Hello and welcome to the tenth edition of my new garden journal, a place where I pause time and take note of where my gardening world sits right now.
Firstly
Looking out from where I’m writing just now, except for a Dahlia burst of white and Japanese anemone flowers, my garden is full and alive with vibrant foliage. Despite cloudy skies this morning, light is captured by thousands of leaves all around, each colour intensified instantly by the merest hint of additional sun. Autumn is such a special time of year, and I’m repeatedly struck by its beauty.
Zooming-in to my home plot, I can usually take the yellow leaves of dogwood either way, but right now they do contrast pleasantly with the rich green lawn; and I’m beginning to see the fiery stems revealed once again too. Whilst I grin knowingly at the birch whose leaves are again late to turn, nearby a hornbeam Niwaki is busy transforming itself into a striking gold and copper sculpture. If it were a competition though, the blonde Calamagrostis seed heads would certainly take first prize, being the showiest of all, bursting brightly upwards before the blackened fence; it’s all keeping me in absolute captivation.
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
Despite the grand display though, I know that all the plants are doing is preparing for winter, their last throws of visible life colouring my days ahead of hibernation. It’s a little way off as yet, but tough winter days are ahead, maybe even frosts by the end of the month, so like us, these plants are simply pulling back their reserves; surely, we should be taking a leaf out of their book and applying it to ours?!
Hello and welcome to my garden journal, a pausing point and record of my garden focussed world right now.
Autumn begins…I began writing this journal on Friday last, holed up in the garden hut due to persistent rain which had teemed down for hours. Being on the coat tails of storm Amy and forecast for the weekend, I was thankful that all I had to endure was the regular tapping of rain on the roof.
Now though a full week has flown by, calmer weather has returned and another Harvest Moon wanes. Thankfully I can report that storm Amy treated us kindly, all told, and certainly better than up north where much damage was reported. Locally, paths and roadsides were peppered with twigs and fallen leaves, many still in the green, whilst acorns layered the ground beneath most every oak. Autumn, it appears, has introduced its turbulent self…
Perfect Partners: Nerines and Erigeron at Calke Abbey
Despite the hint of destruction mentioned above, it is important to remember that autumn brings positive vibes too. For many, autumn is a time where getting out and about takes precedence, even just to kick through some leaves, or warm souls with a hot chocolate or two. Others embrace the shoulder season by slinking into some kind of pre-hibernation state, where focus shifts towards hunkering down for winter, which surely means stacking up on books and sweet treats for those long dark nights, right?
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.
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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.
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!
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.
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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…
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, 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.
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.
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.
Sunset over Charlecote way, captured on a late afternoon head clearing stroll…
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 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.
As the grass cutting season picks up pace, I’ve found myself contemplating my relationship with lawn-grass, and after spending so many days of my life being paid to cut it, I have to say I’m quite torn – maybe I’ve had my fill. In fact, if I had a delete button for the lawn in my back garden, despite the beautiful green look it presents, I might well choose to press it and do away with the lawn completely. For me then, might my home lawn mowing days be nearing their end?
Perfect Partners
Being around the middle of May, the grass growing season is racing away with itself, and so grass cutting of course is quite topical. Verges along roads and garden lawns have moved in just a few short weeks from being chilled-out to a state of relentless growth, and the
Garden blogging – what’s it all about eh? Why do I invest good money in a WordPress blog site, only to invest more valuable time in the creation and editing of articles? (Articles that generally get caught up in the tiniest corner of a loose outer strand of the World Wide Web anyway!)
A recent article of mine…
It’s cathartic and therapeutic, that’s why. It gives me opportunity to ponder the incredibly diverse world of plants and gardens, to consider the never ending revelations, and it gives me a very personal and creative outlet. This I believe is more important than the ‘stats’ behind any blog, stats that I don’t make time to study and play to anyway.
Gardening Ways 