As I sit writing this post - the wind and rain is battering off the window behind me. I am back to work tonight but when I finish in the morning I am on 1 week's annual leave. I should have planned that a bit better and arranged for tonight off. A late request for a day's leave was knocked back - it seems my managers check the weather too and cited the predicted bad weather would mean a repeat performance of Christmas Eve when we finished almost 3 hours later than usual! Therefore, request denied!!
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| Shed has been moved |
As I mentioned in my November round up the shed was being moved. This was arranged to be done on the week before Christmas but due to the fact that the guy's labourer had put a nail through his hand, it was delayed for a few days. The deed is now done - I'm happy that I now have another planting area to play with. I've a few ideas in mind - my first priority will be to choose shrubs that will eventually cover those bare fences. Already planted there is an Aucuba japonica crotonifolia and a Griselinia littoralis - there was no thought put into planting them there - they were left over from an over buying spree when I was selecting other evergreens for elsewhere in the garden. The Aucuba will no longer like that spot as it will be far too sunny for it now the shed has gone and the Griselinia should be happy but I don't particularly like it, it add nothing of value to the garden, other than it being evergreen - the shrubs that are now behind the shed will suffer in it's shade. My peonies are also stuck behind there - another problem that needs addressing. Either way - I should have enough plants without having to buy any more. I do say that with all good intentions but please don't hold me to that!
However, my mind keeps going back over my wish for a tree - a real proper tree - one with a trunk. Now I can get under those telephone lines - I need to measure and do some proper research. Many of you made some great suggestions at the time of posting and I will look into those too.
I've a bit of clearing up to do - there is gravel that need lifting, I'll bag that off until I find something to do with it and there are a few 3x2 concrete slabs that need lifting. The builder that did my kitchen extension will take them off my hands but he is currently vacationing in sunnier climes. He will collect them when he returns. I've not been idle though, the trellis that presently tops the fence down the entire length of the garden (you can just make out on the left of picture) has now been raised - I managed to do this on the days the winds were not so high. Of course, mother (who stays with me) has managed to comment on more than one occasion that she suggested using the full height when I put them in. Yes, yes, mother always know best! I have had to admit that she is right way too many times! 2 new panels await better weather in the shed, those need painting first, I stupidly forgot to buy the paint when I was at the DIY store. I'll make the trip there over the weekend. I can paint them under cover in the shed and finish the fence when the opportunity presents itself.
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| Pergola arch |
One issue I am currently experiencing in my garden is the issue of privacy. Until recently this has never been a problem. We have new neighbours in the property on the other side of the back fence. The shed being moved onto the deck has helped a bit but has not blocked out their view from any of their windows. Their property is situated slightly higher than ours and they have the perfect view right through my French doors into the kitchen/dining room. It matters not what time of day we are in the kitchen - they always seem to be there looking in! I've already commented today on Kris's blog, it's probably all in my head but I just can't shift it. I'm finding it a very uncomfortable feeling and I don't like feeling like this in my own home. Perhaps they feel the same way as I do - I don't know. Thus far, my attempts at being welcoming, albeit through a fence, has not gone down well.
I intend not to let it eat at me - I've got plans. I've marked on the picture below of the garden on how I think I can address the situation. I will let the Holly Hedge grow taller, it does not help that I removed the middle section that was dead and replanted a while back. The replacement plants will take a while to grow. I plan to choose a tall growing evergreen to grow directly in front of the deck. A conifer of sorts would be the most likely candidate but the trouble with those is that those that are fast growing are too fast growing and buying a mature slow growing type will cost me more than I'd care to part with. So I need to find a happy medium - suggestions welcome. I will also divide the garden with 6ft trellis panels running across the entire width of the garden with the rose arch creating a way 'through'. As I have now sacrificed our outdoor entertaining area - I intend to put in a small patio on the gravelled area. I can see it all in my head and have a rough sketch drawn out on a scrap piece of paper but I want to see the arch in first before it's written in stone.
So as you can see I really am chomping at the bit - I just need a couple of wind free days to get things started, then there really will be no holding me back. Providing the snow stays away that is!
Are you ending/beginning the year with garden overhaul plans? I'd love to hear what they are.
