WHAT ARE WE DOING IN THE GARDEN TODAY - 2022

I weeded the flowerbed under our front window and then spread about 60 litres of farmland manure on top. I then spread a further 20 litres on the flowerbeds on either side of the small front lawn.

 

As the grandkids had a sleepover last night I wasn't able to get out onto the balcony during the morning today. They take over the living room which we convert into a bedroom for one night when they come for a sleepover.

Tomorrow I plan on feeding all plants around the house & on the balcony - I should be finished in an hour & a half if there are no interruptions.

 

Dead heading, watering.

 

Today the two Berberis Darwinii I ordered arrived. One to replace the original, and a spare just in case (plants were cheap it was the delivery that upped the price).
I planted the spare in a bit of ground I have had no issues with. A spot of Rootgrow in the hole and backfilled with the earth I took out.
The second I planted where the original had been. I dug a hole twice as deep as necessary and three times as wide, removing all the old soil. I put a handful of "Clay Breaker" in the hole then about six inches of compacted purchased topsoil. On top of that, I sprinkled some Rootgrow then after teasing out the roots I put the plant in the centre of the hole and backfilled it with more of the quality topsoil (35L of topsoil in total).
I then gave both plants a good watering so hopefully, they will both come away fine. If they do I will lift the spare next year and plant it in the hedge. The more prickles the better.

 

I've been cutting things back and weeding, and now I can actually see the path (it's a 'second' path, not the main one)
I also gave the mealy bugs on my cacti a nice drink of meths

Here's part of the path, and I still have the bottom half of it to clear one day when I feel like it
and the slabs need washing now :-

 

My opinion Michael, but I don't feel "squeaky clean" paving goes with the natural look. You have a wonderful and inviting garden so keep it that way.

 

Deadheading, watering and finished potting up the wallflowers, got 250 plants, i think that should be enough

 

Thank you @Victoria, but they are rather grubby so I may just brush them a bit more so that they look weathered and 'natural'

 

Started scarifying one of the three lawns today. I don't think any of them have had any attention since my bungalow was built 20+ years ago. The thatching has made this lawn really hard work to mow.

 

Not much I did have plans to go out earlier and do a bit but fell a sleep on the couch, after the long power nap I did go out and deadheaded the roses and feed them . Tried to stand some plant back up the wind and rain have snapped / knock over . Watered the tomatoes and co in the GH , I am growing a beefstake variety (brandywine suddith's strain ) this year I tried a couple of years ago but the fruit never ripened anyway they are coming on a treat .

And I'll saved the best till last my Wisteria is going to flower AGAIN its got a few sporadic flowers forming

 

I agree with Vicky, we use to pressure wash ours but felt they came up too clean and unnatural looking for slabs that had been down for over 35 years. We now soak them and give them a brush only.

 

Ohhh yes please @shiney , black with no sugar thank you. I have Chocolate Oatie biscuits to share!

I've got rid of a lot ( past reviving) wilting and dying plants from one border now trying to fill the gaps with whatever I have in pots. Mostly Dahlias but unfortunately some are in tatty pots.
Any pics I take will now not be close ups!! And no zooming in !

 

Today we were planting out cuttings of Honeysuckle, Cotoneaster and Hawthorn under the hedge (that is where they originally came from). I then potted up a selection of perennials so I can pass them on to my hairdresser who is an avid gardener and collector of perennials.
After that, it was watering. Tubs, trays, the Berberis I planted yesterday and a couple more of the prime plants. Also the grass seed I sowed last night.
I passed a couple of Honeysuckle rooted cuttings and an enormous Fuchsia over the fence to my neighbour, Sandra. Her garden was always a mess but her son has suddenly been inspired (perhaps he has seen what we have done in such a short time) and has made a huge difference to her garden this summer.