A Peek into the Garden

This time of year is when the garden is looking at its best. I don't have plants with year-round colour, so during the colder months, it usually looks drab and unkempt. My lack of any sort of garden planning doesn't help with that, and I'm really not green fingered, no matter how much I wish that were the case. Then, of course, the long, dark, and extremely wet winters see me preferring to keep cosy and dry indoors instead of tending to the soil. And on those days when the sun is actually shining, I'd much rather be out walking in the fells. So, it's during high summer that I enjoy being out in the garden the most. 

My garden isn't anything special. In fact, any real gardeners might question more than just a few of my choices, but it's mine, and I realise just how fortunate I am to have this little outdoor space.

I remember during the pandemic, we spent so much time in the garden. I'd even been gifted several plants from a local garden centre when they'd initially had to close their doors. One of which was a fabulous hydrangea, which really brightens the corner space in front of the kitchen window. During the earlier lockdowns the weather had been glorious, and as I'd been unable to work for the first few months, we spent the majority of our mornings home learning, then our afternoons we would be spent outside, enjoying the sunshine. The paddling pool got a lot of use during that time, and I have some very fond memories. Although I am in no doubt, it was a very different story for many. 

Most of the plants have been added over time. Some have been gifts, like my lovely acer. One of my pots was won in a raffle, and this year's sweet peas were grown from the seeds of the plants it contained. Then, of course, there are the lemon and apple trees, which grew from the pips I planted. I'm still waiting for them to produce some fruit, but I might need to wait a while longer :) Thankfully, the blackcurrant bush has already earned its place in front of the dry stone wall.

Some of the flowers only last for a summer, although thanks to the slugs, the marigolds didn't even survive that long. The lone sunflower is growing taller by the day, and the bees and butterflies are enjoying the continually flowering nasturtiums. The carnations were a random purchase, as they're far from being one of my favourite flowers, but they are conveniently hardy and very low maintenance.

Then there's the little raised bed. This year, I've grown spinach, spring onions, carrots, and beetroot. I do enjoy being able to grow just a few of our vegetables. Much as I would love a larger area in which to grow our own food, I simply don't have the time just now. 

We have strawberries and blueberries growing in pots, an abundance of mint, and just today, the recent addition of some chives, which I brought home from work :)

And yet, I never did get round to buying myself some new garden furniture. Maybe next year.

J. X

Early May

It's been a rather pleasant start to May. Usually, there would be one really great week of glorious weather, but we've had continuous sunshine since the beginning of the month, with even more forecast for the week ahead. I'm reminded of something my dad used to say, 'The sun is out, the birds are singing, and the bees are humming. It's a beautiful day!' And I'm absolutely delighted to say that there have been plenty of those recently. 

I'm still struggling with finding some balance to my days, and I've been feeling really weary this last week. I'm sleeping a little better, at least, but work has been pretty full on, consisting of long, demanding days. Again, this should change moving forward. I just need to find out what my proposed hours are going to be, then see if any adjustments need to be made. One way or another, after the summer, I can no longer carry on trying to juggle several roles, as I am doing now.

Although life in general is incredibly busy, I've been trying to grasp those little moments of joy whenever I can. Each morning, I've been spending a few minutes in the garden before Lily wakes up. I peg out any wet washing on the line, then I like to check on the vegetables. I also look to see if there's any evidence of our visiting hedgehog. Besides the cockerel crowing, it's a lovely, peaceful start to my day. 

The longer daylight hours are good for my soul and make me feel much lighter and happier. I've been in out in the garden many times already today, pulling up the few weeds that I'm sure must have appeared overnight, and topping up the container pond - it really is so long since we've had any rain! I also like to sit on the step and drink my mug of tea, while watching birds. I feel quite comfortable there, so I very rarely use the garden chairs. And I'm not the only one enjoying the sunshine. 

Our little raised bed is already proving useful. The spinach has been added to various meals, and Lily used some to make a cous cous salad last week, which was absolutely delicious. This morning, I put some in a homemade quiche, which we will eat for dinner this evening, served with some tomatoes and coleslaw, and maybe a baked potato - I'm very much enjoying these quick to prepare meals. The beetroot looks to be growing well, as do the spring onions. Like last year, some of the carrots seem to have simply disappeared, but the ones that remain are looking okay. I've just sown some more beetroot to fill in the gaps :)

Last weekend we visited Coniston, where we enjoyed a lovely hike up The Old Man. We took the lesser walked track along Little Arrow Edge, which took slightly longer, but avoided the busier, more direct route from the centre of the village. 

The birds were singing, and the bees were humming. It was a beautiful day. 

Back soon.

J. X

Back on Track at the End of March

 

And breathe! That's much better. This last month I've been running on empty. Busy working weeks, and daily hospital visits have, understandably, taken their toll. But yesterday, for the first time in what's felt like ages, I managed some time by myself. Well, not completely by myself, as I had my not-so-little-anymore sidekick with me, of course :) Generally, however, life is very much back on an even keel. I'm still a little too busy at work, but that is something which will need to be addressed, moving forward. 

Thankfully, spring has arrived, and so have the lighter evenings. It felt wonderful to step outside into the garden yesterday evening and watch as the sun began to set, and the solar lights started to flicker on. What made it even more satisfying was that I'd spent much of the afternoon weeding, digging and sowing. Over the last couple of years, I've made much more of an effort when tidying the garden for the winter months, and it really has paid off - there wasn't an awful lot that needed doing. Certainly a lot less than I'd initially thought, at any rate. And perhaps I should also mention that it smelled amazing - freshly dug earth, combined with freshly cut grass - Heaven! 

This year we're hoping to grow spring onions, spinach, carrots and beetroot. Unfortunately, the strawberry seeds I sowed were unsuccessful, so I will need to pop to the garden centre and buy some plants instead. While I'm there, I will look at buying a few annuals, to add some much needed early colour, and also a floating plant to add to the container pond, which has now been given a thorough clean (I didn't look after it properly last year). I've also sowed some sunflower and nasturtium seeds in several of the sunnier spots, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will grow. 

The sweet peas are already beginning to climb, and the apple trees are growing new leaves. The lemon trees are still sitting patiently in the back porch, just waiting for warmer weather. 

The time I spent in the garden was so lovely, but what I really enjoyed about yesterday, was getting out for a much needed walk. We were forecast a sunny day, and I had been longing for some sea air, so we took a short drive out to the hamlet of Sandside, which is nestled on the Kent estuary. I parked my car on the side of the road, and we walked the permissive path along the coastline, towards Arnside station. It was a rather windy day, so although the weather was bright and sunny, it was still incredibly cold, so I was glad we'd thought to wrap up well. At the station we used the bridge to cross the tracks, and made our way into Arnside, along the promenade to the small stone pier.

The views from the pier are lovely. Which is just as well, as I will never venture onto the sands here. 

The bay is notorious for it's hidden channels and quicksands, as well as the speed of the incoming tide.

If it hadn't been quite so windy, then we would have treated ourselves at the bakery and sat for a while on one of the benches there. But instead, we took shelter in a small cafe, just across the road from the pier, where I enjoyed a cup of coffee and some very delicious cake. 

On our return, looking up the estuary towards the viaduct, with the Lakeland fells beyond. 

With the wind now behind us, our walk became a little easier. The morning was still quiet, and as we walked along arm in arm, losing ourselves in mindless chatter, I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted. 

Back soon.

J. X

From Summer into Autumn

 

And just like that, we stumbled into autumn. The last day of summer was quite beautiful here, and I spent some time in the garden doing a little bit of tidying. One of my surprise sunflowers had opened up and, although a little late, it was lovely to see. The second sunflower is waiting patiently for it's moment to shine, but I think this week's forecast sunshine might just provide the encouragement it needs. 

The pumpkins are turning more and more orange with each passing day. 🎃

My lovely acer, which still needs repotting. A job for next weekend, I think. 

In the evening we watched the last of the summer sun set above the Lakeland fells. It was a beautiful way to end our summer, even if it had been a rather disappointing one this year. Let's hope autumn more than makes up for it. 

The following day we set off from Borrowdale, and walked up High Spy and Maiden Moor. Two more Wainwrights ticked off, but more importantly, a wonderful day up on the fells. It was a steep ascent, but the views towards Keswick were stunning, and by setting off from Grange we managed to avoid the crowds on Catbells. Also, my foot held up well, which was a huge relief. Autumn colours were already starting to show, but I am looking forward to a far more glorious display as we head through October.

This week, just as life was ticking along quite nicely, I was thrown a curve ball, and have spent much of my time driving up and down the motorway, visiting a family member who is in hospital. In between times, I've been attempting to juggle work and family life, including keeping the routine as steady as possible for Lily. I feel exhausted. It would have been very easy for me to miss my weekly swim session, but instead I made the effort, and I'm so glad I did. It felt good to do something for myself, even if only for a short while. And it's going to be much of the same for this coming week, at least. So, in between times, I need to remind myself to seek out those small moments that make me happy.

Speaking of which. Look what I found on my way to work yesterday :)

J. X

The Garden in July

It was never my intention to be away for so long. I had anticipated these last few weeks would be busy, but what I hadn't realised was just how busy they would be. I've hardly stopped. Now, I know the term 'busy' often gets thrown around these days, almost like a badge of honour. As though the busier our lives are, the more successful we are. But this is most definitely not the case, and I am looking forward to enjoying less hurried days, when autumn term begins again in September. Since the start of the year, it feels like I have been clinging on day by day. It's been quite a challenge, but I've always known the end was in sight. And the end will be this Friday, the culmination of the school summer term, and Lily's final day at primary school. It will definitely feel bittersweet, it's been a wonderful journey, and one which I have been fortunate enough to be a part of for all these years. Most recently, there's been school performances, transition days, and the purchase of a whole new school uniform, including a blazer! My little girl is growing up.

Since my last post, summer has arrived, but unfortunately the weather didn't seem to get the memo. I've never known it to be so miserable in July. Whenever there has been a dry spell, I've spent whatever spare time I have had, getting some work done in the garden. It's only very small, but I do like to try and make the most of the available space. I had hoped to get a new gate and fence fitted this year, just to make it a little more private and secure, but I havent managed to get hold of anyone yet. Oh well, I guess I'll just keep on trying.

Anyway, to ease me back into regular posting, I thought I would start by sharing some photographs of the garden, that I've taken over the last few weeks. 

The beautiful Acer was a gift from a good friend. I've always loved Acers, but for some reason, I've never thought to have one in my garden. I'm really happy with it, but I should probably get it re-potted soon. 

The lockdown lemon trees are growing well. I needed to cut them back, as they had become a little top-heavy, but if you zoom in, you can probably see that there are some new shoots growing already. I'm hoping that I might see some fruit growing in the next couple of years. 

The blackcurrants have since been turned into delicious jam. There was a much smaller harvest this year, as this tree had also been a victim of my secateurs. 

I was thrilled to win this planter in a raffle. The sweet peas are flowering now, and I've picked some to put in a vase on my kitchen windowsill. 

Hydrangeas providing a lovely burst of colour. 

This year, the garden will hopefully be providing us with some potatoes and beetroot, both of which appear to be growing well. We are also attempting to  grow our own pumpkins. 

And, of course, keeping an eye on everything, I've always got my two little 'helpers'.

Back soon.

J. X

September 2023

It may be September now,  but finally we're experiencing the warm sunny weather that might have been more suited to earlier on in the summer. Still, I'm here for it, even though just last week I had been seriously contemplating whether or not to dispose of a few of my numerous bottles of little used sunscreen, and then possibly unearthing some of my warmer sweaters from the darkest depths of the wardrobe. Then again, I should have realised we would see an improvement in the weather, just as soon as we were preparing for the new school year. Isn't it always the way.

Since returning from Belfast, I've been indulging in some serious down time. Anchoring myself at home, the garden is looking tidier than it has done all summer so far, and I've enjoyed some shorter walks straight from the doorstep. I've also been Blackberry picking, which is always a fun activity, not to mention the delicious treats I can make with them. They have been washed, weighed and bagged, and are now tucked away at the back of the freezer. I'm sure I'll be making compote at some point, but the Blackberry Vodka is already steeping quite nicely at the back of the cupboard, in anticipation of the colder months ahead. 

In the garden, the tomatoes still seem to be a little while off ripening, but the sweetcorn looks to be growing remarkably well, which is pretty good going, considering they were planted only as an experiment. This afternoon, I've re-potted both of the apple trees and I've noticed some small thorns appearing on the 'lockdown lemons', which I've read is a good sign that they're maturing.

Earlier this week, Lily and I took a trip into town for the annual back to school shopping trip. Never one of the most joyful activities, it proved to be fairly painless in the end. Especially as we managed to get nearly everything on our list first time, which is almost unheard of.

In other exciting news, I am very pleased to say that this week, after walking up Gray Crag and Thornthwaite Crag, we have now reached the halfway point in our Wainwright bagging journey. That's 107 fells! There's still a long way to go, but I'm quite proud of our achievement so far. 

This morning, at the library, Lily received her certificate for completing the Summer Reading Challenge. I'm not sure how many years the scheme has been running for now, but it has always been very popular and is a great incentive for those more reluctant readers. I am going to try and continue our visits to the library going forwards, as I'm sure we would both benefit from reading far more than we already do.

This week, I also received some positive feedback on the first study module I submitted. It is always useful to learn new skills and, if I get the opportunity, I would quite like to complete one more course before the end of the year. But there is still a lot of work on the house which I need to complete, so that might need to take priority for a while. 

On reflection, it has been a very enjoyable break, and the weather has been very kind each time I've been away. Still, summer's not over just yet...

J. X

 

August in the Garden

 

I must confess that I haven't spent an awful lot of time in the garden this year, whether it be for work or for pleasure. The constant rainy weather has meant that neither the sun shade nor the paddling pool have enjoyed an airing this summer, and I'm not sure they will going forwards. Until last week the lawn was ridiculously overgrown, and it was all I could manage to get it cut before a strimmer would have been necessary. It took me ages to mow, but looks so much better for it. I'll just overlook the bare patch beneath swing-ball!

I did replace many of the plants which had succumbed to the extreme cold last winter, so at least the border around the seating area looks much more pleasing to the eye. Most of the plants have finished flowering now and the purple lavender will need cutting back before much longer. The white lavender, which I grew from seed, has established itself nicely, and so I might need to split it again in the spring. The Hydrangea is just beginning to flower, and will probably be the last of any colour I get in the garden this year. 

My favourite little lemon trees continue to surprise me. One of them is much larger than the other, but they are both growing new leaves and I am excited to see whether or not they will produce blossom some time during the next few years. I planted them during the first lockdown, and I believe it can take around five years for them to produce fruit. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, so watch this space. You can see one of the apple trees, which I planted at the same time, next to the bird feeder in the top photograph. 

Having fully intended to leave the raised bed completely empty this year, I found three incredibly sad looking tomato plants in a cupboard at work, which someone had forgotten about, and I could not bear to see them simply thrown away. Somehow, I managed to revive them and I planted them out, not expecting them to come to much, but they are huge, and now appear to be producing a decent amount of fruit. They just need some more sunshine to help them to ripen. 

With the tomatoes on one side, the other half of the bed was looking rather bare, and so I picked up a very inexpensive tray of sweetcorn while I was at the supermarket, for Lily to plant just as a bit of an experiment. I suspect we were a little late in planting them, but they appear to be growing well, so we will just have wait and see if we get any results. 

On sunny days, the cats both enjoy being outside. Boo, especially, has a habit of sitting beneath swing-ball, while Lily is knocking the ball around at ridiculous speed. Luckily, the ball cannot reach him, but he doesn't even flinch! And talking of cats, next week Mog has an appointment for an x-ray, just to rule out anything untoward. Naturally, booking her in for this incredibly expensive procedure has resulted in her having no symptoms whatsoever for the last few days! :)

J. X

Sunflower Surprise 🌻

This has been the first year that I can remember in which I haven't had any success with my sunflower seeds. Naturally, I was disappointed. They are my favourite flower, after all. So, you can imagine my surprise when I looked out of the window the other day to see this beauty had appeared, in amongst all the wildflowers. I can only assume it grew from a seed which fell from the bird feeder nearby.

A happy surprise! 🌻 🌻 🌻 

J. X

Resting

I've had a busy week, and I was already feeling extremely tired, when Lily became poorly during the night. Instead of going along to our wildlife group, as planned, today has been filled with rest and laundry. Lots of laundry. Thankfully, she feels fine now and has even managed to eat a little, she's just wiped out. Hopefully, a good night's sleep will see us both feeling much brighter in the morning. 

At least the weather has been good. Sunny and breezy, perfect for getting all the washing dried. The windows have been opened wide and the house filled with fresh air. Mog has spent most of the day fast asleep on my bed.

This morning I spent a while pottering around the garden. I've picked more of our ripened blackcurrants and spent some time photographing the wildflowers, which have grown significantly, thanks to the recent wet weather. Due to a lack of garden activity, the bare patches of grass have completely covered over now. I had hoped we might have spent more time out there, but we just haven't had a decent spell of hot weather so far this year. There's still time and I'm feeling hopeful :)

Earlier in the week, we enjoyed the school sports day, and I'm very proud to report that Lily came second in her sprint and what has now become tradition, first in the skipping race. I swear she runs faster if she has a rope in her hands! It was so heartening to see all the children encouraging one another and joining in the fun, the later finishers receiving even louder cheers than the race leaders. As the results were announced the children were all given ice lollies for their efforts.  A thoroughly lovely afternoon. 

J. X