I am quite sure that many of you have never gardened before and are coping at present with a new house, new garden project. Frightening I know, but never fear – Anne is here! Seriously though, remember that gardening should be a hobby not a chore! On the other hand, many of you are no doubt gardening for years and want to pick up some new tips.
The importance of planning your garden can never be overstated. Be it a large garden, pocket handkerchief or just a flower bed, it is vital that some thought and forward planning be put into the project. The hardest part (but by far one of the most fun parts) of gardening can often be the planning process rather than the actual digging.
Avoid impulse gardening because though it can be fun is often a wasted exercise. Think before you buy and think before you dig.
Of late our weather has been far from seasonal so I would suggest that you plan for year round colour, especially for times of the year when you are free to enjoy your garden. When the weather is bad I know that it is hard to get enthusiastic about the garden but it is still possible to bring colour into your garden. Use the wet days to become an armchair gardener and the fine days to do the physical work. Armchair Gardening may seem like the lazy person’s excuse but in fact it is a vital exercise. All just part of The Plan.
Maintain nice existing features such as mature trees and rocks. In the not too distant past people paid big money to have rocks removed from their garden. Now they are paying to have rocks brought back in.
Gardening is not just about plants. Consider suitable locations for the dreaded washing line, garden shed, bins, fuel tanks etc. They should be easy to access yet out of sight. When planning their location in the garden be practical. You don’t want to have to travel the countryside just to bring in the washing in a rain shower or have to battle wet grass in order to get to the coal bunker.
Exposed positions require shelter. Remember that in coastal areas ‘if you can see the sea the sea can see you’.
Avoid bad drainage. It is important to rectify the problem before planting. You do not want to give your plants swimming lessons.
Colour is very much a personal taste but try to compliment the natural landscape when selecting plants and materials.
There is so much to learn about gardening but if you start small be aware of your surroundings and above all be patient you will succeed and I will be there to guide you all the way.
Be adventurous. Give the neighbours something to talk about. Start your own garden fashion.
Happy Gardening!
Anne.
August Checklist
- Tidy perennials
- Continue spraying roses for a few more weeks
- Harvest your main crop potatoes
- Continue trimming your hedges
- Prune summer flowering shrubs
- Dead head roses in order to encourage further flowers
- Divide overgrown clumps of lilies in the garden and in the pond
- Pot up some herbs and place them on window sills for winter use
