Hard Work

I have mentioned before in this blog that a person might work hard in the garden but it should not become hard work, that is the graft you put in should not become a chore. However, that sound piece of advice does not necessarily apply to everything. The tireless effort of all the pollinators is key to all our plots tended or natural.

the pastel bed has plenty for the industrious bee

 

To help them along most gardeners need to do very little but it is worth bearing in mind that the bees will benefit from a few simple steps (based on RHS guidelines),
~ nectar and pollen rich plants are crucial to support our pollinators, a wide range of plants with different flowering seasons does help
~ avoid using pesticides wherever possible, never spray open flowers. Preventing and reducing pests and diseases by good cultivation, cultivar selection, garden hygiene and using biological control should always be the first line of control. If pesticides are used consider using short persistent organic products. Accepting the presence of some pests can provide larval food for pollinators, for example aphids are food for some hoverfly larvae.
~ provide water for pollinators: Bees and other pollinators sometimes need to drink; having a shallow margin of a pond or a shallow dish filled with stones  filled with water will provide a safe source of water.
~ provide nest sites for bees; either make your own or you can purchase nests for solitary bees. Some solitary bees nest in the ground, either in bare soil or short turf but they will find their own nest sites
So my top tip: would be always be mindful of the needs of the bees even if this may compromise just a little on the aesthetics of your outdoorspace

Living Wall

On a recent mini break to the Wirrall, a trip we have done annually for a number of years to coincide with our wedding anniversary (37th), I was pleasantly surprised to see this example of a living wall.

It is a clever way of brightening up the urban landscape and distracting attention from the adjacent car park. Located in the village of Heswall it will have the additional benefits of improving air quality near the main road and it will help reduce the carbon footprint of the M&S by acting as insulation thereby reducing energy costs.

Vertical planting is a growing trend in the horticultural world and is an excellent idea for those gardeners who are short on space. There are numerous systems including off the shelf strips of pocket planters that can simply be hung and filled for instant effect. Irrigation systems can then be installed for a more permanent landscaping but many of the colourful displays are based around the use of annuals. Living wall art is an excellent web site for some inspiration.

At home we have a living wall that is most useful as a disguise for what would otherwise be a vertical space hemming in the patio.   As you can see from the plan it has to occupy a fair space and is planted with perennials , mostly creeping and climbing plants. Extra colour comes from the pots at the base of the wall.

Top tip: when designing your vertical planting think about the practicality of maintenance. Remember if you will need to be deadheading or trimming regularly, for the effect you desire, then accessibility will a key consideration.

My Gardening Philosophy (reasons I enjoy gardening part 3)

As Sigmund Freud once said "time spent with cats is never wasted". I am well aware that there are plenty of gardeners out there who would rather never see a feline in their garden ever again. I admit they can be something of a nuisance when they are not your own well loved companions. However, there is little doubt that I like to be outside in the garden simply to enjoy their company.

I would like to think this is a reciprocal feeling. Certainly both Mili and Hecate will come rushing quickly (or more sedately in Hecate's case) to join me when "I go up the garden". Whether it is the feeling of extra security they have with their human close by or whether it is a case of showing off their prowess by climbing trees and chasing butterflies that motivates them I will never really be sure. What is without doubt, however, is that we do enjoy each others company.

There are times when my gardening tasks are a higher priority than fussing over the felines. I can tell this exasperates Mili and Hecate who cannot perceive of anything more important than some human attention. So it is not infrequently the case that they will tire of milling around but instead find a quiet spot from which they can observe (providing they can keep their eyes open for long enough). But as soon as the spade is put down and I am taking a little breather, one or the other is more than likely to show up out of apparently nowhere! I find this quite a comfort knowing that I too am being watched over even if there is more than an element of cupboard love about it.

I also believe that the more time they spend with me up in the garden the more likely they are to associate this space with being their territory. Hopefully this then encourages them to stay in this part of the great outside. I am more convinced that this applies to Hecate who is naturally a little more timid. She very rarely ventures beyond the confines of our own garden and when she does, quite sensibly she only seems to go to the next door neighbour that she trusts; the kind lady who provides the meals when we go away for a few days.

"I love cats because I enjoy my home [garden] and little by little they become its visible soul" Jean Cocteau (French poet, playwright and artist)

Pastel Bed

pastel theme with plants of differing form and textures

Our garden might be regarded as the antithesis of the Mormon temple. The mixture of pastel themed plants visible from the kitchen is intended to be informal and pleasingly haphazard. In reality it is anything but ad hoc, this year a lot of thought has gone into the planting scheme. In truth, it is still far away from the finished article and plans are already being made as to how it might be improved for next summer.

The sea holly, achillea and gaura work well but the central position of the cranesbill which has long been over and done rather detracts from the seasonal picture. The sweet peas screening the shed fit nicely and I am pleased that the crocosmia has been pared back to the far fringe of the bed.

It is also a space much enjoyed by the bees at this time of year. It is vital that there is a season long supply of nectar rich plants for them to utilize. 

However, it is not from this section of the garden that I have selected my plant of the month for July. The water lily has to take the honour again although the hare's tail grass will soon be at its best.

Upper Pond

Hare's Tail Grass

Hecate is better at resting than helping