Alex's Garden

Alex's tree is a Blue Atlas Cedar - Cedrus Atlantica Glauca

Surrounding the tree are White Agapanthus with Erigeron planted at the very front. 

A resting place for Alex's deceased pets is aptly under his tree.

Alex's car parked near to Alex's Garden.

Alex's tree lived in a plastic pot for a few years before the ideal garden was created. When first planted in the garden the tree did not have one central leader, however, many years later this has not proven to be any disadvantage to the overall shape. Alex's tree is turning into quite a stately specimen.

Aly's Garden

Aly's special tree is the weeping cherry 

Aly's garden is situated adjacent to her brother Alex's garden - one day I hope that will be seen as significant

5 Japanese Maples bordered by a box hedge have proved to be the perfect replacement planting.  Previously 4 Iceberg Roses planted in the Eastern bed responded with leggy growth to the shade provided by the extended building. 

Aly and Asher have a special bond, how appropriate that he is pictured in her garden

Aly's garden is in fact the second attempt at a special garden area for her. Soon after she was born we planted a Robinia in a garden on the north side of the house. All was going well until one year parrots flew in a chewed all the flower buds off the tree. The following year they returned and chewed off not only the flower buds but all the new leaf shoots. We thought that the tree would die so watered and fertilised it well. To our delight new leaves appeared and it gained momentum until the following year and every year after that the birds returned to massacre the tree which eventually died.

Beautiful Sunset

Friday 11th January

Not a bad morning's work

This morning I created a new garden path  complete with 2 steps and a rustic bench to sit on.

So pleased with my efforts I decided to go into Stirling to spend my  Cleveland  Garden Voucher I received for Christmas. Meet Rusty.

The seat is a bit rough but will do until a better option becomes available.  Watch this space!

Italian inspired garden

Step 1 - remove lawn

Step 2 - lay tiles on mortar with a brick border

Citrus planted in Terracotta pots

Step 3 - roll out black plastic and cover with white gravel

Fresh gravel always looks so beautiful

Tiled feature - terracotta pots will sit on the corner tiles

Dynamic

After searching the internet for Black and White Damask fabric I found some advertised on Ebay. 2.2m of 140cm wide fabric arrived from England. During the last week Aly was at Regency Park (before breaking for the holidays) I suddenly realised if I didn't get on and sew the fabric into a quilt cover I would miss my chance to keep the project secret. A flat sheet from a set of black bed sheets was used as the back. The black pillow case that came in the set was unpicked and a narrow flap of off-cut damask fabric was inserted. To finish the envelope off, 5 black press catches were attached to the base and one on the pillow. I was more than happy with the end result and ecstatic that Aly loved with her Christmas present.

Stoned again!

When we recently heard that Basket Range Quarry had gone into receivership we ordered 10 tone of random walling to be delivered so that when we are ready to build more walls we will be able to match with the walls Rod built last year. Will 10 tone be enough?