Garden

Follower since late 50's, proud season this year, better than the 1975 West Ham FA cup final http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFaI4HaJbJs&feature=related

Rain at last!

We have quite large corner plot with a front and back garden. I do not water from the tap, but we had 3 dry water butts, so were in need of refreshment.

The front garden faces south. We've shrubbed with firethorn,hawthorn, blackthorn the SW border overlooking the field, it's constant battle against wind blown "weed" seeds, but the hedge is thickening up nicely and attracting nesting birds.The rest we have grassed and graveled and planted a few trees, crab apple, Amanogawa(ornamental cherry), a common pear,along with the usual lilac, forsythia, magnolia, holly and buddliea, to name a few.

The back garden was fenced all around prior to the close season, but we have opened up the WSW side, mainly because the old close panelled fence , separating the field from the garden,was in need of replacement, well it collapsed!

We've planted a "wild" hedge of about 40 feet along that fence line, blackthorn,whitethorn,hawthorn, hazel, beech, and others that don't immediately come to mind. I had to clear a 3 foot strip in the field to give them some chance, glad I did too. It now needs a further treatment, I've just not made up my mind on the method yet.

The rear fence which shelters us from the A631 is being held up by an old hawthorn and elder roadside hedge, also mine. I've planted a hedge on the garden side of beech with a few hawthorn to create a bit of low level security when I remove the supported fence. It'll stay there at least until next close season!!

The rest of the garden is arranged as a woodland area (field side) a fruit garden with 2 apple, a pear and a plum trees, blueberries,gooseberries and raspberries. We had a lemon and an orange in pot's but this last winter just proved too much for them. There is a lawn(well grass) and a natural pond containing rudd and we're having a go at some veggies, salad potatoes ,red onions and carrots in a small patch tucked in front of an expanding mahonia.The garden is then separated into two areas by fenced supported honeysuckle. There we have an enclosed patio and an open(ish) patio.

The enclosed area is a suntrap for the very early morning and most of the day until the sun moves around behind the rear hedge. We've put some salad veg and herbs in that area, as well as some container spuds, and a rhubarb plant.We also hide our recycling bins around there.

The open patio is separated from the enclosed patio by another( fence supported) honeysuckle and is paved to support our table and chairs, and BBQ. This is covered with a tent type gazebo.

We then move towards to back gate and brick wall, before which we have created a sort of wet area and stream garden, the gunnera got hit bad this winter but is recovering.

That's it nearly all done, roll on the 16th June, I need a rest.

Long live "The Pope"