New Year - new country - new project!

Hi Sian I'm so sorry for your loss - but it sounds as though you did as much as possible to keep your mother happy and well, which must be some consolation. I think @CostasK has a great point regarding a memorial. Perhaps there is a particular part of the garden your mum most loved, or a special plant? That could be the focus.

 

If not sure about laying out beds and a lawn if needed use old or cheap garden coloured hose pipes to mark out the areas. The hose pipes are easily moved into different shapes and sizes so you get a good idea, once you have made up your mind, what shape the finale beds look like.

 

I have also used U -shaped garden pegs and string in the past. You can get around 100 for £10, so it's a very cost - effective option

 

Thank you, @CostasK!
I am very familiar with the garden, as the property has been in the family for nearly 60 years. The removal of the conifers has allowed space for seating in the evening sun, and my new pond (i do like a pond!)

For the next year I will not do too much in the areas of garden shown in the photos, as these will probably be impacted by the building work. I will focus on the lower “flood meadow” garden, which has been left to go wild for over 20 years with little or no attention. Digging out at least one of the raised veg beds, clearing the Russian vine debris (i hope we have removed the thug), and repairing the greenhouse, so I can potter a little, will be more than enough work, as I will only be visiting occasionally.

Then, when the changes of the house and how it relates to the garden are complete, we can revisit the top gardens.

Regarding a memorial or tribute to Mum… Dad loved spiky foliage plants - hence the pyracanthas, gorse, berberis, mahonias, hollies etc. Mum just wanted some flowers, and scent. I lean heavily towards wildlife-friendly and scented plants, and herbs, so pretty much anything I do would have met with her favour!

 

One thing that we have already decided on is that the scrap of lawn is going. It will be replaced by a large pond , paths, and various plants for year-round interest. All wildlife (except perhaps the badgers), will be welcomed and accommodated.

 

Sounds like a good plan!

I love spiky plants too. Until you said that about your dad, I thought I was the only one

 

Definitely not the only who likes spikies; I have a fair number of different species including 18 mahonia/berberis species and will cheerfully supply a list if you are looking for more; I think they are under appreciated.

 

It's good to have you back Sian. My condolences for the loss of your mum. I lost my mum to dementia too, it's a difficult and emotional time.

I think we'll all enjoy seeing the progress you make in the garden which, by the images you've posted, is well underway already. Will you miss your sandy garden in Belgium when you eventually make the move?

 

Thank you @Sheal - good to see that you are still here! (Too afraid to look for who’s gone…)
It is difficult - grieving, yet also relief knowing that mum is out of the torment of knowing that she was losing her mind.

Yes, the tree removal is drastic, to say the least! But the thuja hedge at the bottom was so overgrown, and there was no way to replace the boundary fence behind it without removing the hedge. We will replant with mixed native hedge, so hopefully the birds will forgive us. Whilst the tree surgeon was in (some of the “hedge” trunks were 12” in diameter) it seemed logical to get rid of the dreaded pyracantha ( Apologies, @CostasK and @NigelJ !) and the seriously overgrown dwarf conifers. It means we can replace that panelled fencing too. Then we will know we have a secure garden for the dog, and any planting won’t be disturbed for 20 years or so….

Miss the sandy soil ?!

 

I will get back to you @Sian in Belgium. I've made three attempts to reply to your post. The atmosphere here at the moment is creating havoc with my internet and it keeps logging me out of GC.

 

Yes @Sian in Belgium, I'm still part of the antique furniture here. A few members have gone but we had quite a few new members join last Spring - all welcome of course.

I moved house five months ago. My health isn't what it was and I could no longer cope with the upkeep and maintenance of both bungalow and large-ish garden. My other half is neither a diy-er or gardener so it made sense to move on. The place I have now is located in a village and has a small garden, so I'm looking forward to re-designing part of that when the weather improves.

I had a feeling that would be the reply.

 

I thought I’d take some more pictures of the garden, as you can really see the bare bones at this time of year.

the current approach to the front door. An old hardy fuchsia, and some buddleias, interspersed with hypericum, everlasting sweet pea, daffs, snowdrops and primroses .

the patio, old and in need of repair/replacement.



The current tiny pond.


The replacement fence, where the conifers and pyracantha used to be.


The replacement stock fence, in the lower garden, where the conifer hedge was removed. It is planted with a native mixed hedge - blackthorn, hawthorn, wild privet, alder, hornbeam, dog rose, alder, and field maple. (Alder and hornbeam on the lowest flooding parts)


Same hedge, seen from the upper garden.


Why my dad planted a twisted hazel slap-bang in the middle of the upper lawn, I will never know!

 

Nice to see your garden, it's got lots of interesting parts. Your house is lovely, and the Hazel in the lawn breaks the monotony of an empty green area (you can tell I'm not a fan of lawns)

 

Certainly a project Sian. A lovely property. In the picture with the greenhouse, is the lawn to the right yours? Looks like a peaceful location too.

 

Lots of work perhaps, but its nice to be able to take on your Dads old garden and make it yours.