My Garden Progress

How alkaline? Have you done a PH test yet? Sandy is ok if you choose suitable plants
If you have a sunny border how about a row of lavendar?
If possible every garden should have lavendar.......wonderful in summer of course but even during winter and other times it looks good when clipped as a grey/green aromatic edging.

Dont worry about the planning and planting too much. You dont have to get the planting right first time....none of us do so ....because you can move things around. As plants grow you will know what you like, how well they grow, how big etc., thus learning all the time. Besides, you can ask the forum as you proceed

 

Hello @Verdun

Thanks for the reply.

I have not done a specific PH Test yet but I will, just as soon as I manage to source one.

The back garden faces South East, if you take a look at the following photograph the Sun rises above where the corner of the fencing is:



I understand what you are saying about planning but with my Autism I tend to try and plan everything ahead of time as it helps me cope with the unexpected, not always possible I know.

I will check out the Lavender.

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

I hope this doesnt sound patronising Kevin ....I have worked with folks with autism, viz., aspergers, so I do understand. One guy is a computer expert; another an advisor with CB.
Nothing wrong with planning ahead, for the unexpected......that's a good thing within reason. And you want things just right, even perfect?? Well, we all do too
Just try to relax and enjoy the process

 

Hello @Verdun

Thanks for the reply.

Your reply is not patronising at all.

I must admit that technology for me just makes sense, I am able to use any technology without reading manuals or guidance of any kind.

People on the other hand, I have great difficulty dealing with as I just do not understand them, the things they do, the things they say etc.

It actually came to light recently in a discussion with my Advocate that not everyone processes information as I do or indeed perceives the world as I do, something I keep having to remind myself from time to time.

I shall start researching plants etc. and see where I get, I do have some pre-requisites for the planting as in they must be:

Low maintenance
Not grow too tall
Colourful
Preferably scented
Good for wildlife, for example, Bees, Butterflies etc.

I will try to relax, honest

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

There was a fascinating tv garden programme a year or two ago called "the Autistic Gardener". He saw patterns, mathematics and angles in a different way to most of us but his unorthodox reasoning produced wonderful gardens. The process made for compulsive viewing as his gardens emerged from apparent chaos to ultimately come together.

 

Hello @Verdun

I believe that programme aired in 2015 which was before I was actually diagnosed as being Autistic in January 2016.

If the 'Autistic Gardener' is shown again I shall make sure to catch it.

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

Yes loofah, the guy with pink hair He was proud of his autism and I can see why

 

Thanks for the tip about the programme just watching an episode on “All 4” it is interesting how he sees things like shapes and patterns in the landscape. He is also very open about Autism and it is refreshing to see how he interprets the world

 

Hello all

It has been nearly a year since I last posted due to some issues.

However, I thought i would update this Thread as I have now had the garden planted earlier this Month (September).

A Garden Designer chose the plants to my requirements, then placed them, I then had a gardener plant them for me, I will hopefully do the maintenance, myself, as much as I can.

All I need to do now is to keep the plants alive

Anyway, here are photos of the garden as it is this morning, thanks.



I know that the plants are not going to do much growing now but they should be able to root well before the Spring.

I am really happy with the look and am looking forward to next Spring when things will start growing.

What do you think?

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

That's a huge difference from last year. The borders will mature, as you say. Its a much better place to sit out and enjoy

 

Hello Andrews

Thanks, yes, next Spring I will be getting a seating area laid and the paving around the back of the house re-laid in the same stone as at the moment I have no where to sit and enjoy the garden, something I would really find beneficial.

My next job in the garden that I am trying to sort at the moment is installing a Drip Irrigation system, I have managed to lay some hose but I need to buy more and also find the best way to route the hose in to the front garden too.

Once the hose is in position as shall proceed in placing the emitters.

All fun

Kevin

 

Garden looks lovely Kevin.

 

Hello all

Thanks for the kind words, it is appreciated.

One subject I am trying to get clarification on is watering the new plants.

With it being late September do I still need to water the new plants everyday or should I water every few days?

If someone could please provide some clarification on this it would be appreciated as there is so much contradictory information around.

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

@Kevin Cowans It depends on the weather and how damp the soil is. Down here it is still very dry, rain forecast for the coming week fortunately.
Whatever the season and weather I tend to give new plants a watering when I put them in and then in summer or a dry autumn I water them again a few days later and I only water further if they start to look unhappy.