Starting with an absolutely empty garden, but with a structure in place, is quite a daunting prospect. This is not helped by the fact that I can only do a limited amount of gardening myself (if I bend over too far to put ina plant I tend to fall over head first). I do have a super gardener and we get on well and agree on all things green.
It wasn't until I began a planting scheme that I realised just how big the garden is. It really looked quite compact but as I get another twelve rock plants and D puts them in it is hard to see where he has been.
So after discussion we have decided to plant up the top section of what was to be a rockery with shrubs and to this end I have been today and bought seven evergreen dwarfish shrubs, some conical, some round, one which lies flat to the ground, and I hope these will form some kind of structure to add flowering shrubs here and there.
Time will tell. At the moment all I can say is that my garden is eating plants and there is little to show for it. I did buy another six rock plants too but that was because I just couldn't resist them.
Pat a garden is always a work in progress i think.. a journey.. And every year it will look better and better.. You shouldn't feel like you have to do it all in one year.. I think i learned that from my grandparents.. I lived up North and they lived in Florida but every summer was spent with them nd every year something new would be added to the gardens or plants would e fuller or more lush.. gardening is an exercise in patience i think.. I think shroubs for a foundation is a grand idea... Hugs! deb
ReplyDeleteOne is never done in the garden. It is hard when you move somewhere and a garden is not that established. My garden has taken years to get to where it is and I'll never be finished. Maybe that's half the joy. Still to have some structure in will be nice. Also hard when you cannot do all you would like to yourself.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day.
Christine
Lilbitbrit
Pat, rock plants are very small at the best of times and so will look lost in a largish border. It's always frustrating waiting for plants to grow larger and spread out and fill spaces and so we plant even more plants and then find after 2-3 years that it's overcrowded.
ReplyDeleteGive it a year or two and you'll be taking things out because they've grown so well!
ReplyDeletePat, that is a good garden task to have. If something doesn't go the way you thought, pull it up and give it away. It is going to look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBung in a few pansies
ReplyDeleteThat's what I do to the gaps
Sue has mentioned what I was about to say. Don't forget te 'spread'. What looks minuscule when planted can at times cover quite quickly.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear you talking about the land again.
Take care
Cathy
Cathy @ Still Waters
I know plant eating gardens. Actually, it's fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteWhy was the garden left empty? Did the previous owners take all the plants with them, or did they subscribe to minimal gardening?
ReplyDeleteFilling a garden is fun. Shrubs at the top is a good idea, so you won't be going up all the time.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of your new plan for planting and you can always squeeze in another plant or two somewhere! We have a very good tiny 'garden centre' just off the High Street here, but I daren't go in any more as the lure to buy plants is so strong and I no longer have a garden. Happy gardening - it is going to look beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt is probably best to put it all out of your mind and read a book.
ReplyDeleteLovely day here today - have spent a large part of the afternoon actually looking out on the garden and enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteWhy was the garden empty you ask, Cro? The people, who had lived here over forty years, have never bothered with the garden as they were just no interested. I am really enjoying it in my own limited way.