Garden Journal (No.5) – A Gardening Mind

| Gary Webb

Hello again and welcome back to my garden journal, a place where I look to capture my gardening world right now, record horticultural highlights from the preceding week or so, and look ahead at what’s up ahead – my work is a whole other subject!

Generally Speaking

Where I’m at… Roses are in full bloom and the lavender’s buzzing with bees as June seems to pick up speed. The remainder of the garden’s charmingly green, lush and fulsome, its thirst having been quenched of late. Chelsea for another year fades, its medal winning gardens now erased forever from the Royal Hospital grounds whilst closer to home, new gardens are built for Birmingham’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live which opens tomorrow – summer has arrived!

I find myself sitting in an armchair, door open to the morning garden whilst contemplating the world of gardening I find myself in; honestly, I struggle to locate myself most of the time. Whatever is happening though, I have a gardening mind that drives me forward, an allotment, home garden and family that requires regular input, and a pond pump that reliably runs around the clock – what more could I possibly want?

Don’t mention the weather – After harping on about it in my previous journal, the last thing I want now is to jump straight into a weather conversation. However, as the weather’s shift has been quite the thing of late, I simply can’t ignore it. All I will say is that in stark contrast to last time, water butts and reservoirs across the land should mostly have taken their fill, spring plantings and recently sown seeds have resumed normal growth, and the garden brims with life once again – all seems well for the weeks ahead.

Ne’er cast a clout till May is out – Gardeners’ often state May as a favourite month of the year for good reason, increased daylight hours, warmer temperatures and good moisture levels being first in mind. Herbaceous plants will have burst into life, often transformed from their below ground status to upstanding vigorous specimens, and deciduous shrubs and trees will be colouring and texturizing our garden landscape. If all this wasn’t enough, flowers will be coming and going everywhere from down low between grassy blades to the treetops, so do make sure you remember to look up for the flowers too!

Now May is out though and we find ourselves marching through June, the garden task list, like an overflowing water butt can be very full, and long days often lead us to keep on working. No sooner has the lawn been cut it’ll need cutting again, weeds seemingly sprouting up behind us, and almost everywhere we turn some little critter is trying to defoliate a favourite plant, snap a delicate tree stem or ruin a harvest. Amidst the busyness though I do look for the balance, and make time to sit back and take pride in a garden and allotment well-tended. It’s always important to pat ourselves on the back for making the effort, for creating each little oasis that speaks to wildlife as much as our wilder selves.

In the Garden

Getting knotted – Previously I spoke of a miniature landscaping project to create a Japanese themed gravel garden. All was complete for my last post except for a low fence to complete the scene, an element that was sent to test me. As symbolised by the little garden itself though, calm and peace was the overarching goal, so naturally I carried this mindset throughout the build – just.

The build, the last piece of the feature was a low bamboo-clad fence to add some height and presence to the space. On-theme I chose slimline bamboo canes that would be fixed in place with delicate little knots, so as not to dominate. The canes being no more than two feet long were a little fiddly but manageable, the decorative string though, or specifically the knots themselves, have been another story.

Still to finish, as fallen string may show, but almost a job well done…

I’m still not quite finished as I write this and I’ve a good few knots to re-tie before I can properly sit back and admire my handiwork, but it’s getting there. In trying to keep things real, I’ve attempted to use a traditional Japanese knot called Otoko-musubi, (think I’ve described that correctly) and whilst there are some good how-to videos on YouTube, none of them can easily show exactly how it’s done. I’m happy with my attempt though, as the knots arguably strike a balance between decoration and function, and I love how their tassels move in the wind.

~

New bird on the block – Last weekend our garden filled with tension as two blue tits fledged, removing themselves to the garden ground where they spent two days each. They spent their time exploring, shivering, and chirping away so they could still be found and fed, but of course our concern was for predators, who were ever present and listening in. Of the two chicks it appears one made it through, last seen flying out and away from the fence top, and of the one left behind, well let’s just say it will rest in peace. That’s nature for you. 

Blue tit fledgling, nestled amongst grass in a garden.
This was either Chirp or Cheep, the one that got away.

@AllotofPotential allotment – Wednesday brings the full Strawberry Moon, and predators allowing, I do plan to eat at least one allotment grown strawb’ in celebration; well, that’s the plan. As you might have picked up previously, I have been loosely following the moon phases when planting this year, and I mean loosely. If I’m to learn anything that is to be of use going forward, then my adherence to planting by phases of the moon must be tighter, otherwise nothing will be proven.

In my defence, whilst my back issues mentioned previously have subsided, they did throw out my allotment activity, so for a while I was forced to go with the flow. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about gardening though, it is that the best laid planting plans must sometimes adapt and change, whether due to weather, ground conditions or a sore back now and then. My moon phase planting efforts aren’t part of a scientific survey so they must flex, that’s all there is to it – and no doubt there’ll still be a harvest at the end of the season!

A gardener standing beside an allotment plot, where seed sowing is in progress against a heavy sky.
French bean seeds going into drills during a flying visit to the allotment.

Activity of late included: dwarf French beans sown; sweet peas planted; pumpkin patch formed and mulched (with new paths to create permanent beds); tomatoes planted in glasshouse; fig moved; more onion setts planted.

~

Looking ahead

On the allotment I still need to sow some carrots, but the bed is nearly ready to go – although I’ll need to wait until the full moon passes. As the mulch-matting is now in place, young pumpkin plants hardening-off at home will be planted out in a week or so, and some gherkins will go into the glasshouse border – I’m giving them another go after a somewhat modest crop last year. (Any gherkin growing tips gratefully accepted!)

In the home garden I’ve a pergola project simmering in the background, with actual materials waiting in the wings. It’ll take a while to raise its head, but hopefully in the coming weeks its footings will be complete. Looking ahead, and hopefully before summer’s out, I shall be able to sit back beneath a new growing structure and raise a glass to another meditative garden project delivered – the best laid plans eh…

Might I see you at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, if you’re going on Friday?

~

Wishing you all the very best until next time, Gary, Gardening ways.

p.s. Do check out my last essay Not Just a Patch of Moss 🌿

Garden Journal (No.4) – Flowers & Life

| Gary Webb

Crikey I have been busy with my gardens lately, and while it hasn’t all been plain sailing, it’s been a productive and lovely couple of weeks. Let me explain…

Generally Speaking

Don’t mention the weather – The gardening topic of conversation around these parts right now is how dry the weather has been, with no serious rainfall for two months or more. For sure, the sun’s been out to play most every day and springtime has been a delight, but the lack of natural irrigation from above is becoming a worry.

All things considered, despite some high midday temperatures we have enjoyed some cool nights, and haven’t had much in the way of frost during May, so from a gardener’s perspective it’s not at all bad. There’s no escaping the fact though that the soil is dry and water supplies are, or soon will be, in high demand. In every likelihood the weather will turn soon, but on the off chance that it doesn’t, saving water now will help us in the long run.

Where home gardens are concerned, using a water hose of course makes watering easier, but I would urge you if at all possible to use a watering can instead. Doing repeated trips with a can isn’t meant to frustrate us but will cause us to consider carefully how much to apply, as opposed to leaving a hose running and using more than necessary. My own personal rules are that the lawn can fend for itself, (unless they’re freshly laid of course,) established plants too, and for newly establishing plants and pots, water less often but thoroughly, to encourage roots to delve deeper down.

My caveat to the watering can tip is to mention some of the seep or drip irrigation systems that are about, which can feed controlled amounts of water to the just the right spot. Unless I’m looking after sports turf, I’d personally leave the lawn sprinkler in the shed – if I had one!

Before I slip off my soap box, I shall stop myself there, as I feel I’m tipping into lecture mode – although it comes from a good place I assure you. Let’s just hope for a nice steady splash soon, eh. (BTW, if you want any tips be sure to let me know!)

In the Garden

Wired Wisteria – Last time I mentioned the installation of some wires to train a Wisteria along, a job left over from last year. As it turned out I timed it perfectly, for the growth spurt shown by said plant has been speedy to say the least, with hardly any wire now to be seen and with plenty more growth yet to come. The wires are in, new shoots are being tied as they grow, and wayward stems trimmed back as and when to save the plant from wasting energy – I am being decidedly ruthless!

The Wisteria is only just entering its second year in my garden, so last year and the next few are all about training and forming the permanent framework of branches, the intention being to clad both the south and east facing fences with two lateral stems. I might have to wait a few years for the flowers to appear, and it better be the right colour when it does but for the time being, it is snip and tie-in, snip and tie-in, snip and tie-in, I now feel a song coming on!

~

Gravel Garden – I’m glad to report that my compact mini landscaping project has now made progress, with one modest but important detail left to complete. The project itself, a metre square ornamental bed to break up a flat patio space is unlike all other borders in the garden, being now finished with a varied mix of stone, both river gravel and some beach stones for contrast. (Responsibly sourced of course).

Small gravel garden bed, with foliage plants, stone feature and water trough
A little glimpse of a freshly gravelled bed, complete with new baby plants.

The bed is slightly mounded to show intent and softened with a few foliage plants that whilst young, already bring a hint of character, including Hosta ‘Halcyon’, Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) and a tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum). The central showpiece though, whilst still in its infancy is a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’), which in time will change the space completely, bringing I trust some height in a delicate way; I shall be manipulating its branch network and form over time.

Two architectural elements are intended to complete my gravelly garden, the first a shallow reflection pool, a cut-down barrel which already has become a favourite drinking spot for a red mason bee. In addition to this, I’m looking to complete this mini-garden with a short section of fence that will be clad in carefully tied bamboo – yes, I’ll be getting even more arty with this part. If the fence turns out to be anything like my intention, I’ll be sure to add an image in due course but for now, a mere glimpse of gravel will have to suffice!

~

@AllotofPotential allotment – I’ve been wondering whether to separate-out mentions of the allotment into their own updates, maybe even a dedicated Allotment Journal – do let me know what you think?

Anyway, almost two weeks ago my allotment buddy and I spent a couple of hours doing a range of tasks – picture an SAS style descend and do type mission, with an aim of dropping the last of the seed potatoes into the soil like grenades then get the hell out of there. Well, things didn’t go quite to plan. The potato part worked like a dream, and if we’d headed for the hills at that point our mission would have been a success but oh no, the allotment pulled a fast one, triggering a secondary operation called weed-and-prep.

Potatoes laid out on the ground and being planted by a gardener
I know, you wouldn’t do it like that, but we all have our own ways…

Needless to say, by the time we finally retreated from the allotment zone the damage was done, and with the old back-hinge creaking, there was nothing left but to break out the hot water bottle and Tiger Balm. Let’s just say that for the last ten days or so, I’ve not been able to sit or stand without an ouch or an aargh! (…and the Tiger Balm whiffs a bit too).

Thankfully, whilst sitting has been a challenge, moving around has been okay, and I have been able to return to the battle ground a few times since, at least for light exercise. It appears that no long-term damage has occurred. Lesson learned…

Progress wise, more onions have been planted, new borders are now formed and awaiting path laying then seeding, and the glasshouse borders are weeded and ready for the toms. The asparagus bed (second season so no harvesting as yet) is clear of weed, the compost bin half full, and the first strawberry on the patch is colouring nicely. In the coming days direct seed sowing will commence and some trays of veg will be planted out – there will be much kneeling and moving around on all fours! 

After all that is done some rain would be very welcome, if you please!

~

Looking ahead

In my last journal I urged you to head out and find some cherry blossom, which by now is largely spent. The fact this cycle keeps moving isn’t sad though I must say, just part of the life cycle of plants. Flowering happens just when a plant needs to, not to please or satisfy us at all, but to keep its type alive. The fleeting nature of blossom therefore calls upon us to seize the moment, to sit up and take notice, to get out and savour nature’s gifts and splendour, and you can count on me to continue reminding you of this.

Spring’s cherry blossom may be all but done for this year, but it shall return, be sure of it, and other flowers are already here or poised to arrive. As I write looking over my garden, purple allium planet-like spheres hover over a border in the afternoon sun, shaded lawn daisies are closing for the day, and I gaze upon it all with awe. This last week I’ve been besotted by the frilly extravagance of some white Florentine irises – honestly I’m such a pushover!

White frilly Florentine Iris flowers backlit by morning sunshine.
Florentine Iris looking super sultry in the morning sun – I’m besotted!

Do I worry though, that some of these floral beauties will have gone over tomorrow or by next week? Should I photograph and study them every day for fear of losing them? I think not, instead I’ll take them as they come, bathe in the moments we can be together and once they’re done, I will anticipate their return next year. 

Life and flowers will come, flowers and life will go, we must not squander the opportunity or prospect!

~

Wishing you all the very best, until next time, Gary, Gardening ways.

p.s. Go check out my last essay over on Substack Influential Gardens 🌿

Tortured Tree – Planted but not forgotten

| Gary Webb

My discovery of an ill-fated tree on a wooded hillside, a tree striving to survive and play its part for our world – a reworked essay from Gardening Ways 2017.

Time travelling back to a tree planting day on a gentle hillside a century or so ago, I picture a fresh-faced country character with their sleeves rolled back and a bead of sweat beneath their flat cap, standing back to admire their work. They, like us now would have wanted only the best for this tree that I now stand before, especially after digging into this heavy ground that I know to be stone filled and stubborn.

As for any tree planter today, our character would have wished for this tree to establish well and prosper, feeling equally sorrowful and comforted knowing it would hopefully remain long after they themselves had breathed their last. Nodding to the future then, they’d have prayed for a mild season or two to ensure that its shoots would get away and its roots would establish well, binding the tree to that spot for generations to come.

A beech tree encapsulated in a rusting tree guard that should have been removed long ago, set in a thin woodland.
Until you see it, I mean really see it, it’s just another tree in the woods. G.Webb.

After firming down clods of earth with the heel of a hobnail boot, the planter would likely have scooped water from the nearby lakeside to settle its roots, then fixed in place a strong protective frame to guard it against attack; a metal cage likely to have dwarfed the infant tree but certain to keep it from harm. Little did they know that despite the most caring of intentions, their actions condemned the tree to a torturous future.

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Fresh Air and Fruit Trees

| Gary Webb

Getting closer to a pruning day between the branches.

Gary Webb

With heavy curtains drawn tightly together, it may have been hard to notice that day was breaking outside and the sun was readying itself for an appearance. As our gardener raised their head from a warm pillow though, even with half opened eyes, they knew exactly when and where the sun would appear and importantly, when it was due to retire.

Preparing for a cool winter’s day outdoors, our weathered tested gardener dressed themselves, adding quilted layer upon layer in the hope of finding that magical working balance between not too warm, not too cold, and actually remaining mobile. As if on auto pilot, they shovelled down breakfast, prepared and packed a hearty lunch and allowing for a moment of pause, moved on to lacing up some well-worn but ever-so comfortable boots. Finishing with a woolly hat pulled down over their ears, they headed out to the car for a familiar journey to work, their breath chuffing into the cool morning air.

Journeying to their work’s garden, rays from the blindingly low sun glimmered through the driver’s door window, flashing repeatedly through the ancient hedgerow trees as the car whooshed along the lane. The cloud-free sky was becoming brighter by the second and promised a dry, if cool working day. Today, they thought, might be the day to finish the orchard pruning, a task they were keen to complete, for spring was in the air and the sap was beginning to rise.

The day started with picking up debris from the previous day which was in itself unusual, for they usually preferred to clean up as they worked. Yesterday though they had pushed on pruning until night fell, being keen to complete an especially large tree. With light falling

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Garden Journal (No.2) Storms and Stars

| Gary Webb

I’m bouncing back again with edition two of my garden journal, one with serious woody notes to begin with, but looking up with joy and inspiration to the end.

Here I am back with a second garden journal entry, and I do hope to find you well. I’ll jump swiftly into my journal, but make no apologies for the heavy beginning, as I became increasingly bothered over the past week as you’ll see. I promise to try and end on a lighter note though, if I can.

Generally Speaking.

It’s been raining overnight in our neck of the woods and all around is once again squelchy and soft. The rain however, itself causing havoc and flood damage in many areas has been eclipsed yet again by the devastation caused by storm-force winds. (After that opener, you might see that it would feel a little shallow and ignorant if I were simply to write this week about how challenging it’s been to get out in my garden!)

Storm Éowyn last week, and back in December storm Darragh have each been responsible for widespread damage across the UK and beyond, including the shearing and felling of thousands upon thousands of mature trees across gardens, parks, estates and countryside. Whilst the impact across all areas was severe and challenging for people with actual loss of life, itself heart-wrenching, my professional focus at times like this soon turns to the people on the ground: those responsible for the enormous task of making areas safe and accessible.

Being centrally placed in England, and whilst not completely unscathed I feel fortunate to have escaped much of the storm driven destruction – more a case of luck over judgement, I think. Having worked with trees for so long though I’m naturally uncomfortable with it all, understanding as I do the hard physical effort and difficulties associated with clearing up after a storm, not to mention the emotional impact of losing special trees. Trees, being forceful structures that populate our day-to-day lives, can leave an awfully big hole when they’re taken by the will of a storm.

The loss of any tree can be hugely upsetting, especially if a particular tree holds significance: if it were planted by notable individual or to mark an historic occasion, for example. When the number of tree losses rise however, the impact and true cost can lift enormously, not just the cost of removal, repair and replacement, but the physical and emotional impact on our treasured spaces.

To conclude this section, and whilst trying hard here not to spiral into a detailed dialogue on the value of trees or shout into the void from my soap box, I do want to finish with some final words in support of those in far off places dealing with the impacts of said storms. 

The physical, emotional and financial cost of the cleanup will be substantial, and in each shaken location folks will be coming to terms with the impacts of a changing climate; I do hope those caught up in this are getting the help and support they need. 

As we move forward, I know that wise minds are learning from these extreme events, to help us better prepare for a future where we do stand a chance of weathering these storms more effectively: there will be a way and our beloved trees, with a little help, will win through. 

In the Garden

Stepping into the shallows after all, I’m glad to say that I did manage to find time between the showers to flex my green fingers, with my first new year session in the home garden.

The session wasn’t much to write home about, which does present a challenge as that’s exactly what I’m here to do – write about gardens! I did though tackle one ornamental border, cutting back all useless dead growth from last season to expose areas of soil in between shrubs and perennials. Once my mind was made to get stuck in, I very quickly found my stride, trimming, picking up fallen debris and generally tidying.

Leaving a couple of deciduous grasses alone, which I shall trim back a little nearer to spring, (I hope they’re packed with ladybirds so I’ll stay well clear for now,) my goal was to clear away just enough debris so that I could mulch across the surface with a nice insulating layer of organic peat-free material. Whilst the mulch itself is primarily intended to benefit the soil, it will suppress weeds and its visual impact is a treat, leaving a nice dark even surface that sets off the planting beautifully. More borders lie in wait for attention.

As far as the allotment is concerned, last weekend I secured a batch of seed potatoes, and have set these out in a cardboard tray in the shed window to chit, or develop their shoots. This year I’ve gone again for first earlies and maincrop varieties, the former ‘Casablanca’, the latter ‘Elland’, my search continuing for a spud that tastes especially good. I’ll have some space for at least one other variety, so if you’ve a recommendation for a good allrounder, I’m certainly open to suggestions.

Seed potatoes chitting, layer out in a tray with their 'eyes' upwards to the light.
Seed potatoes chitting, new shoots for the new year.

Looking ahead.

As well as the spuds, last week I also acquired some more garlic bulbs and onion sets, which I’ve yet to deal with. I’ve some in the ground already that were planted last autumn, but many appear to have lost their shoots to birds, so growing these ones on in modular trays for a while is my plan. Mind you, if I wake up brave, I might plant them direct with some fleece over, we’ll see. (With no Monty right now to tell us what to do at the weekend, how are we to know?!) 

Last time I mentioned the purchase of a new bird box for the garden, which is now all decorated and awaiting installation – another job for the weekend. I’ll share its grand opening on Insta when I do finally fix it in place, the bird box artwork is a bit different to the norm and something of a collaboration – I shall say no more for now!

Finally, now that a new moon has come to pass and waxes towards February’s Snow Moon, I shall be continuing to take as many evening walks as I can, not only to stretch my legs but also to make the very most of the starry skies. They’ve always been there I know, but as the days rapidly draw out, I’m increasingly pulled to make the most of the dark skies while they’re here (at a decent time), and each day find myself looking forward to seeing what the night’s sky will hold. There have been some exquisite opportunities recently.

If you’re local to me and see me leaning on a lamp-post on a street corner, I won’t be waiting for a little lady to walk by, but will certainly be looking up and besotted with the star speckled sky! (If you’re of a certain age you’ll know what I mean!)

For now, I’ll wish you all the best, and will sign off my garden journal. Regards, Gary Webb. Gardening ways.

Earthen Foothills

| Gary Webb

I don’t speak mole, but I feel the need to try…

Digging, I push through dark earth, busily clawing my way forwards, behind me pushing scoops of loosened grub-free soil. If I could, I’d leave no sign of my existence at all, preferring by far to live below ground out of sight, quietly tunnelling and forming my subterranean world, only surfacing to taste fresh air from the midst of my mountainous mole hills.

Existing in your world and mine too, I take no solace or consolation from the sun or stars above as you might, or the clouds or trees for that matter. I live in and for the soil. My focus is close, my ambitions are kerbed, and my territory is limited by nature; I know exactly where I’m at.

You will know where I’ve been though, for whilst I can be inconspicuous, my industrial spoils are heaped in plain sight. My earthen foothills

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Garden Journal

| Gary Webb

Post No.1. January 20. 2025.

Well, I’m back again with my re-shooting garden journal just as promised. Mind you, given that gardening for me is somewhat thin on the ground just now, I’ll concede that the ‘garden’ part as mentioned in the title could be considered somewhat misleading. I implore you to stick with it however, as gardening will feature if you can read on long enough!

Generally Speaking

It seems odd that already we’ve turned enough diary pages to see us comfortably beyond the second full working week of the year, and memories of that Christmas break along with January’s wolf moon itself are fading fast. Over the course of winter, like many others, I too hear that inner calling to hibernate, or in the very least a plea to slow right down and take things easier. Nevertheless, with a level head, I also hear the mightier cry to pay off those festive bills; so also like many others, my Christmas default position rests somewhere awkwardly between work, rest and play.

Yes that was my good self, captured out stretching my legs last weekend…

In all fairness though, whilst for many the Christmas period can be incredibly busy and stressful, I do count my blessings in being able to ease back on the throttle for a few precious days and take things easier. During the holidays then, whilst overall the usual lively family time was enjoyed, I was still able to carve out time for some much-needed reflection and contemplation. Through reading, some atmospheric local walks and meditation, which have become hugely important to my wellbeing over the last two years or so, I thankfully glided through the season unscathed and felt somewhat refreshed – if only it had lasted!

In the Garden

Thankfully, whilst in my home garden little is moving, I’m glad to say that we, as in Mrs. W. and myself have successfully achieved our first 2025 session at the allotment garden. To be fair the session could have waited, but with the weather, ground conditions and a time slot opening, it felt good to get the gloves on and to at least do a little towards the new growing season.

A weed covered soil patch at an English allotment site.
Before work started it all looked a little bit sad, but the weeds were having a ball for sure!

Understanding that some plants offer useful winter refuge for wildlife, we tentatively started by cutting hard to the ground last season’s ornamental woody herbaceous growth. Knowing that some dried stems can be useful as food or nesting material for birds in the coming weeks, the ones pruned were all the other random sticks, the ones useless to man nor beast. All the pruned material was removed away to the compost bin – everything being recycled.

Elsewhere on the plot I set about cleaning up the space where last year’s pumpkins were grown and an adjacent weedy bed with a few unproductive cabbage stems. In this space, previously mostly covered with matting, the task was to tease out the weed growth initially, and particularly through the middle and around the perimeter where weeds have been trying to get a foot hold; relatively straight forward all things considered.

At least I know where I’ve been…to be continued…

Going forward, my plan is to sub-divide this large bed into four strip beds, each four feet across with narrow paths in between. As tested elsewhere on the plot, the strip system makes it easier to work the soil from each side without stepping on the growing ground at all: a long-established method of growing that preserves the soil, one that will better contribute to my goal of no-to-minimal dig growing. Once the last of the weeding is complete in this space then, I shall look to carve out and establish the paths and bed areas, which worked really well elsewhere on the allotment last year. Finally I shall cap over the beds with compost to enrich the soil.

Looking Ahead

Without wanting to overshoot my garden journal stay which is intended to be short and sweet, I will roundup by swiftly looking ahead to my gardening activity in the next week or so. Hopefully, time may present itself to return to the plot, but of prime importance is the need to secure some seed potatoes that will need chitting in the coming weeks; more on that in due course. Otherwise, I shall be looking to acquire some onion sets and seeds, so some retail therapy is definitely in my stars.

Finally, as bird nesting season approaches along with some more challenging weather no doubt, I shall be continuing to provide clean water and fresh seed in the garden. Oh yes, and I’ve also a new bird box to install, but not before some small-scale decorating to make the birds feel welcome – all TBC!

For now, I’ll wish you all the best, and will sign off from my first garden journal edition. 

Regards, Gary Webb. Gardening ways.

Sun setting across the fields, seen through a silhouetted tree
Sunset over Charlecote way, captured on a late afternoon head clearing stroll…

Garden Journal

| Gary Webb

Remember my garden journal posts from yesteryear? Well, if you do or are intrigued to know more, I’m glad to say they’re set to rise from the ashes for 2025. Let me pave the way…

Welcome to something a little different from me for this frosty fresh brand-new year. This post is an introductory edition for what will become a regular Gardening Ways Garden Journal throughout 2025. In forthcoming entries I will dive straight into a new journal format, writing in the moment diary style articles based on my garden, green space and nature related experiences that week

Frost particles across bamboo foliage in a garden, white crystals standing proud of the leaves.
Frost coating my whole garden in crispiness today – infinitely exquisite. Image: Gary Webb 2025

Whilst I’m keen and eager to get to work on my first Garden Journal, in this initial post I’m intending to simply pave the way and describe how this garden journal has come about. Building on a previous journal style of posting, something I stopped compiling nearly five years ago, I feel it’s important for you to understand its origins, how it will sit within my Gardening Ways Substack pages overall, and what it can offer you.

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Pressing Pause in the Garden

| Gary Webb

During these midwinter weeks here in the UK, the accepted norm is not to head out mowing the lawn each week; indeed trimming, weeding or feeding the garden generally takes a backseat. Contrary to popular belief though, during these colder months gardeners don’t stash away their tools, kick back in the shed whilst drinking hot chocolate and peruse seed catalogues. In fact, for many skilled and professional horticulturalists, easing back isn’t even up for discussion.

Tending larger or public gardens and green spaces does call for year-round activity, and thousands of trained ‘horts’ are directly employed in positions across the country, not to mention thousands more who work in supporting trades feeding into a vibrant plant-based industry. On the ground though,

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