Whilst we weren't looking, the garden kept growing....
Figuratively speaking of course. We have been away for a week in September and for most of the summer our attention has been on the house renovation. Suffice to say gardening and the garden has taken a back seat. And there were days that all we've done outside is a quick look once over before we hurried back to carry on with work in the house.
But even if we weren't looking we're glad the garden carried on growing.
Despite the garden not looking pristine at all we still had a few visitors, who were happy enough to wander around on their own for most of their visit as we were, you guessed it busy inside. And the feedback was positive, very encouraging, and wonderful to hear. Somehow neither of us seemed to have expected good feedback about the garden as we've spent very little time than usual tidying and taking care of it all summer, coupled with the fire damage (which is not looking too bad now, a separate blog post about it will come soon). But to hear such nice words recently has given us the nudge to start working on it again...
After all, autumn is fast approaching and it's that time of the year again when we have to start preparing the garden for the colder months ahead. When the process of putting the bed to sleep must commence.
So much to do, so much to plan for, so many things to move, but not yet....
Not for awhile. We'll wait for a bit. The garden is looking so lush, and strangely inviting despite the very little sweeping and pruning we've done all summer. Perhaps we should just enjoy 'looking' at it now before autumn definitely sets in with leaves falling and herbaceous plants starting to go dormant again.
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
Your garden looks awesome! From these photos, I'd never know you had such a disastrous fire.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gerhard, carefully selected vistas avoid the damaged section.
DeleteThe wonderful thing about gardens is that they can be neglected for a time and then brought right back. Your garden doesn't look at all neglected!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear that Peter! This house renovation thing is so time consuming. And then there's always next year to look forward to :)
DeleteI like this, a bit wild, look of your garden! Love all the tropical-looking plants, tetrapanax, aralia.... Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tatyana! It does look a bit wild, or even wilder especially its late summer/early autumn and lots of plants looking so lush.
DeleteWhen those first photos of the fire damage hit my screen I never would have guessed that things would be looking this jungle-fine by now. Your good garden vibes must be at play, even if you have been too busy to give it your full attention.
ReplyDeleteGood garden vibes - I like the sound of that Ricki :) Thank you! It was a good growing season here this year which greatly helped in making the rest of the garden look really lush now.
DeleteGardens will tolerate a certain amount of benign neglect, especially if they were taken care of in their infancy. Your garden appears to be handling your focus on the house renovation in stride. Good luck with those winter preparations!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris! The garden doesn't seem to be doing too bad at all despite the neglect, and yes you;re right, nurture early on and they can fend for themselves on some occasions later on when the gardener gets too busy.
DeleteI echo what Kris said above and add that having good bones and great design helps a beautiful garden like yours shine even when a bit neglected.
ReplyDeleteLovely words Loree, thank you! Hopefully October we'll have good weather which will buy us time to prepare the garden for winter.
DeleteA beguiling veritable jungle which has gone on and done the business even though you've not been able to devote much time to it. I would not want to get up again if I sat down in your sitting out area :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna :) The seating area does look inviting, bar the little char on the seats of course. LLate summer and early autumn is when jungle gardens look their most jungle-y.
DeleteThe garden photos are fantastic. You may not have spent much time out there but it's not noticeable. I'm glad to hear everything is looking decent even after the fire.
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
Thanks Cher! Overall it's not looking too bad despite the damage a few months ago.
DeleteI'm glad your garden has behaved so beautifully while you've been focused on other things. I think you two deserve some effortless beauty after the fire. It looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather :) The garden is a source of cheer again amidst all the work going on in the house.
DeleteI am shocked! I was not expecting to see such lush growth and such a beautiful garden after the fire. I am amazed at how well the garden has recovered and how really lovely it looks. Do take some time from all your work and just sit and enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Holley and will do :)
DeleteHi Guys, From the ashes the phoenix will rise! I am so glad that the recovery is well under way. Is the last image Bomarea. I had absolutely no luck with two of those, you certainly have the magical touch. Happy weekend. Paul:)
ReplyDeleteEvidence for either fire or lack of attention shows. Your guests are right about your garden still looking very good.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the signs of a really good garden is that it copes with the occasional absences of the gardeners without falling apart. How lovely to have such positive feedback to encourage you to take heart and get stuck back in as and when time allows.
ReplyDelete