[Bugs]

This the garden I was working in today , it may not look it but for various reasons its my favourite .
When I go to someones garden to design there is a quiet interview process going on . What I try to find out is what that persons likes and dislikes are.
The lady that owns this garden (she is retired )likes to have a cup of coffee outside in the mornings doing her crossword , she likes all kinds of wildlife , she has a large extended family and entertains a lot , she babysits her grandchildren ,
and likes to sit out in the evening with friends with a glass of wine and she likes her privacy.

This is a regular suburban garden in Dublin about 30 x 70 feet , there was a broken down glasshouse in the middle and the brick patio was already there .Although the patio was crudely laid I recognised that it had a real charm about it .


I repaired the glasshouse and put in an archway to devide the garden . Next was the raised circular patio outside the glasshouse door . I put in a new floor in the glasshouse and planted the edges with pelergoniums




the back part of the garden is the wildlife area which is planted with Birch , Rasberries Apple , pear , Thornless blackberries ,Mallow . None of the fruit is collected , its all left for the birds and wildlife . Its underplanted with native Irish wild flowers

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The garden is now 5 years old and requires 2 visits per year of 3 hours maintenance and this is the only maintenance it requires

Bugs
_________________
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
Carpe Diem

[GPI]

Great stuff there Bugs.
You are building up quite a portfolio of interesting projects there.
These pics will help showcase how gardeners find decorative and constructive ways to work within the garden.
At some stage we may compile them into one thread showcasing your work .
We could call it "bugs bites".
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Remember, a weed is just a plant in the wrong place.
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[verge]

Plenty of character in that garden Bugs. I really like the Geraniums edging the pathway within the glasshouse. What is the story behind the stump in the second last pic.

[Lilith]

I love the sort of controlled wildness. I can't believe it only requires that little bit of maintenance. It must have a long history of good weed control behind it. If I had something like that here it would be all over the place in no time. Or is it the choice of plantings?

[Bugs]

Thanks for all the comments ,
Lilith , GPI always signs off with " a weed is just a plant in the wrong place " and that is the philosophy in this garden , there is no need for weed control as there is no such thing as a weed . I usually do a cleanup in April and always bring a couple of packets of wildflower seeds with me to sow . Nature takes care of the rest .
Verge, the stump has been left to rot away naturally . her grandchildren love creepy crawlies
GPI , you understand about garden design , it requires an intelligence far greater than rocket science
Bugs
_________________
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
Carpe Diem

[Lilith]

Good reminder, Bugs, and is getting me to change some of my thinking about plans I had for my place. I think I was about to paint myself into a gardening corner that would mean more maintenance than I want to do. So...I'm now looking at that mass of tall lamb's quarters as tall ground cover holding the bank it's growing on, and making a natural screen. A few other shifts, too. Thanks for that.

[Bugs]

Lilith ,Any pictures of the garden , maybe we can come up with some suggestions for you . Always ready to help .
Bugs
_________________
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
Carpe Diem

[Lilith]

It's a huge area, Bugs. Several acres that were overgrown pasture, of which a total of about 3 was cleared for the house, septic lines, etc. All of the huge plants, like poke, lamb's quarter and such, have come back even thicker than before since the bulldozing very neatly spread all the seed around. Some areas are covered with morning glories of all colours (which I rather like) growing along the ground. There's a section with old apple trees and a huge chestnut tree where I've been eyeing a shade garden.

The immediate area around the house is clear of trees, bushes, etc. but the site is bordered by forest on the back and one side about 50 ft. away from the house.

I'll see if I can get enough pictures to give you an idea of the spaces. I've been mentally making spaces or areas for planting because trying to think too much of the whole thing is just overwhelming. I figure if I can focus on one or two small bits at a time, I can keep from going crazy.

My goal is to have it all be as low maintenance as possible, with perennial and self-seeding annual flowers, a windbreak on the NW side, and as little area as possible that has to be mowed.

[Bugs]

Lilith said
I'll see if I can get enough pictures to give you an idea of the spaces. I've been mentally making spaces or areas for planting because trying to think too much of the whole thing is just overwhelming. I figure if I can focus on one or two small bits at a time, I can keep from going crazy.
Never fear Bugs is here



it sounds like you have a site with great potential , if you can gets pics it would be good . A good place to start is on the boundaries and the windbreak . Its usually a safe bet to plant species native to your area , as thety are more resistant to drought etc and the birds love em .
Old apple trees and a huge chestnut , sure we are half way there .

Talk to you later
Bugs
_________________
Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
Carpe Diem

[GPI]

[Lilith]

This is so sweet of you. And I, for sure, didn't mean to launch into something that would hijack this thread.

Bugs is a grand spin doctor. And, you know, it's that little spot with the trees that holds my attention when I'm on the verge of pulling out all my hair at the thought of this task.

no more about this here.....there I go. About to go off again. LOL