Today was another thoroughly wet one, so I decided to try a bit more than a test print with my new Epson.
It was in May 2014 that we took on the neglected jungle that was our garden. Soon afterwards I began to compile a kind of before and after record of the project, in extra large photo albums.
Now, five years on, I have decided to update this work. I began with the Back Drive. Here, for comparison is what it looked like in June of that year.
Today I printed a collection of photographs from May,
June,
September,
and October, this year.
Jackie’s borders contain asters, foxgloves, geraniums, hostas, poppies, roses such as Doris Tysterman and Ernest Morse, viper’s bugloss, and Virginia creeper, all of which can be seen in these photographs; and much more.
This time in 2014 we were burning so much on this space.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s tasty sausages in red wine; creamy mashed potatoes; crunchy carrots and cauliflower with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank Patrick Chodot Fleurie 2018.
how beautiful! – the two of you have the garden-Midas touch
– and the second to last photo of the fire was really cool – with the smoke and lines –
Thanks very much, Yvette. The sunbeams piercing the smoke was such a happy moment
🙂
What a transformation!
Thanks very much, Sandra
You have made such a difference in five years and the garden must give you and Jackie such a lot of pleasure…as well as your readers.
Very many thanks, Jane. The readers are part of the pleasure now.
Wow, what a difference! I’m not sure that we’d be allowed to burn away yard waste here in the city.
We couldn’t have done it in London, Carol. Many thanks
A well spent five years Derrick. I have to say I would never have looked at the original jungle and envisioned the orderly yet colourful outcome. Not to mention useful. Jackie is an artist! And don’t you just have to love a Virginia Creeper in the autumn!! So pleased the printer is working well for you.
Thank you very much, Pauline
I’m glad you documented the hard work you and Jackie put into the garden. It looks beautiful!
Thank you very much, Jill. I didn’t really do enough of the before photos 🙂
Absolutely beautiful!
Thanks very much, Gary
What an amazing amount of work accomplished! Results: spectacular!!!!
Thank you very much, Luanne
Wow -looking good five years on! (and that meal sounds delicious)
Thanks very. much, M.B.
A huge difference! Interesting to see the work and the accomplishments in just 5 years! Great work! 🙂
Thank you for making the world a more beautiful place!
HUGS!!! 🙂
PS…the sausages sound so delicious! Now I have a bunch of sausage puns in my head, but I don’t want to be a brat, or perceived as full of baloney, or leave the wurst comment, so I won’t share them. 😉
There’s no way of clicking Like on your comment Carolyn, so will say it instead. Very funny And well done! 🙂
Thank you, Sue! I enjoy trying to make people laugh. 🙂
(((HUGS)))
Thank you very much, Carolyn. Saying you wouldn’t share your puns was a porkie. X
HA! 😛
I enjoyed seeing the differences in the five years. I’m like you, I always find I never have enough before photographs, or I’ve completely forgotten to take any!
The garden looks beautiful today, you’ve both achieved such a lot.
Thank you very much, Sue
Your image filing system must be a lot better than mine.
I have been pretty particular for more than 50 years, having no idea what I would eventually do with them
What a difference!
Thanks very much, Rosaliene. There will be more, which may appeal to more recent readers
What an amazing transformation! Congratulations to you and Jackie, and “congratulations” for Nugget for his “assistance” too 🙂
Thank you very much, Takami
A great win – I can see Japan in the semis at least
You and Jackie have done a wonderful job of revitalizing the gardens over the years!
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Beautiful garden.
Thank you very much, Byung
The garden has come a long ways in just a few short years my friend.
Thanks very much, Jerry
You have got a marvellous printer there! Before and after images speak volumes of the work that has gone into creation of your garden. The last two photographs pull in immediately with the swirl of flames under the supervision of the Head Gardener.
Thank you very much, Uma. Your words are always appreciated
Beautiful
Thanks very much, More
You’re very welcome Derrick
The first, darker, picture is absolutely marvellous. A wonderful moment in time.
Thank you very much, John. It was a magical sight
… the difference is big and each has its own chroma
ps: I notice that Jackie really likes Hoegaarden
Thanks very much, Yoshimi. Yes, that is her favourite; she also likes Blue Moon, the American version.
Always enjoy your garden tours albeit I am surprise you kept that fire under control
Did you notice it was in a wheelbarrow? Thanks a lot, msw
hahaha I did, but fires often have a mind of their own. 😉 stay safe
🙂
Unrecognizable! Amazing transformation, you and Jackie should be very proud of your achievements.
We are pretty pleased, Sheree. Many thanks
“Pretty pleased!” I think that’s classic British understatement Derrick.
🙂
Beautiful. It was truly transformed into a lovely garden.
Thank you very much, Alene
Wow, what a difference you’ve both made – and those poppies are Huge!
But why are they all the same colour????? 😉
Absolutely gorgeous. Weeding the garden (of our yard and of our mind/soul) has wonderful rewards.
Thank you very much, Pam
I remember how much work you, Jackie and Aaron did to clear the area and do repairs!! You brought both the house and the garden back to life!!
Very many thanks, GP
This post sure deserves a wowsah! Wonderful to see the before and after. What an accomplishment.
Many thanks, Laurie. I was able bodied when we started 🙂
Phew!!!!
Well done on your before and after efforts Derrick, a great outcome.
Thanks a lot, Ian
As your other readers have commented, it’s an incredible transformation! And I know from many personal miscalculations in the gardening area how much knowledge and skill it takes to know what to plant where in order for the plants to thrive.
Thank you very much, Liz. Even Jackie, who has the knowledge, struggles with some plants. We have had a Phantom hydrangea for about four years planted in full shade. It was moved a few weeks ago to provide more sunshine.
My hydrangeas have become quite persnickety in the last two years, and one of them just up and died.
You have done exceptional work on the garden; my compliments to the Head Gardener!
Thank you very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick
Wow! What a transformation!
Thanks very much, Ribana
Wow that has been a work in progress. Congratulations on a fantastic job you two.
Thanks very much, Lindsey
Just had to have another look! Again, all I can say is Wow. 🙂
Thanks a lot, Sue. I’m pleased you did.