How do you get inspiration, when your mentor is gone?

I probably shouldn't post this here, but I need to "talk it through" somewhere...

For all of my gardens over the years, my father has been my advisor. Soon after we moved in to a new place, my parents would visit, and Dad and I would walk around the garden, discussing good points, bad points, what to improve, rip out, change etc.

I'm trying not to panic, but I'm sitting here looking out on my biggest challenge to date (v little done, so nearly a blank canvas; completely new-to-me soil type; largest garden to date). My father died a few years ago - so how do I start?

 

Why not start by doing a section in his memory. Site it somewhere you can see every time you go out and put things there that you know your Dad would have liked. A tree, shrub, perennials maybe something scented. Whatever reminds you of him and that you can look at and know he's really always with you in your heart.

 

Hi Sian
start by posting pictures of the garden as is.
This will give the guys something to work with.
I am sure there will be a number of differing options provided to give you some initial ideas.
They won't be as "in-sync" as you and your Dad but there is quite a bit of imagination available to you which shpould be helpful.
Good Luck.

 

I think both the ideas given by the previous posters are very good. When I'm struggling with my HUGE garden and getting down about it I always remember my late father saying to me "remember gardening is for pleasure so don't work so hard it turns into a complete chore and you don't take time to admire your plants". As Catztail suggested maybe make a list of your late Father's favourite plants and if your soil/climate is suitable start with these and then add things you like which perhaps he didn't! I wouldn't worry about maybe making mistakes which your father may have stopped you making. I make mistakes constantly and have been gardening for well over 30 years. Most plants especially if not planted for long do move so part of the "fun" is playing "musical plants" moving them about when they don't look anything like you intended.As you are new to the area maybe have a walk round neighbouring gardens and get ideas as to what does and doesn't grow well in your area and start with some basic/not too fussy varieties. In many ways a blank canvas is easier than a made garden with horrors. I have 1 of the latter, yes I have lovely mature trees BUT it's taken me about 5 years to sort out a complete hotch potch of a previous owners garden centre impulse buys which were planted any old where and pruned wrongly. Good luck and try to enjoy the challenge.Sure your late father will be proud of your efforts.

 

Sian take a stroll round your garden as if your dear Dad was with you and imagine what he might be saying about what's there. Take a note pad and pencil with you, you'll be surprised what will come to mind. I want that out, that's the wrong shape, wrong situation etc.

 

Hi Sian
We all learn by our own mistakes and remember the old saying 'If at first you don't succeed try, try and try again' - it's the same with gardening! Good luck!

 

As Ever No Truer Word Could be Said You are A True Insperation ARMANDII Both on Here and When I Had the Pleasure of Being in Yours & Zigs Company Whitch I Look forward top Happening Again in the Near Future Pleanty of Tea Cake and the Knoliage You to Shaird With Me I Could Still be Sat There NOW Listening and Learning God Bless Ya Do Exatley Wot Your Hart Tells you to Do Sian with the Help and Guidance You Will Find Here @ G C & Let this Promiss Be Your Dad as With ARMANDIIS Wife Will Be Looking Down and PROUD Of All Your Achivements Efforts Highs and Lows Enjoy it and Good Luck Nick

 

thank you all for your support and advice. :-)

Having posted my message, I went back out into the garden, feeling that I'd voiced my fears - step one of moving-on process!

Then, looking around the garden (and taking photos, as suggested) I could hear Dad's input "Well, you've got to get rid of all those brambles and sapling trees, before you can start thinking about what to do next!" - so I got a-lopping!

 

Enjoy it Sian, but don't rush, you will get the 'feel' of the garden as you go along.

 

It's good to see such quick results from a general discussion.
Keep tuned in Sian - both here and in the Garden - and the results will continue to develop.
Well done!

 

start from a corner + look what plants are in the other gardens to have an idea of what thrives in the area.

 

Thanks for all your advice and encouragement. It is very much appreciated (Hubby likes a good garden, but doesn't have a clue, bless him!)

I've contined to work at clearing the "spare" trees, and also moved a heap of cut silver-birch and white poplar logs, to create a tidier wood-pile. This has the double advantage of clearing said untidy pile, and also creating a "foil" for the indoor wood stored in the shelter at the bottom of the garden. At first glance, it's now an overflowing wood-store. The amphibians weren't too pleased with the re-arrangement, but I think most of the frogs, toads and my first garden newt have now moved into the new residence.

I will post some pictures of the garden, as soon as I can find the cable to download them from the camera! it's in a box somewhere!

 

Thanks for the work in progress update. Sounds as though you've a good stack of logs for Winter fuel. I am dreaming of a lovely log fire in your hearth..... Your wildlife will have plenty of time to "rearrange" their furnishings before it gets too cold.
Why is the item your are searching for always in the last box!
Good luck ,
Jenny namaste