Here is today’s photograph of Jackie’s up to date planting of the front garden featured yesterday. The gravelly soil has been supplemented by earth dug out from around the corner.
When we cleared an area rampant with bramble beneath a ficus so leggy that its limbs sought comfort in the neighbouring fir, holly, and bay trees, we revealed choked camellias and other plants cowering against our neighbours’ fence. This photograph is from 19th May 2014.
The thought then was that we would create a further bed with stepping stones for access. These were dropped into place by 27th July.
Two days later, a serpentine path was taking shape. We had levelled the soil and countersunk these concrete panels scavenged from other parts of the garden.
In order to achieve the sinuous shape we created triangle spaces filled with stones found in the flower beds.
What was now named The Head Gardener’s Walk wound round the fir tree.
A trip to Milford on Sea on 31st July was required to complete the insertion of pebbles. A hip young gentleman would have been proud of the effect of the weighing down of my voluminous work trouser pockets as I clambered from the beach to the car.
By 24th February 2015 the Dragon’s Bed, created in the cleared space, was becoming established.
This is what it looked like four days ago;
and the Head Gardener’s Walk yesterday.
This evening we dined on the milder dishes from Hordle Chinese Take Away. Jackie drank Hoegaarden, and I finished the malbec first opened five days ago.
Delightful!
Thanks, Bruce
Holy guacamole, Derrick! Your industry is amazing.
Thank you Laurie. I love Holy guacamole
I take great heart from seeing these images! Ah, the pride of young men 🙂 though I would get shot at dawn if I was [caught] taking stones from our beaches…………
Thanks, Pauline. I was a little apprehensive.
I like that snaky pathway. So, was the Malbec OK after 5 days? Hurray for screw tops.
Thank you, Yvonne. It was. Mind you, I’m not sure I’d trust my judgement at the moment
ha ha ha!!
I guess the environmental police weren’t around when you collected those beautiful stones by the sea….lucky you! The story of your garden is such an amazing one.
Thank you, Cynthia
I’d love to see an aerial photo of your garden to visualize the size and scope of your work.
How was the Malbec after 5 days of gasping for air?
Thanks, Susanne. The wine was actually OK. We don’t have an aerial photo, but this map may be helpful. http://derrickjknight.com/2015/06/13/the-garden-map/ The area is one third of an acre.
Thanks, Derrick. Once again I’m in awe of your industry and energy. It must keep you and the head gardener in trim shape!
Not as trim as we would like! Thanks.
I love those beautiful blue speckled stones. Your garden, it almost goes without saying, is marvelous.
Many thanks, Lisa. Say away.
Wow! Derrick, you and Jackie have created such a wonderful and creative garden….a real encouragement. As we transitioned to move into our place, I was collecting chunks of bush sandstone to make a circularly garden in our front lawn. So I can relate to your pockets full of pebbles and just be thankful you’re not a character in one of Geoffle’s novels or those trousers full of pebbles would have had a catastrophe! It seems to be a good idea to stay out of novels. Characters seem to end up with complication on complication and I have enough trouble managing things as it is! xx Rowena
Many thanks, Rowena,
Just when I think the garden couldn’t get any better!!!!
Many thanks, GP
Aha, back on the Malbec, you must be feeling better! I love the image of you in your ‘hip’ trousers. And of course, the garden is looking lovely. Those pebbles are beautiful amongst those slabs.
Many thanks, Jenny. Perhaps a little too early with the wine. I couldn’t finish my second glass 🙂
Lokks lovely. We particularly like pebble effect. The dragon’s bed quite befits his status. But we thought they were partial to gold. Is this an ecologically conscious dragon?
Thank you both. I imagine so
A beautifully drastic transformation!
Thank you, Oscar
Putting stones into the triangle portions between stepping stones is a great idea. It makes the path look complete. The curves are serpent-like, and suit a dragon garden, even though it’s the Head Gardener’s Walk. Does the curving walk go anywhere near the dragon bed?
Thank you Crystal. The walk runs alongside the Dragon Bed, behind the dragon on his plinth.
Perfect
How inspiring your creativity is. 🙂
Many thanks, Nomzi
Thank you for sharing Derrick. I wish you both a lovely week. 🙂
Charming pathways.
Thank you, Elena
What a wonderful walkway! I love how you used rocks between the pavers; it helps the path blend into the natural environment.
Many thanks, Christine