This article is a reflection on the shifting nature of gardening and considers how old methods like double digging fit into modern, sustainable practice.
I’m sure this could be applied to many activities, but if there’s one thing I’ve come to understand about gardening, it is that nothing stays the same for long: places, processes, people and of course plants themselves continue to change. There are many examples of how change plays out in life of course, but the one I pull from my gardening hat today concerns an old gardening task known as double digging.
Whilst in practice double digging wasn’t expected or carried out nearly as often as one might think, by the time I encountered the technique it was long established; a trusted method for preparing compacted or depleted ground. Whether working an allotment or old kitchen garden therefore, digging down two spits deep, incorporating organic matter and inverting the soil was considered a route to success.
Possibly due to my working situations, I didn’t often get to put my double digging skills to use, but I certainly held faith in the procedure. After all, like it or loathe it, the DD process adds nutrients and humus, opens and aerates compacted soil, and helps towards that happy place somewhere between not too wet or dry – what more could anyone possibly do to help plants grow?
My good self, not in the act of double digging! (Not there anyway 😉)
The idea behind this text however, is not to deliberate on whether double digging or no dig is best, or if any gardening method is superior to another. My reflections here are wholly centred around the evolution of horticultural practice, of collective and individual learning, and of thoughtfully managing change.
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?
My record of autumn arriving as summer fades, of scarred soil, of garden friends and foes, plus tasks planned for the home garden and family allotment, it’s all in here and more besides. 🌿
Hello and welcome to my garden journal.
Generally Speaking
Autumn…for meis an important time of year, where I try to immerse myself and take notice of every garden moment. There always seems to be an urgency to these actions, as if the garden at any moment could up sticks and leave. I don’t know why but I’m drawn to write now more than at any other time of year, endeavouring each time to capture and hold each experience in words, like cupped hands carrying water from a fresh flowing stream.
One of the golden sun rises this week, when all is calm in the garden.
Normally around now I’m drawn to comment on how the summer’s flown by, and in some ways this is still the case – especially the holiday part which disappeared in a flash! Right now though, what I mostly recall are slow moving steady days, where the door to the garden was, for the most part, left wide open. As the seasonal cycle dictates though, that wonderful open-door policy was always going to change, and that soft changeover period is upon us now, as we inch ever closer to autumn proper.
Thanks to plenty of rain in recent weeks which ended the longest and driest of periods, my early autumn garden is once again lush and vibrant, if a little weary around the margins. Days have mellowed, nights are noticeably longer, and most mornings are decidedly damp and cool.
A little white pine growing on its merry way in my garden.
Not wanting to wistfully wave summer away just yet though, I feel it’s important each day to head outside and connect with nature and the season in some way. It’s all too easy to plough on through and chip away at the tasks in hand, but a few moments of fresh air with some sun on my face, or standing bare foot to connect with the ground really does reinvigorate my soul.
⚠️ Trigger Warning for molluscophobes and arachnophobes…!
The other day though, whilst out on one such garden visit, I found myself sharing the space with a large red slug who was making their way steadily across the patio. Unlike days of old, this time I simply thought – wow, that’s a big un! I took its photo and let it go on its way, realising this too signified change, bringing an end to late night bare foot strolls around the garden in search of stars. How times change eh…
They do divide opinion, but they’re pretty formidable creatures IMHO…
In the Garden
The Ground Swells – and it’s been an absolute joy to have welcomed some much-needed rain over the last couple of weeks or so; it was certainly needed. Near me water has fallen from the sky frequently and in quantity, and in no time at all what might have passed for an old rush mat out front (but was actually a lawn,) is now transformed into a lush green carpet.
I do have concerns over the border soil though, as cracks from months of desiccation are still visible – as if the ground is scarred. Recent rainfall has helped but marks remain, and whilst it’s easy to move forward without concern, in the coming season I’ll have to consider how to better support and protect the soil from which my garden grows. I feel even more mulching may be in order…
Wildlife – I think it’s fair to say that conditions for many wildlife species have been less than ideal this summer, but at least conditions are settling now to something near normal – whatever normal is, that is!
The first of two species I’ve encountered of late is our beloved Ladybird which has returned to my garden in good numbers again. It may be a small thing, but I took delight this year in carrying two of these bright red soldiers across the garden and depositing them on a black aphid infested Dahlia stem. Thankfully, just two days later one of the lady birds was still there chomping away on the aphids, and today there are no aphids at all – happy days.
The final species I’ll mention just now is a garden spider, one of the orb weavers if my I.D. app has done its job correctly. As architects and builders of some exquisite structures, their webs seem to be placed everywhere in my garden just now, spanning most gaps between sheds and garden stems. Maybe a little over a centimetre wide, they’re creamy beige in colour with dark markings. Interestingly, like a few folks I’ve worked with way back in time, sometimes they seem to hang around motionless for ages, and sometimes there’s no trace of them at all – I’ll mention no names but I always know who will have been most productive. 😉 If you can tolerate it, do study that web – it’s fascinating and holds some incredible cross bracing!
European Garden/Orb Weaver Spider
Like many, though a spidey-fan when growing up I must admit to not being drawn to actual spiders. Having gotten used to them over the years though I now just see them as garden friends, as long as I’m not getting caught up in a web that is! Mind you, as spiders are particularly active just now, my key tip would be to wave a short stick around the area in the border where you wish to work, as if you’re casting a magic spells over your plants… Option: Shout #Riddikulus to give your neighbours something to think about!
@AllotofPotential allotment – Allotmenteering has been a little hit and miss of late, although the summer holiday period always disrupts the usual flow of visits. In all fairness, the allotment is somewhat tatty around the edges, but all considered it is in fairly good order.
Stopping way short of a harvest festival write up, I can at least start by saying we’ve a small sack of good-sized onions hanging in the shed. I’m patting myself on the back for this growing achievement of course, as under-sized onions have been the norm in previous seasons. The focus on bulking-up organic matter in the soil is finally starting to pay off I believe.
It’s not about the tan, but the tatties! Myself in action at the allotment…
Whilst the glasshouse courgette plants eventually succumbed to powdery mildew, it wasn’t until they had delivered a steady supply of fruits all summer. Pulling them out created space for drying and storing the pumpkins, which have grown and coloured up nicely. The glasshouse shade netting has also now been removed now, to increase light and heat for the remaining tomatoes.
Speaking of toms, they are finally on song now after a sluggish start, and although it’s fair to say the plants are a little unsightly (due to a lack of attention), we should be good for pasta sauce for the foreseeable. It didn’t help that one plant is seriously deformed with fasciation, but I have made a mental note to be more attentive to their needs next year in an effort to keep them on the straight and narrow.
Looking Ahead
Whilst it’s all too easy not to make the time and to save some pennies, I’m tempted again this year to plant at least a couple containers for some extra spring colour in the garden. Once they’re planted, it’s not only the anticipation they bring, but the little teasers they offer in winter as their new shoots break through, promising good things to come. Yes, they’re worth the effort, so I shall plan for those, maybe some tulips or miniature Iris, or some hyacinths for a change.
There will be some continued feeding of longer-term containers here and there with seaweed feed, and I’ll be looking to keep on dead heading, although things are slowing now. I need to lift some Stachys that is getting beyond its limits, and I’ll be raising some pots off the ground to ease their drainage – popping little clay feet beneath as many pots as I can.
More weeding of the allotment must not escape me, to check the advancement of couch grass roots into the borders. Also, as any rows become are clear of crops and weeds, and if I’m not planting with onions or garlic, I shall be looking to mulch with manure and cover them over for winter.
Outside there’s a season of compost to turn and re-cover, and a rather full bin at home, and hopefully there will be some good enough material amongst that to spread about and around. Inside the glasshouse in the coming weeks tomato plants will need to come out and the soil refreshed, so there’s plenty to keep me engaged and engrossed as always.
Rest assured that I won’t be far from my garden in the coming weeks, and I hope you’ll be in yours or visiting one or another, to experience this very special time of year. The Autumn Equinox approaches and some of the best days are ahead, so let’s get out there and embrace it!
That’s my gardening lot just now, and I’ve taken enough of your time, so I’ll sign off and wish you all the very best for the days ahead. Until next time, Gary, Gardening ways.
An escape to the coast that sort of worked; an update on working life right now; looking beyond the drought; bee holes galore; allotment toms and more – it’s all in here and more besides.
Hi and welcome to my garden journal, a personal record of my place right now where gardens, gardening and nature are concerned. [ Note: Due to a malfunction this is a delayed posting of this journal entry from August – edition No.8 to follow tomorrow! Bonus back to back editions! ]
Generally Speaking
Escape to the coast…In my last garden journal I looked forward to a summer break ‘swooshing around delightful gardens, gallivanting around the countryside and lying back on a sunny beach’. Well, that plan mostly worked, although not before a bout of illness swept me off my feet, followed swiftly by Storm Floris which delivered a less-than-ideal start to the holidays.
It wasn’t all bad however, although during the break I did chose not to visit any gardens, which ordinarily should give cause for concern; especially considering some quality heritage gardens were in the area visited, including Bodnant no less. (Maybe next time eh…) It was a family holiday though, and whilst the lure was undoubtedly there, this time I felt a need for a complete break, sweeping both cobwebs and gardens away. An explanation for this might be gleaned as I write on, but if not do not concern yourself, you’ll never keep me away from gardens for too long!
Can’t resist a little sea holly, to look at though, certainly not to touch!
I must say that the much-anticipated week away in north Wales did settle down swiftly after the storm, and all turned out well in the end. Okay, so some of the days may not have gone entirely to plan, but the weather turned out well, and we were blessed to have some much-needed time away from the treadmill. Crisp sea air filled my lungs, the eyes bathed in some incredibly beautiful landscape, and my spirit was indeed refreshed.
On the work front… I can’t be drawn on the details, but I have some quite involved stuff to deal with in the coming weeks, a process that’s already forced a good deal of reflection on my career journey thus far. Suffice to say that like many others, my career’s had its twists and turns, and whilst at times I’ve taken an unusual route, each turn has brought valuable experience. Needless to say, my horticultural journey is far from done yet.
Taking the helicopter view of where I’m currently positioned, I can see that it’s good sometimes when change comes unexpectedly, otherwise there can be a tendency to plod along and accept the hand we’re dealt. Right now, though, with my cards scattered across the floor, I realise that I might have been guilty of accepting my path in recent years, feeling somewhat powerless to challenge a system I knew to be flawed.
Time waits for no one of course, and whilst I’m a little at sea with it all right now, those recent years have certainly not been for nothing, I know that for sure. Looking ahead, change is unavoidable, and however things work out, I shall continue to adapt and grow just like I always have. To mention this at all is partly to capture where I’m placed right now, but also as affirmation of how I wish to move forward. More on this anon.
In the Garden
A touch on the dry side – Don’t worry, I’m not going to harp-on again about how dry the garden still is, as I sufficiently covered this last month. I was of course hoping back then to tempt fate, and whilst some liquid refreshment came during the stormy period, this is now a fortnight gone, and the ground again is fissured.
I’m resigned to the fact that as tough as gardening is just now, that’s just the way it is, and whilst extreme weather does cause significant issues in some locations, adapt to the circumstance we must. (Adapt seems to be my word of the moment!) The conditions I describe aren’t just local to me here in Warwickshire but are widespread, so we’re all facing the same challenges to one extent or another, and as gardeners we must learn from it and rise to the challenge.
So here’s my simple strategy: Firstly, a key focus for the cooler months ahead is to boost my water harvesting capacity, both in my home garden and for the allotment. Then secondly, I shall ramp-up again my autumn and winter soil care by introducing organic mulch that will feed the soil whilst helping both with moisture retention and drainage. There’s a lot of science to it but trust me, the soil and I will figure it out for ourselves.
Both tasks aren’t going to fix things in one season alone, but incrementally, I’m looking to make a difference.
Wildlife – On the face of it, wildlife must be having a tough time of things just now, and some species couldn’t be blamed for keeping a low profile. In my own garden, aside from the odd peacock butterfly or pigeons who regularly arrive to quench their thirst, there’s little to shout about. Even my beloved swifts have upped and left.
If I zoom in a little closer though the garden is still full of activity, and to the fore jumps the flying specialists such as hoverflies, wasps and bees. The wasps I have noticed have developed a particular interest in my box shrubs, visiting throughout the day now for the last three weeks or more. I can only assume they’re either searching for food, such as aphids, or they’re hooked on the liquid feed I’ve been using on the foliage – if you have the definitive answer I’d love to find out for sure.
As for the bees, we fixed a second bee hotel to the fence back at the beginning of summer, one of those little boxes filled with hollow bamboo canes that some solitary bees are drawn to. Due to its newness, I didn’t expect to see any guests this year at all but have been surprised to see rooms in the hotel already pressed into use.
The bee hotel taking its first guests, and beautifully nibbled plugs to seal each section. The wonder of nature…
The hollow tubes attract female bees who construct a series of little chambers to deposit eggs and food, before neatly capping the end of each pipe with a moulded leafy plug. It really is a work of art, and if that wasn’t incredible enough, the leaf sections used to plug the tubes in the hotel have been nibbled from nearby Wisteria and rose leaves, which now resemble pieces of Swiss Cheese!
If it’s not too cheesy to say, it’s worth adding that we’re considering listing the accommodation next year on Air Bee-n-Bee… (Sorry not sorry!)
@AllotofPotential allotment – Aside from watering, the last input the allotment received was a flying visit just before we headed for the holiday hills, and that occasion was mostly restricted to giving key areas a thorough soaking – notably the glasshouse.
I’m glad to say that whilst it’s a pain to program, the solar powered watering system has again worked like a trooper this year, sucking up water from a tank inside the glasshouse and delivering it to the base of each tomato or courgette plant. I’ve dealt with feeding separately, and water the beds more thoroughly once a week if I can, but otherwise they’re left to themselves (I do use a shade net on the glasshouse).
The first of the tomatoes cropped this season, plus some French beans and courgettes – to balance the chocolate consumption…
Around three weeks ago the first tomatoes ripened for picking, albeit not from a purposely grown plant, but a self-seeded one. It popped up in a convenient place, so I went with it, and it’s now delivering some incredibly tasty cherry-sized fruits. Plants are good at figuring things out for themselves I find…
Elsewhere on the plot I just about managed to drop in some leeks before leaving the plot to its own devices, but having visited since, I’m happy to report they’ve settled in okay. Recent re-sowings of carrots and beetroot are up and away, as too are radishes that are always quick off the mark. The less said about parsnip seed the better, but if it’s not showing itself by my next visit, it may well have missed its chance this year!
Looking Ahead
Right now, I’m enjoying a sweet scented second flush of roses and the brightest red honeysuckle berries in my home garden. Out and about though, you can rest assured I’ll be looking to enjoy every drop of juice the summer season has left in its tank; I do hope you’re able to do the same.
I’m not wishing the summer away of course, but as the season cycles, I always anticipate the delights the ever-shortening days will bring. Whether it is golden seed heads catching an afternoon breeze, leaf silhouettes dancing across the fence or the last of the fiery red pelargoniums cascading from pots at the allotment.
Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ giving a second flush – it’s been a good year for the…
Now the home lavender trimming is safely in the rear-view mirror, I’m also looking ahead to tasks that’ll need doing across both home the garden and allotment. I’ve still to plant some brassicas for winter/spring harvest, compost desperately needs turning, and onions, potatoes, tomatoes, courgettes and cornichons need regular harvesting.
As if all that isn’t enough, whilst the no-dig approach appears to be working well, couch grass is quietly creeping in from the side paths, so that will need rooting out soon too. It may not be the most productive plot at the allotments, yet, but its care does demand focus and energy, which is what makes allotmenteering so appealing!
~
I shall sign off for now, by wishing you all the very best.
Hello again and welcome back to my garden journal, a place to record my gardening world right now, look at where I’ve been and peer into the future.
Generally Speaking
Right now…I’m a tree…A few weeks have passed by since I last updated my garden journal, and despite the pause in posting I can confirm that I have been as busy as ever. Gardening aside, time has taught me that my personal motivation for writing does naturally dip during summer, so rather than squeeze out posts or journal entries I simply pause for a while. It’s not like I stop writing, I’ve just learned not to force it, to park the F.O.M.O., care less about social stats, and get on with other things.
All that said, whilst there might have been some beautifully long, slow and sultry days since the summer solstice, mine do seem to have been filled with a lot of stuff. Suffice to say that between roving around gardens for work, burying my head in books for research, private garden visits, (see image below!) a garden show and activity in my own garden and allotment, there genuinely hasn’t been much time to think – let alone write!
Still, in just a few weeks’ time I’ll be taking a little break so I must be patient. Yes, that dream of swooshing around delightful gardens, gallivanting around the countryside and lying back on a sunny beach each day will hopefully be realised. Naturally, I intend each night to kick back and watch the sunset with a long drink, a head full of inspiration, an open book and fully loaded pen – well that’s the plan. Until then I have some serious stuff to deal with on the work front, so I’ll keep searching for that balance between all that needs doing to keep the pennies rolling in (and the kids fed), and I’ll daily remind myself that I’m not weary, I’m adaptable and resilient, just like a tree. (Let’s hope nothing falls off in the meantime!)
A favourite image from a recent visit to Morton Hall Gardens with the Japanese Garden Society – a lovingly crafted Japanese Tea House.
In the Garden
Bring on the Flowers – Although we’ve enjoyed some rain these last few days, since last writing we have had to endure some warm and windy weeks – flaming June having broken records yet again. It has been weather to kick back on a beach with an iced coffee or float around in a cool pool, but as for the gardening community, it’s been a challenging time for sure – beautiful sunny skies that have brought on the flowers, but tough under foot in more ways than one.
In my home garden, even though the ornamental borders were heavily mulched earlier in the year when the soil was moist, the ground has still dried, and cracks have appeared large enough to swallow a mouse whole – even after the weekend rain. At this point though and with such shrinkage, there’s little point in watering copiously as we might have done in days gone by, but instead zooming-in just on those plants that need it most and watering thoroughly.
Cracks in my garden foundations, but little to be done – they will come and go…
Yes, if you’re willing to take the hit on your water bill the hose is there and waiting, and nobody would probably notice. But really, in a private garden setting, and unless the plants are rare, I’d let them fend for themselves, urging all to conserve our water resource where we can. I’ll store my soapbox away now…
Wildlife – Even having a soft spot for wildlife, I was still a little miffed to be woken by some strange snorting noises coming from the garden one evening last week, a little after midnight. The snorts were regular, somewhat dry, and coming from somewhere underneath the plants in the front garden – but hanging out of my window with a torch couldn’t reveal exactly what it was.
Out I went then, clad in PJs with torch in hand, (ready to run if the need arose), only to discover not one but two hedgehogs, who suddenly went very quiet. The hogs were large and healthy it seemed and were clearly enjoying a night on the town.
Nevertheless, with it being a rather warm night I backed away, only to return with a dish of water to quench their thirst – the neighbours must have thought I’d lost the plot! Anyway, when next viewing from up above I could see they’d moved on, but as my head once again hit the pillow, I couldn’t help but feel guilty for interrupting a night of passion!
Niwaki – With work on my home garden presently reduced to plant feeding, deadheading, occasionally ‘topping’ the lawn and watering, progress, for want of a steady word has been slow. Where I’ve channelled my gardening ambitions therefore in a calming, meditative kind of way, is through some topiary work, trimming cloud pruned box shrubs and formative pruning a young hornbeam tree.
My ‘Niwaki’ tree, if I dare be so bold was planted maybe three years back and has been left alone to settle in whilst I plucked up courage to get busy with some pruners. Earlier this year though the time came to get involved and trim out the leading stem, as I don’t really have room for a forest-sized tree in my back garden!
I know, it doesn’t look much yet but give it time…
In early summer I selected the side branches I wished to keep, most evenly spaced and with a good spread around the tree. Then came ‘special branch’ training, where I tied canes onto each branch to straighten them over time. Stone weights then followed, tied to each branch to lower them down a little below horizontal until the whole tree, all eight or nine feet of it began to look quite arty – trussed up, but artfully so.
All that worked for a while, but after some weeks observing and studying, I have now moved in for a second piece of work, upgrading my training system to canes and black string instead of stone weights. Whilst still in full leaf, the training system is now relatively well hidden, although close up I might easily be seen as a control freak! In my defence, I’d just say that I do like to experiment and stretch myself horticulturally, and after all – I’m only here once!
I shall keep you posted as to whether the tree thrives or turns it’s toes up!
@AllotofPotential allotment – Although it’s been steady-ahead in the home garden, the allotment has called for a little more input. Being free draining, holding on to moisture in the ground can be something of a challenge, although somewhat unsurprisingly, the wildflowers (weeds) do tend to cope admirably. Irrigation has therefore been increased to keep things green and growing in the heat.
The delicious broad beans have done well so far but have run out of steam now, and the strawberries have come and gone – mostly before I could get my hands on them. (I do need to up my strawberry game for next year). Tomatoes are racing up the canes in the glasshouse and the first fruits have been harvested from the courgettes, whilst pumpkins in their patch are sending stems here and everywhere, showing off their bright yellow flowers and immature fruits to an excited world. Seed-wise, whilst later than hoped, the first rows of carrots, parsnips, beetroot and radish have been sown, so fingers crossed there for some good growth beyond the full moon.
These pumpkins have @allotofpotential…(have a look on Insta!)
Overall, after a sluggish start, things are moving along nicely on the allotment growing front. On the allotment wildlife front though, I was ecstatic last week to see a ‘charm’ or group of goldfinches descend on the plot, focussing wholly on some self-seeded cornflowers that were left to grow in a floral border. The goldfinches, which never appear in my garden just a mile or so away, were a real treat, as were the skylarks who serenaded a delightful allotment gardening session.
Looking Ahead
Needless to say, that with record temperatures forecast in the days ahead, a heavy workload and the holiday season fast approaching, I’m not setting my gardening bar very high for a while. I shall just aim to keep things alive and well fed, with a little clipping here, a little tying in there, and a wish that all will be well.
Maybe I’ll be taking a leaf out of Mother Nature’s book and accept that with shortening days, there is a need to slow down, calm the pace and pause. Think of those cool early mornings when nothing stirs but the birds, or long summer evenings when plants cease moving and fresh air is nowhere to be found. Vibrant flourishing growth witnessed during spring and early summer is maturing, the frenetic activity we experienced has slowed, so things must give as we crest summer’s brow.
There’s much yet to come but remember the value of sitting back and taking time to appreciate our midsummer gardens, taking stock of the highs and lows of the year so far. With that frame of mind, I shall be looking myself for gentle contemplation and will make time in the days ahead to study plants more closely, observing how they’re responding to this highpoint of the year. I’ll be sitting down to watch bees extract goodness from the flowers, I will meditate on sunlit grass heads waving gently back and forth, and if I’m lucky, I will harvest some home-grown food here and there – that will be me for the foreseeable.
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Wishing you all the very best, until next time, Gary, Gardening ways.
You presently find me fully inspired after a visit to BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the N.E.C. in Birmingham. If you know me personally, the mention of attending a garden show might take you aback, as my preferred place of comfort would by choice be somewhere much calmer: a quiet corner of a wildflower filled garden, maybe a woodland trail, the allotment or seated on a bench in my garden. After a successful show visit therefore, to now sitting back reflecting with wholly positive thoughts, feels pretty good indeed.
Generally speaking, thinking of how we’ve moved from the local village garden show to the likes of BBC GW Live is hard to fathom. Dozens of trade stands, bottle-necked thoroughfares and variegated willows whipping you in the face when least expected. Weary stall holders wilting under the heat of a marquee alongside their perfectly grown plants, and bite-your-lip moments due to those infuriating push-me pull-me show trollies; possibly the very best and worst garden show product that ever there was!
The Plant Based Garden, by Nick Bailey
It might all sound a bit much, and in some ways it is, but there is a reverse side to the coin: a glorious and gigantic garden show in the blazing June sunshine that features the very best early summer flowers. Garden shows of this size, therefore, are meant to be exciting and busy places, and can assault your senses; but there is balance and payback if you seek it. I like to think of large garden shows as magnets, working as super central places where all and sundry converge on one location which is, let’s face it, as convenient as it gets.
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…
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!
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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).
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!
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@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.
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!
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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!
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!
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Wishing you all the very best, until next time, Gary, Gardening ways.
Gardening Ways 