My Fledgling Garden - A Series

Good grief it's the middle of November already, and I've yet to plant any bulbs into the garden. The steady stream of rain and murk has meant little opportunity for getting out there and working in the garden. And if I'm honest, I've just not been in the mood. No maybe that isn't quite right, but I am a terrible procrastinator and this has followed me out into the garden.

The summer was wonderful here in the UK, and much of the time was spent admiring what came up out of the ground, with a bit of nipping and tucking here and there. September was glorious, and then bamm! St Ives was wet and wild, and I didn't much feel like going out in the howling rain to tidy, dig and plant. And the decking is lethal. I am on a decking downer, but it is here to stay. In my garden at least.

However this week I had a sudden desire to get out there. My 'To Do' list:

• Clear garden of leaves.
• Clear out pond.
• Cut back plants.
• Final weeding.
• List and separate Dahlia tubers.
• Dig out new border.
• Lift and move shrubs to new positions.
• Plant bulbs.
• Prepare vegetable beds.

has been steadily growing because I have not tackled jobs as they needed to be tackled. Tut tut.

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I felt a great sense of satisfaction to clear and tidy up the garden for winter. It my look a little bare, but I've noticed new shoots of growth already peeking up from the soil. I haven't come good on my intention to get some more winter colour into the garden, but I have tried to move things around a little to add more interest. I would like some plants that produce berries or different coloured leaves. Maybe I'll treat myself to a couple from the boot sale...

Here in the South West of the UK, it isn't necessary to lift and store Dahlia tubers. I have left some in the ground, but I lifted some of my favourites in order to create new plants to grow in the garden next year. It's really easy to do. Firstly you cut the Dahlia down to a few centimetres above ground level. Carefully lift the plant out of the ground and shake off the excess dirt. Hang the tubers upside down to dry (actually I have never done this before, but it was recommended on a gardening blog so I have done it this year). Pack the tubers in a newspaper or a cardboard box and store them in a frost free place. A shed or garage is fine.








I love this process. Splitting the tubers in order to make new plants is very exciting. Not only do you end up with more plants, it also keeps them vigorous and healthy. It's a similar process to splitting perennials in order to make new plants, and I shall be doing more of that next year. My garden is still relatively young, and the perennials need a bit longer to establish. I will be lifting a Geum plant though. It went mad this summer, and it's bright orange flowers were a great pop of colour. So I hope to lift and obtain new plants for other parts of the garden.

Today I dug out my new border, and I think it already makes quite an impact. I'm really pleased with it. It was another one of those jobs that I have intended to do forever, but just kept putting it off. It was pretty tough on my back, but the physical side was enjoyable too. I enjoy the little hard landscaping that I do. I'm getting better at planning and thinking about how I'd like my garden to look and what will go where. It's a very personal process, and I've come to realise that a little thought and planning does help in the long run. I've even sat down with the packs of bulbs I've stockpiled over the summer, and given real thought to colour combinations, flowering times, height and spread.

There was a big pot washing session, which Olly thoroughly enjoyed. He is looking forward to bulb planting tomorrow. I will grit my teeth and let him help. He has been outside with me helping to weed, snipping plants he shouldn't have, building train tracks on the mud and finding worms and other grubs to feed Betty and Jean. We have been observed by a curious Robin, and when we went inside a Blackbird came into the garden to inspect our handiwork. We two nature nerds loved watching him put his head from side to side as he checked out our day's handiwork. Then he pulled up the biggest worm and flew off.

So I feel an enormous sense of relief, and a good deal of satisfaction that I've managed to tick of some jobs off of the list. Some more have been added, but they are mostly fun things. I have spoke to Marc about my grand plans for next year, and my neighbour is gifting me two huge Jasmine plants from her garden.

But what has been really good for me personally is how much my spirits are lifted by getting out and being productive. I feel good about the days work, and I have that pleasant achy feeling you get from a bit of graft.

It's all good.

Leanne xx