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"The Haven" (5)

david

By david

49 comments


My last two days in my other garden have been taken up with clearing the wooded stream banking, which is below the garden proper, and runs the whole length of the property on a north/south axis.

The entire banking, even in the shade, was, until I got my hands on them, completely overgrown with such “delights” as Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed, among others. “Squire”, as “M’lady” and myself call him (lol), had to be persuaded a few months back to stop spraying the banking with weedkiller, so that it could be “developed”. His actions weren’t doing any good, anyway, and was, undoubtedly, being detrimental to the wildlife of the stream area (have spotted a kingfisher, female mallard ducks, and a heron here on previous visits, not to mention the finches and tits, for whom “M’lady” religiously puts out feed).

Fortunately, hogweed and balsam can be uprooted easily, wearing protective clothing and visor, of course. By adopting a kind of “scorched earth” policy, with controlled fires, the entire banking was soon cleared.

This pic shows the banking at the north end, cleared of weeds. The steep, crumbly, slope made access from this end nigh impossible, so I raided the woodpile (for the fireplace in the lounge), and made a series of rustic steps.

Steps in progress

I really liked being able to make the steps here, so easily, in keeping with the natural surroundings, and they should last a good while, too!

All the trees here are deciduous, mainly Elder, Beech and Hawthorn, which will allow for the creation of our very own “Snowdrop Walk” in late Winter/early Spring :-))

This elder had completely blocked the walk, so I cut it back to form a natural arch, to frame the view ahead.

Have brought along some of my Carex “Buchananii” to plant in the sunlight between the trees. Their golden glow is wonderful, and have left them looking untidy, as they are covered with seedheads, and hoping to get more.

Have also brought along Ligularia from my own garden, as I think that this always looks its best next to water. The flowers were covered with hoverflies almost before I had finished planting.

I found some sawn tree stumps in the woodpile, too, so I “planted” a few here and there along the walk, to add some interest, and to create homes for minibeasts.

I also brought along one of my favourite grasses, Uncinia rubra (Hook Sedge). This one plant is also heavy with seedheads, and should self sow easily. If not, I have potted up nearly 30 plantlets which I found in my own garden! This wonderful grass really lights up this area when the sunlight hits it.

I also brought along some Juncus, which I had been growing in pots for the past two years. This is that green reed which you sometimes find grows in the garden or container compost when it gets waterlogged/very damp. Most of us would probably pull it out and discard, but I love its bright green stems and brown seedheads, so I always keep it, and grow it on. I think that I have found the perfect place, now, to home them, and enjoy.

The southern end of this riverside walk emrges beyond the trees. I am allowing the vegetation to re-grow here, as there are many useful plants for wildlife, including some vetches and “Herb Robert”, which I can use.

“M’lady”, my fond term for my friend/work colleague/" gardening boss", wants to plant lots of Narcissus bulbs in this area, and I think that this might “work”, as well as native primroses. There is a bench seat here (needing a bit of refurbishment), which will make a great “vantage point” and focal point, if taking this walk of a few hundred feet from its logical start point at the north end, which is at the car port and entrance to the property.

Have re-planted a few ferns from elsewhere in the garden, to add to the greenery here.

The watering system for new plantings is free, and easy, too, using a bucket and rope found in the garage, and natural stream water.

My friends departed for a “milestone celebration” holiday in the Maldives as I started clearing the embankment. Have had a couple of texts from “M’lady”, asking how this project is going. Have left some noncommital replies, lol!

I think that they will be so surprised when they get home! This has added a whole new “garden” for them! For myself, I feel that I have just acquired my own private nature reserve, and can put into practice what I have seen and learned from visits to parks, historical landscaped estates, etc.

:-))))))

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Comments

 

You really have made this a haven David and love those steps you ve created brilliant and how gorgeous is that arch too. love that golden grass with seeds its like a big glow of gold gorgeous hope they appreciated all your knowledge and hard work.

20 Aug, 2010

 

You're ideas are as natural as nature itself, I like it. It must be so nice to have your own stream, my little dog would like it too. The log steps look grand though with all that work I'd want them to last. Are the pegs treated? maybe Elder pegs would last longer. Your choice of planting is also good especially the Ligularia and tree stumps. Well done.

21 Aug, 2010

 

Great work!

You'll have your own bit of heaven to look forward to. Every season different and of special interest. To re-use a phrase, "Things can only get better".

21 Aug, 2010

 

Some great work there, David. You have done an excellent job and it looks really good. As you are not averse to including a few exotics in the plantings I could suggest that a few candelabra primulas might look nice as well.

21 Aug, 2010

 

My word David what a great job you ve done and if it were me I d be wanting to move in what a lovely setting.I m all for wild but comes a time when things need to breathe a little ..hogweed yuk the sap is truly awful.

Sure all the wildlife will benefit from you considering them re - chemicals and something very satisfying about reusing materials I ll resist the Scottish stereotype lol we in Yorkshire have a similar reputation , perhaps why like this so much ! Think after all this you should be known as m ' lord..

21 Aug, 2010

 

The hard work has definitley paid off- lovely and well done :)

21 Aug, 2010

 

You`ve worked so hard David but its definitely paid off. Its a real haven as you say and a credit it to you, come next spring with M`lady`s bulbs alongside your planting it will be really lovely.........

21 Aug, 2010

 

Well done, one of the most interesting blogs I have read for a very long time. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it, would love to come and walk through there myself. Pity I live so far away !! I love it all.

21 Aug, 2010

 

Many Thanks, folks, for all the lovely comments. :-))

Candelabra primulas, Bulbaholic - great idea, Thank You! These would look perfect in this area, and a lovely replacement for the Himalayan balsam. Have added this to the plantlist. :-))

LOL! Bb, I don't mind being stereotyped, especially as this project, so far, hasn't cost a penny. :-))

Yes, Heron, the pegs for the steps are of treated exterior timber, but will keep the elder in mind should I have to cut any more back. :-))

21 Aug, 2010

 

A truly beautiful blog David, what a change you have made, I love the elder arch, logs and grasses, how lucky you are to be in such wonderful surroundings ! =`0)

21 Aug, 2010

 

You really sound as though you're enjoying it all, David. Good on you! You're doing a great job there. That Himalayan Balsam gets everywhere, doesn't it.

I spotted some upstream of our garden - I'll get OH to go round and remove as much as he can,or we'll be inundated again. :-(((

21 Aug, 2010

 

great blog & pics David ,best thing is it cost you nothing ,love the steps they look like they have always been there..well done :o)

21 Aug, 2010

amy
Amy
 

David I'm so impressed with how much conservation work you have done in what seems like a short space of time , how on earth do you get time to do your own garden ? those steps are brilliant and add to the natural character , I must send you some snowdrop bulbs when I dig some up ,, every little helps ...:o))

21 Aug, 2010

 

Many Thanks, Grandmage. Yes, I am lucky to have this wonderful place to be able to try out so many different things. :-))

Thank You, Spritz. I did always want a stream, especially after seeing your own. Never really thought I really would, of course. Yes, that HB does get everywhere. I can't do anything with the opposite bank, which is covered, so will keep getting "immigrants" I suppose. Hope your OH can get rid of as much as he can. Thank Goodness it does pull out very easily! :-))

Amy, that would be wonderful, Thank You so Much! My own garden, being small, is so easy to keep, and doesn't require much apart from watering, and tending to the small amount of veggies we grow in containers. :-))

Many Thanks, Joan! Yes, I'm pleased with the fact that I was able to use materials to hand rather than cost the owners unnecessary ezpense. :-))

21 Aug, 2010

 

Wow David what a transformation it is looking wonderful "themselves" will be thrilled when they return, I love the steps, much better use of the wood than the lounge fire!! the elder arch and planting are inspired additions to a lovely peaceful spot, thankyou for taking us to Haven again :o)

21 Aug, 2010

 

You're very welcome, Neellan! I expect my mobile to be alerting me to messages next weekend, lol, especially from "M'lady". "Squire" doubted that this area could ever be "tamed", but we knew better!!! Thankfully, I hardly raided the woodpile to make the steps, which only took an hour or so to make. May need that log fire this winter, as we have so many ideas, much of which can be started, and continued, over the coming winter, when most of the "mundane" tasks of lawn-mowing, hedge trimming, etc. can stop Yes, I particularloy liked creating the arch shape from that overgrown elder!

Am looking forward to seeing this "reclaimed" area in the Autumn, with its leaf colours and (dare I say this?) even with a "dusting" of snow next Jan/Feb !! :-))

21 Aug, 2010

 

Tons of hard labour in that David, but Wow! how it has paid off! Your colleague should be well pleased with such a major transformation!

22 Aug, 2010

 

A brilliant blog David, and what a transformation.I do envy you having that space to work with,and the peace and quiet.I may work at Kew Gardens but we have the noise of traffic and aircraft overhead,not to mention thousands of people! Thanks for posting and I hope all your hard work is appreciated.

22 Aug, 2010

 

I feel I am out for a walk when I look at your photo's David, they are really nice ,lots of work you have done and I look forward to your next photo's.

22 Aug, 2010

 

Many Thanks, Grammazoo! Yes, I know that she will be excited, when she sees it! :-))

Thank You, Rbt! Must admit, never thought of the noise and the many visitors you have at work. I occasionally see walkers on the lane outside who sometimes stop to chat, which is nice, but a bit of a "distraction". Down on the stream banking, however, it is very very quiet. ;-))

So glad that you enjoy the "walks", Khayla! Many Thanks for this lovely comment. :-))

22 Aug, 2010

 

What a great job, i love the rustic steps and the snowdrop walk through. It must have been a treat working there too. :)

22 Aug, 2010

 

What a fabulous job you've done David.
It must have been hard work but the feeling of satisfaction on completion must have been immense.
I almost envy you !

22 Aug, 2010

 

you have done a fantastic job david, dont know how you find time with your work and your garden and looking after the kids to, would love to have a stream bank, they look wonderfull, well done ;o)))

22 Aug, 2010

 

you have been busy. lovely ideas and lovely blog.

22 Aug, 2010

 

It sure is, Mrsparrow! You have done well with your own plot, and am sure that your Grandma is going to love what you do with her garden. Will "hop" back over to your pages to see what you get up to, and am sure that you will get loads of help, and ideas, from GOY, as I have!! :-))

Many Thanks, Val - my "mission" is to make you envy me, totally!! LOL! :-))

Should have been a "time management manager" in real life, Sandra ( and they say that us blokes can't do more than one thing at a time??? lol! Many Thanks!! :-))

Am really enjoying trying out a lot of what I have learned over the years, in this place, Sbg! :-))

Will be back there on Wednesday and Thursday this week, to strim the lane, trim the hedges, give the lawns a mow, and check the borders for weeds When they come back from the Maldives early Friday evening, and drive round the bend, just before the cottage comes into view, I want them to reallly think "There's no Place like Home" (to borrow a famous quote from a previous garden theme of ours, lol!) The Maldives???? I know where I'd rather be!! :-))

22 Aug, 2010

 

lol david thats why i was surprised, "multi tasking" etc hahah good on ya david ;o))

23 Aug, 2010

 

Fantastic! Love the Juncus. The steps and banks look brilliant now after all your work. Roll on next spring and snowdrops! Added blog to my favourites!

23 Aug, 2010

 

David wow fantastic and I know you are on your element.

This really is stunning and I too am watching this blog.

Hope we get to see this snowdrop walk in person.

23 Aug, 2010

 

Fascinating stuff David!!!..you are really in your element here.....keep up the good work...and look forward to the next blog :-)

24 Aug, 2010

 

:-D), Sandra!

Hope to see some snowdrops here next year, Lulu - Many Thanks! :-))

Does it show, Scotkat and Alice? :-))) Many Thanks!

24 Aug, 2010

 

:-))))))))).....sort of....lol

24 Aug, 2010

 

Oh, dear!!! Will better get a move on then, to have something to look at at a future date! :-D)

Just had another gr8 day there today, but not down by the stream :-((

24 Aug, 2010

 

Enjoy :o)

24 Aug, 2010

 

I did, Bo'sun, and the hot tub soak after, even better, lol!!! Going back in the morning for more "punishment" . time to get out the big, industrial power tools, again!!!. Gr8!!! :-))

24 Aug, 2010

 

Thought I had a job on, but it looks like I got it easy looking at your project, its starting to look well and I love the way you have planed the steps,best of luck with it looking forwards to seeing the finish job.
Regards Terry

25 Aug, 2010

 

Oh, this blog is a joy to scroll through, David, I felt as though I'd taken a walk in the woods ! The 'new' steps look so fitting on the slope, very creative of you to construct them. I have visions of the Spring now, the stream banks a mass of colour from the bulbs you'll be planting. Want to borrow my bulb-planter ... lol ! !

25 Aug, 2010

 

you doing a fantastic job there david , loveing that steam . all looks so natural. i to like the steps . and all the grasses .

25 Aug, 2010

 

Great work been done there Reminds me of St. Annes park.

25 Aug, 2010

 

Insustrial Power tools? oooer sounds like more hard work in Haven, more improvements to the already perfect Haven that is!...............you definitely deserve a hot tub after all that work lol

25 Aug, 2010

 

u got a hot tub david lol

26 Aug, 2010

 

Thanks, all!

Terry, I doubt if this will ever be "finished", haha! I'm wondering how it will "evolve", though :-))

Oh, yes, please, Shirley, to the bulbplanter offer, if it's a petrol-driven industrial sized one! :-))

:-D) Neellan and Christina - no, to the hot tub in the garden! :-))

I think that this area of the garden looks very much like a park, too, John. :-))

26 Aug, 2010

 

David!! my kind of garden!! heavenly and basically left to it's own devices once every thing get settled in - how divine!! mine is an Aussie version of it but how I wish I had that much space - sigh with gentle envy =)) how fulfilling to be able to spend you time watching it all meld and thrive - wonderful blog - thank you =))

PS - well done for fending off the 'take the easy way out and damn the consequences' brigade!

26 Aug, 2010

 

Many Thanks, Cate, from my fave land! :-)))

i hope to be able to be "in control", of this area, especially, as I have seen some marvellous wildlife around the stream since spending real time here.
Expecting a text from the owners tomorrow (Friday) night when they return from the Maldives, and have a couple of pics of wildlife in their garden, which should cause excitement, and enthusiasm! :-)))

26 Aug, 2010

 

Excellent work, David :o)))

... response from the owners ???

29 Aug, 2010

 

Welcome back, Tt!! Text message received last night:-"The garden was ab fab when we came home. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Love the STEPS! And the grasses, etc. XX" Will catch up with them tomorrow when I go along. :-))

29 Aug, 2010

dab
Dab
 

it looks fantastic! makes me tired just thinking of all the hard work .but well worth it .

18 Sep, 2010

 

Definitely, Dab!! Looking forward to watching, and helping, this area develop. Many Thanks! :-))

18 Sep, 2010

 

Just finding these blogs, one of the most interesting blogs I have read, I am so impressed with all your hard work and ideas, you obviously love the job you are doing, well done.

3 Oct, 2010

 

Many Thanks, again, Dd. :-))

10 Oct, 2010

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