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Wildlife area. Work gets started horay!!!!!!!

great

By great

61 comments


This is what the area looked like before I started work. Not much to look at is it? Full of over wintered plants that need a home! A bit of a mess to say the least! But everything takes time.

First I had to clear away all the pots and empty the compost bins! Mind ur backs!! Then I could see the space I had to work with. Funny it looks bigger in the photos lol

Then I dug over the soil, being really careful not to damage my Victoria plum tree. Which is on M26 rootstock. It might be a mistake to put the bird feeders IN a fruit tree; but at least I can see the bluetits and the sparrows through the kitchen window every morning when I am surveying my lot and drinking my tea.


As you can see the plum tree is in flower. I wonder if the birds will leave me any plums this year, they had them all last year! lol

I tried to level the compost and organic matter. This patch of soil looks very fertile. I am pleased with the condition of the soil.


The area for the wildlife is a depth of 9 feet from the fence and 10 feet looking up the garden towards the house. The white wall is my kitchen. At some point I will include a wavy path. (Hope that bit of info makes sense). It does to me anyway


For all those of you who love the pound, shops like me, I bought some open out trellis and put it to the side of my concrete, to make a border and to make it look a little bit pretty. ’ To frame’ the subject as some might say!!
I also bought some bulbs and a few other bits and bobs.

Can you see what I am trying to do?. I hope this makes sense to you all. This is the very first time I’m doing this. Never written a blog and added my own pictures. My adult children have gone off and left me to it. nice!! If it works like its meant to, it will be a miracle!!! Wish I had some of you to show me lol

You see I knew I needed someone with me!!! I have 2 photos the same!!! Oh heck

So this is where you all come in. Yes I have done the hard part and now I need advise. What do I grow to encourage wildlife ALL year round. At the moment my garden is attractive to birds, winged creatures and creepy crawlies late spring through to the first signs of autumn. Then the poor things only have bird feeders water and hidey holes. The wire cube compost bin is what I was asking about this morning. It has twigs and thin branches soil and leaves in it. I haven’t got a shredder so might just chuck it out. As it is taking up space and will take too long to rot down.


This is a different angle for you to understand the geography of my garden and to see my cherry tree and yes another bird feeder. Will I ever learn that bird feeders will encourage the birds to eat the fruit as well………. Maybe not lol.

My garden is 15 metre long and only 4.5 metres wide!!!! So as I’ve been saying, small and narrow; like a corridor!!!. The sun moves around the garden quite a lot during the day.

I have bulbs, lupins a bleeding heart, foxgloves e.t.c that I can transplant to this area. Would also like something for Magic to, in this part of the garden. I wait with baited breath to see what you all think. I am so excited about it all!!! I feel like a child again lol yes ok, ok, a bit over the top for someone who has just turned 50 but I dont feel it lol


This is the reason why this area is so so important to me. This is my beloved Magic. She loved being with me in the garden. She loved chasing the butterflies and watching and listening to the birds. She loved the sun on her back and just being with me and the girls in the garden. She also ‘helped’ in the garden; and I miss her ‘help’. I used to plant the flowers, and Magic would decide that she didn’t like where I had put them!!. So she used to dig them up and move them to different parts of the garden!!!!

Magic had to be put to sleep on Thursday 8th April 2010. She was 13 and a half. She was in pain and her legs couldn’t carry her any more. The worst thing in my life, that we as a family have ever had to do.
Magic I love you. This is for you baby. Rest In Peace xxx

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Comments

 

What a good blog great, you are working hard, just imagine this time next year when it's all planted up and in flower, you will be so proud.

17 Apr, 2010

 

You have done a lot of hard work here, I am sure there will be lots of members who can advise you on planting for wildlife.
Is this where you will put your chosen plant with 'Magic' in it's name? Have you decided on one yet?

17 Apr, 2010

 

There is a plant which changes colour in the flower its called Magic Marlot, its lovely, I have one, it flower s all year round changes colours too. To make you garden look wider towards the top the arch off centre with high trellis one side, comming off the arch, then you could have climbers. Sticks or small wooden branches are not good for the compost, as they will take for ever to rot down. If you take a photo like your tree, before you copy to your ablum right click and rotate clock wise then add to your album it will be the right way up. As for putting two pictures up, lol I do the same at times he he, I say a senial moment. haha. Lovely blog, I can see what you are trying to achieve.

17 Apr, 2010

 

Have chosen quite a few Potty. Dahlia Magic Moments, this is too big really but I will plant it anyway and try my best to keep it a bit smaller - the plant may have other ideas though lol. Verbena aztec plum magic and pink Magic for a hanging basket these I have already planted. Camelia Magic Mum lovely pink colour this is the 'chosen plant' for me anyway ; Christmas Rose as Magic was born on Christmas day; My daughter wanted this one. Paeony Latifloria but again this is one metre in diametre, so maybe not! Delphiniums Mini Magic fountains; These will be planted in the wildlife area. Zantedeschia Black Magic bulbs; These will all be dotted around the garden. As Magic always sat wherever we were working. Phew I won't have any money left in my purse but she is worth every penny.

17 Apr, 2010

 

A nursery chap who owns the nusery said any bright coloured flowers attract wild life, butterfly shrubs attract butterflies, but do grow large, or you can keep them cut back as then they flower better. As you like going in the 1.00 shop they do a box of seed s you just rake and scatter various flowers in it, its called wild life seed.

17 Apr, 2010

 

Thanks sixpence. I did wonder about the tree lol. The Magic marlot is that the last pic you put up today, just seen your photos lovely. Not sure I understand what your saying about the arch and trellis sorry. Maybe its the pain killers Ive taken. Broke my toe last night when I had spent all day digging the area. Got in the shower, came out still thinking about the gaden and smashed my foot into a box, and broke my toe!!!!!. I wouldn't mind (well I would really) but it was the same toe I broke 2 years ago. Only 2 yrs ago I couldn't reset it myself it was completely hanging off. Hope your not eating your tea.!!!

17 Apr, 2010

 

I've seen those seeds Sixpence. We got some from the BBC once

17 Apr, 2010

 

I have bought a box, for later perhaps I m too late in shake and rake lol.

17 Apr, 2010

 

I think your garden is coming on lovely,Great,and can see exactly where you are going with it,as regards the wavy path.So sorry you have broken your toe.I I remember how it feels.Can you believe,we were on a Pedalo in the sea in Benidorm,when it tipped,and I fell off.I hit the only rock in the Med,I think!!! Its ok,you can laugh,everyone else does.:o))

17 Apr, 2010

 

Awww....my deepest condolances on your loss...May Magic Rest In Peace....at least till she comes back to visit you! :o))

18 Apr, 2010

 

Sorry Bloomer I did laugh!! At least YOU were having fun!!!!! I walked into a heavy box. How I managed not to swear I don't know. My toes are a horrible purple colour now and it throbs so much. Wonder if the kids will cook the Sunday dinner for me today, ouch it hurts lol. Could play on the sympathy vote hmmmm. No I won't need to my 3 are wonderful!! the youngest (20) has brought me endless cups of tea and the twins (26) will cook the dinner and tell me not to take any pain killers today so that I can have my usual glass of wine with my Sunday dinner bless. There all good girls I am so lucky

18 Apr, 2010

 

Healerwitch thank you, you believe in that to. I have seen many a departed relative and animal. Magic will come one day, hopefully when I have made 'her bit' of the garden lovely for he and we get her ashes back.

18 Apr, 2010

 

owww hope your toe gets better quickly......after all your hard work in the garden....

18 Apr, 2010

 

Your blog is excellent. We all have to learn. I knew nothing about it when I first joined. In fact I had never heard the word 'blog' and didn't know what on earth it meant lol...

I can understand how you feel about Magic. I have cats whose souls follow me everywhere lol, and I'm sure Magic is still with you in your heart. :o))

I love your trellis. It looks really nice.

18 Apr, 2010

 

Hywel thank you so much!! Magic is everywhere my friend. I still find her hair when I wash the girls socks lol I can sense her watching me in the garden. While I have my memories she will always be allive. We are going to put her ashes under her favourite tree and say a little prayer for her when we get them.

18 Apr, 2010

 

That will be nce. :o)

18 Apr, 2010

 

She will just love it!

18 Apr, 2010

 

o magic is and was so lovely , my little charlie dog allso died oct 09 14 years old and i have made a rememberance garden 4 her too.wth a little statue. bleeding harts weeping willow 4 get me nots primroses, camparnla plox hardy geraniem spelling crap by the way. but buddlia 4 butterflies ox eye disies foxgloves etc wud b nice as well. i love wot u r doing and gud luck i have bin redoing all my garden this year as hubby desided to cut down a lot of rotten trees and make garden bigger , bin hard work but its doing well now . raining here 2 day so may do sum housework lol . happy gardening and soz bt ur toe hope it get better soon . i am allways doing things like that as well .

19 Apr, 2010

 

Oh Christina I'm so sorry 9th Oct is my birthday, So I shall remember Charlie. Christina I have broken so many things it's a shame and a blimming nuisense!! I have broken several toes, several fingers and 2 ribs!!! I wouldn't mind but i am not adventerous break my bones doing very ordinary things. What am I like??? No don't answer that haha. Its interesting you have chosen a lot of flower tht we chose for Magic i.e. bleeding heart, foxgloves,campanula. What statue have you got. One of my daughters wants a buddia!

19 Apr, 2010

 

Great,we have so much in common,re breaking things.My mum wanted me to be checked out for brittle bones ,when I was a kid,as I had broken my arm twice,and a leg,by the time I was 10,not counting numerous sprains etc.They refused,as they said I was just clumsy.:o)) Have got a bit better with age,hopefully.!! Glad you planting ideas are coming along nicely,and sorry,but do you mean your daughter wants a cross between a Buddlia and a Buddha? Wow .thats one i haven't heard of before :o))))) I want one too ........

19 Apr, 2010

 

Bloomer been there done that lol My adult children wanted me checked for that as well Dr. said no mum hasen't got brittle bones and I quote "she's just getting old and clumsy" I'm 50!!! If we lived closer together Bloomer we could chat about our aliments ha ha I'm unlike you in one respect, I seem to be getting worse the older I get. My kids are always asking "what have you done now!" No bloomer my spelling is a bit wak today lol I meant she wants a buddha. I have a very dark corner in this area in the top left hand corner nearest to the house, thought the Buddhia could go there or a tiny sink pond. No idea if it will work.

19 Apr, 2010

 

To everyone who's read my blog when can I start planting it up????. I dug it over last friday. The earth is sinking nicely so whennnnnnnnnnnnnn?? Pottygardener where are you?? I need advise and from everyone else. The area keeps looking at me as if to say i'm here, still here lol No plants why??????????? lol

19 Apr, 2010

 

Lol,Great..I knew you meant a Buddha really,and i'm sure it would look nice,where you would like to put him.I 'm sure it would be good to start your planting,Pauline,if they are frost hardy.The forecast has given it to come colder at night this week,and we had some ground frost here on Saturday,even though it turned into a lovely day.As you are so much further south,you will probably be ok.It is raining here today,so I am glad ,as everything was so dry.It would be ideal if you have had rain too,for planting.You could always protect with garden fleece,if you decide to make a start,I can see you are raring to go :o))....x

19 Apr, 2010

 

Im looking forward to the rain bloomer!! My water butt is nearly out of water. I am in pain with my shoulder, arthritis i'm falling apart, literally. So it hurts when I carry the watering can around. My daughter tried to 'help' last night my putting the hose on the garden; the plants all look battered and bruised today lol Soil everywhere!!!!. The hanging baskets look a bit bare of soil today to. Thank God plants are living and can fight back ha ha. Think I will start planting up tomorrow. Pain killers at the ready.. I wouldn't mind but I have never been ill in my life. I got to 47ish and started falling apart. At least when the garden has had it's make over I can sit back and enjoy it. Just a bit of weeding here and there. Yeah right lol : ) Oh look I've even learnt how to do smilly faces now. Theres no stopping me ha ha ha.Erh well almost lol

19 Apr, 2010

 

My water butts were empty too,so glad of the rain today.You made me smile :o))
when you mentioned the smiley faces.When i first joined, I had no idea what all the sqiggley things were,so as not to seem a thicko,I
will admit now,I sent a PM to the first person who added me as a favourite to ask what they were.!!! The world is your oyster now,Pauline .Lol.

19 Apr, 2010

 

Well young lady, what a 'great' blog, Great, double photo's an all!

The garden will take shape over time and you just need to go with the flow. This patch already looks good with the trellis and if it's wildlife you're after, then Buddlia are great for butterflies. If you have a Poundland near you, last week they were doing a box of mixed seeds for a quid that covered up to 15 square feet I believe. One of the mixes was a wildlife mix so may be worth a look in when you got a minute as a little bit of unkempt wildness in that area might be quite nice as well.

Google flowers loved by wildlife and away you go! You're on you're way now so keep at it:0))~

19 Apr, 2010

 

I had to laugh Oddbillie "young lady" (50!) lol Thats part of my touble I go with the flow and the garden looks mis matched. Cant wait for summer to come and then I will have some height in the garden; with the canterbury bells and th fox gloves. At the moment it all looks flat, nice and green but flat. My garden is full of pot holes. Its hard doing it on my own . Tried levelling it a few years ago; havent got the energy to try again. So maybe I'll just fill in the holes with compost and throw some more grass seed in the holes ha ha

19 Apr, 2010

 

Why don't you fill the holes with compost and plant some bedding with some height in the middle of them? Make it a little random then and maybe plant some more flowers to attract wildlife....

Mis-matched is good anyway. Makes it more interesting I think:0)

19 Apr, 2010

 

you mention a pond later on in the questions . i was wondering if you couldnt have a natural pond joining onto your natural garden.being slim you could even have it right across your garden and have a bridge of some sort across it maybe.water is a great way of getting wildlife into your wild garden.birds love bathing and ofcourse drinking like all animals and insects etc.if you did it the right shape with your wavey path it would break up that corridor look of your garden a bit to.especialy with some well placed trellis or and the odd arch and fence panel comming across from either side with your wavey path going round them.it would give the idea of a never ending garden as you wouldnt actualy see the end from your kitchen.you could have a hidden garden up the end or alturnativley put the less atractive parts of gardening right up the other end ie the shed,pots,composters etc.to take the double picture of of your blog which youve done realy well first time bye the way , just count back the photos on your blog then go to edit and take that one out bye highlighting the writing and dumping it.sorry to hear about your dog its like you say never easy . ive got 5 dogs but i cant be without them.it doesnt help your pain but that is a good age for an alsation actualy. take care bye for now .

24 Apr, 2010

 

Thanks Nosey. The back part of my garden is in full sun so don't really want the compost down there. Haven't got a shed on my wish list lol. Like ur idea of the pond and the bridge, You could always draw it for me to have a look at lol. You've got some good ideas. Im glad u liked my blog.

24 Apr, 2010

 

cant wait to clear my garden,know it will be hard work but you have made a great job,the wavy path is a good idea,i thought maybe pebbles for mine or bricks,sorry about magic but she is prob watching you put everything in as it is and haveing a sleep in the sun,chris

24 Apr, 2010

 

your more than welcome great

24 Apr, 2010

 

Ladybug. To tell the truth, all of us, meaning myself and my 3 girls kept turning around yesterday when we were all in the garen, it was as if we felt Magic's pressence. Even her favourite bush get moving even though there was no breeze.

25 Apr, 2010

 

its also force of habit great .

25 Apr, 2010

 

In the corner of this wildlife area it gets no sun at all. Could I plant some bamboo there? I desperate to find something that will grow up the fence!! and make it look more natural

25 Apr, 2010

 

im not sure about bamboo great.why dont you re ask the question what grows quick and doesnt need much sun as new question on its own.

25 Apr, 2010

 

ok cheers

25 Apr, 2010

 

your welcome

25 Apr, 2010

 

Hi Great~this is a fantastic blog,and you should be very proud of it! Loved your photos too,and you are blessed with a great sense of humour.(No pun intended lol) Your garden will be a real haven when completed, just watch out for all those inanimate objects that are out to get you my friend lol!
My heart aches at the recent loss of a very special pet, Magic looks wonderful, and so much a part of your family, my thoughts are very much with you at this saddest of times, Great.
Like Hywel, I know we never really lose our pets,the love-link cannot be broken,as you know, your precious dog is still with you,only just out of sightxxx

30 Apr, 2010

 

Thank you Floribunda. Magic's ashes are coming home very soon. So I must start planting up this area. I have some ice plants, some Elephants ears and field scabious and some nice grasses to plant in this area. Still trying to find something to grow up the fence as its a bit dark and dingy down this side.

30 Apr, 2010

 

Whatever you plant there will be special in itself, Great, just wanted you to know I was thinking of you............xxx

30 Apr, 2010

 

yes your dogs energy will just move on into something else you love xx

30 Apr, 2010

 

dont know how ive missed your blog pauline but im here now and really enjoyed it, so sorry about magic its awfull to loose our beloved friends and companions xx

2 May, 2010

 

Sandra I was wondering the other day if you had seen this blog. Glad you found it. Glad you enjoyed it. It looks really diffeent now doesn't it? now its had its transformation!!!! Wow what a difference a day makes. Mr & Mrs blackbird are frequent visitors already. Its so exciting!!

2 May, 2010

 

it sure has made a difference pauline and so glad mr and mrs blackbird are enjoying it to, sounds like your enjoying the changing to, im so pleased for you ;o))

2 May, 2010

 

Sandra, I must admit then when it comes to wildlife of any description Im like a big kid!! I get excited and If I can do 'my bit' then Im happy

2 May, 2010

 

i can understand that pauline, lover of wildlife myself ;o))

2 May, 2010

Sid
Sid
 

Awww - Magic is a beautiful girl. My eyes are wet now :-(

8 May, 2010

 

me to wear would man kind be without wild life ?

8 May, 2010

 

Well I can only speak for myself Nosey If there were no wildlife I would be bored stiff!!!
Sid sorry I made you cry!, I'm still tearful at times myself, didn't think Magic passing would be so hard. But I am sure when the garden comes together I will be happy again x

9 May, 2010

 

death is a big part of life and theres no shame in crying . its a good release of pain as is the odd swear word if you smack ya finger lol .you would be pretty hartless if you didnt get upset about a loved ones passing .as for wildlife id like to see humans polynate just 1 field of barley,corn you name it . even flies that i have a dislike for . can you imagine how many rotting courpses would be about without them.as for you and me i would be bored stupid without wildlife .ive got a wren making a nest in my pagola right outside my patio doors .its like a free nature program for the whole summer.

9 May, 2010

 

Oh, lucky, lucky you.pictures please. I have a wren who visits the pond and sits on the fence. Your right about the barley field. Creatures are amazing.

9 May, 2010

 

ive got pictures of the nest and my garden etc but i havnt got a good enough camera to actualy get a picture of him .ill do a may 2010 my garden and the wren blog .

9 May, 2010

 

look forward tomit

9 May, 2010

 

keep ya eyes open lol

9 May, 2010

Sid
Sid
 

A wren built its nest in one of my hanging baskets one year! The nest was never used tho....I found out after that the male wren builds several nests and then the female chooses which one she wants to use!

9 May, 2010

 

as it goes this male was building 2 nests right next to each other . i do need to use this room so sadly though i hope not his fussy female wont probably like it there .typical woman lol .

9 May, 2010

Sid
Sid
 

Oi you! ;-) Maybe the female would like a terrace house? lol

10 May, 2010

 

lol sid xx

10 May, 2010

 

great just read blog ans on wot statue ,its a stone replica of a king charles and i have plased it in the middle of the bed as a tribute. how is your area and pond coming on , more pics please.

11 May, 2010

 

Ok Christina,you may need to wait until after next weekend. Some of my plants are coming into flower. Making little tweeks everyday at the mo

12 May, 2010

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