Trowel and Error

[Derek Nimmo]

Perfect!

[Derek Nimmo]

I think my plans for the garden for 2023 are, now that I've seen it through 4 seasons and have had time to consider, to rip out / change quite a lot of it.

At the moment, it goes house > piece of shit conservatory > dodgy bit of large decaying decking with bedding on one side > bigger bit of lawn with bedding on both sides > archway > smaller bit of lawn with bedding on both sides > garden room / office (aka shoffice).

I'm thinking that I'd like to get rid of both the decking and the lawn at the back and replace with something like this (pic below) on both parts to have some symmetry. I will also get rid of the useless conservatory at some point, but just to the cracked tile floor level rather than to the (probably non-existent) foundations, and stick garden rugs over them, so that will be the dining area as the bbq fits happily under the kitchen window to the left of it.

It's the most cost-effective way I can figure out of getting a lower maintenance garden with as much sitting around space as possible!

[Morganna]

I have practically zero interest in gardening, but feel the need to say that this is an excellent thread title.

As you were :)).

[baargain]

I have built a polytunnel frame! I'll cover it in net and trap my brassica plants in it.

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[Mountain Goat]

My god, well done! That looks fabulous. Are you very bruised?

Del that will look great but gravel can be a bugger for weeds (just because I know you like it low maintenance, not because it's objectively problematic).

[baargain]

It was bizarrely easy to put up! I'm very pleased. I've got enough net left from my home veg cage, so it's also cheaper than the I feared.

[Derek Nimmo]

Del that will look great but gravel can be a bugger for weeds (just because I know you like it low maintenance, not because it's objectively problematic).

Weeds are definitely a concern but my plan is to find the thickest, most impermeable membrane known to man and hope that does the trick :fc:

(In awe of your industry as ever Ms Baa :zirk:)

[Rosa]

I have a (membrane lined) stone path and no weeds have appeared so far, three years after it was laid.

Looks good, baa!

[baargain]

MORE INDUSTRY.

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Each heap is a barrow of pig poo :lol: my allotment friend got a load, and said I could help myself.

[absley]

Impressive, Baa! Stinky?

[baargain]

Quite stinky :lol: it's pretty fresh, so I've left it in heaps to rot.

My mate's mum gave me some of her rhubarb plant, so that's in down next to the gate.

[absley]

I'm watching my first ever episode of Gardeners World

[baargain]

I've ordered 10kg of seed potatoes, and have made a heap of seeds to sow tomorrow. I have not made a plan, or thought through how much I can plant, or how it will fit :lol:

[Estrella]

My garden is looking a bit crispy with the heat here. But my fruit is going great. I’ve got four ripe limes this weekend so mojito time. My strawberries are spreading and my paw paw tree is going amazingly.

[baargain]

Ah lovely! I think the frost murdered my new lemon tree :(

[absley]

The paw paw looks fabulous, Est - do you like them? They were the one fruit we grew in Malawi that we never ate as noone liked it.

Is it time for veg seed sowing, Baa, I need to get myself organised and order some! What potatos have you chosen? I want to try pink fir apples as i remember having them in restaurants and being smitten by their deliciousness. I do have a list of other veg but need to do a bit of thinking about what is feasible given the space I have. Is there anything you're particularly excited about growing this year?

I was given a meyer lemon tree as a house warming gift - it came with a fruit - such a different flavour! I don't think it'd survive outside though.

I've been having a wonderful time watching lots of bulbs (snowdrops, crocus, daffs, tulips and dwarf irises so far plus other unidentifiables) and hellebores come up in the garden. Atm my favourite thing is a daphne (below) which smells so wonderful - I wish it was closer to one of the doors (there's a scented plant with white flowers and black berries by the back door, which I do love - can't remember the name).

[baargain]

My lemon tree is the hardiest type, and it was in the greenhouse, but I think -9c was just too much! It looks pretty crispy right now.

I love pink fir apples! I am growing some of them! I am also growing pentland javelin, kestrel, Maris piper and Charlotte. They're first early, second early, maincrop, and autumn potatoes in that order (pink fir are maincrops too). So hopefully I'll have potatoes all year :))

It's still early for most seeds, I've sown leeks, Broad beans (my overwintered ones did not enjoy the Frost), red cabbage, cauliflowers, broccoli, red and yellow peppers, radishes, and rocket. And some flowers. March/april/may is more peak sowing time, so you have time to make some plans!

I am most excited about broad beans, cauliflowers, potatoes and all the big stuff that I couldn't fit in at home.

[Rosa]

We secured an allotment today. Around half the size of baa's (well, it is in London) but still a bit daunting, although S will be doing most of the work. Our plot came with a really small, cute shed!

[baargain]

Ahhh! Exciting! Good time of year to acquire it! What's the plan of attack?

[Rosa]

We haven't made a proper plan yet, but it's half term this week so S is free and planning to get stuck in, digging up the grass at least. The plot had loads of daffodils, so those will be brought home!