one at some point this year, but as they say, Rome was not built in a day.

The guys this morning were admiring the raised beds we had out in, which was nice to hear, and they will only improve when I plant them up properly, as last year I had not time or opportunity to to do a proper planting scheme and just popped in here and there to get things in the ground.

Hugs

Kay xx

#9 - Rosemary surface cleaner

Time to make another batch of surface cleaner, although this time I’m using my own Rosemary sprigs rather than sprigs from the supermarket.

The original receipt came from the Back to Blighty YouTube Channel.  If you are interested in knitting, spinning, weaving, with a sprinkle of gardening, roller blading and Morris Dancing thrown in, then Becky is your girl.

You just throw the sprigs in a jar (I add a slice of lemon too), and top up to the rim with white vinegar.  Shake every day for a month, then take out the greenery and fruit and pop in a spray bottle to use as surface cleaner, that is eco friendly with no nasty chemicals for the smallest amount of effort.

I’m also going to research whether it would be safe/beneficial to add a drop of tea tree, and will report back on that.

Hugs

Kay xx

#8 - Between the cracks

 Perfect Spring weather.

Today’s been all about moving forward in readiness for the shed, so I have been weeding and sweeping the brick pavers.  I added white vinegar to a couple of test areas to see if it works to kill the weeds.  From doing some quick research adding table soap and washing up liquid increases the efficacy, so if works I will make up a batch and keep it in a spray bottle to use at will.

The other half is yet to do, but I’m sure you will agree, it’s bad ...

In the week I will move the chais and get down to, I might need a hand with the table. Once done I can jet wash off.

I’m off to do some research on sentry sheds.

I hope you have had a good weekend, and managed to get out in the garden or nature.

Hugs

Kay xx

#7 - Hedging my bets

 

This morning I’ve been weeding, and tidying up the pile of hedge prunings.  The pile is considerably smaller now than the photo. I will have to wait until the brown bin is emptied early next week to finish that job though, and more than likely I will add to it too.

It was also long time past to plant out the apricot Foxgloves sown last year in the top wild flower garden area.  Happily, there are volunteer ones up there, which I think are white.

Good news, the concrete base is set and hiding out under a tarpaulin to protect it from frost.

The tomatoes were due to be sown, however I think I will wait a few more weeks to do that.

Hugs

Kay xx

#6 - The Base’ics

 

The lovely Phil from PW Groundscape has just toddled off , after an afternoon and a very early start today laying the shed base.

Tarpaulin at the ready in case of frost, but I’m super happy with his efforts. 

I think we have another three weeks before the shed is built and I’m not sure how long the wait will be to install.

No worries though, I have to jet wash the remaining pavers and in-fill gravel where necessary. 

Also, I think the dreadful red steps will be painted, and possibly the brick wallow the raised patio.

If you add in the hedge urgently needing a trim, and more tidying up, there is plenty left to keep me out of trouble.

Hugs

Kay 

#5 - New Year; new focus ...

 

and about time to do a better job of keeping up this blog!

There have been changes in my routine, which means more time in the garden, and so if not now, when?

Two years ago the top end of the garden had some hurdle fencing and sleeper raised beds installed, and although there is plant in work to be done, it’s not too bad.

So this is the next area we are working on.  When we moved in it was a raised brick area with an above ground pool and Wendy House.  The pool and house were removed when we moved in, but that was as far as we had progressed.   Now half of the old bricks have been lifted in readiness for a new shed base.  The shed is also ordered, and should be about a month to wait for them to install it.

Once that is done we can brave the enormous task of sorting through and organising the contents of the old shed, and the assess to see if we can either renovate or re-do the remaining brick area, which leads to the wild garden with bog area, but that is for another day.

So, this blog is a journal for us, which you are perfectly welcome to come along for the ride, with everything to do with regenerating and breathing beauty into our happy place, thus the name #projectsussexgarden.

Hugs

Kay x