Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
On My Oasis – Frosts and Obsessions
It has to be said that in the past year, life has got rather in the way of gardening. Planning a wedding, getting hitched, going on honeymoon and settling in with the whole ‘being a spouse‘ thing has drawn me away from the garden. In addition, there’s nothing quite like knowing you’re moving to kibosh any grand gardening plans – that is until you’re in your new garden, of course. Still, January’s been a good month for gardening shows which is saying something, particularly because Gardener’s World isn’t actually on our screens at the moment. What with ‘Show Me Your Garden‘, ‘Britain’s Best Back Gardens‘, ‘The Great British Garden Revival‘, and ‘The Big Allotment Challenge‘, there’s been plenty to take your fancy; whether it’s veggies, ornamentals or strange and rare plants you’re into.
I have to say, I’ve been watching them ALL (and, quell surprise, getting hubby a little green-fingered too – wonders will never cease). The garden passion has certainly reappeared, and with completion of our new house sale on Thursday, there’s lots to get excited about!
The dogs enjoy the forest frost
Frosts are finally here
I’m also happy to welcome a much needed cold snap and some heavy frosts. Last year was a complete washout and, as a result, the gardening year in 2014 was tougher than many before. You may not like the cold, but it’s important for a number of reasons.
Firstly, there’s nothing quite like a wintry landscape. It’s beautiful, inspiring and, with a blue sky overhead, picture perfect. Then there’s the benefit that it puses plants into proper dormancy mode. I’ve always found when we have a really cold winter, spring flowers are so much more glorious. Wisteria creates giant swathes of colour, roses burst into bud with more vibrancy and bulbs pepper the garden with bright petals. Instead of cruising through January and February half awake, these plants properly go to sleep, meaning they awaken in spring with full gusto. Finally, all those pests and bugs HATE the cold. If you don’t get some proper winter, hibernating weevils, sleeping aphids and dormant slug eggs are just waiting to emerge at the first sign of warmth and devour our plants. A decent winter (and I’m talking heavy frosts and snowfall) help cull some of these critters off, making our lives as gardeners a little easier….especially at the beginning of the year when we’ve got seedlings on the go.
A teeny amount of sowing
Talking of seedlings; I’ll admit, I’ve broken and planted a few seeds. I’m trying to contain myself because I’ll soon have a new house and garden, and I don’t want to be transporting hoards of seed trays back and forth (I’ve already got a garden full of plants to move). My mum doesn’t really understand why I want to take apart her old greenhouse straight away (I’m nabbing it).
‘You won’t need it till summer, you’ll be doing up the house’.
Umm, no mother. I’ll be digging out borders, planting the young fruit trees I want to cordon, putting in some hedging and needing a greenhouse so I can get everything growing. And that’s way before I’m worrying about painting and decorating!
In addition to taking some cuttings from herbs for the new Mediterranean garden, I’ve sown some broad beans, a few delphinium seeds and some more sweet peas. I’m being strict with myself – as you can see. 😉 I’ve also challenged the husbo to grow me two banana plants and two tree ferns from seed. The banana’s are now in, so we’ll see his progress!
Saying farewell to the allotment
Finally, I’ll be bidding farewell to our allotment this month. Funnily enough, it was getting an allotment that actually began this whole blogging process; I wanted a way to keep track of our efforts. Alas, with moving a 45 minute drive away, I really can’t keep it and, if I’m honest, I should’ve given it up a few years back. I’m not really an allotment person. Mary (my godmother who I share the plot with) loves the social aspect of it – something which I don’t share. I like to go, work, come home. The problem I find is, like trying to get to the gym, I just can’t be bothered to get there in the first place. And thus, our plot languishes without us. Mary can’t work it on her own, and I’m going to be starting growing veggies at home which I think will be MUCH more in keeping with my love for pottering. I’ve been watching a lot of the horticultural channel for inspiration. It’s for gardeners, by gardeners and a great source of help, so check it out if you’re growing veggies and need some help.
So, with spring starting to become a reality on the distant horizon, I’m excited about what 2015 will hold. What are your gardening plans? Have you been inspired by the plethora of television shows? What will you be growing this year?
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Warning: Use of undefined constant powered_by - assumed 'powered_by' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/thegui11/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-followme/followme.php on line 58
Leave a Reply