Wednesday, 28 December 2011

A garden never stands still.......

 Our climate is changing.     2011 has been a difficult year in the garden.    I have learnt a great deal, mainly through experience.    For the last few weeks I have been reading about climate change and how to garden with extreme weather conditions.   Changing my planting scheme is high on my agenda, and the mild winter is allowing me to make an early start.
Many old friends are going to good homes, others will meet their demise in the composters. 
If all goes according to plan the garden will be easier to manage.........yet full of flowers, native flowers.
I am looking ahead.........I am excited.....I needed to change things.
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26 comments:

  1. Rose28 December 2011 at 08:53

    I'm learning just how much a garden changes over time, whether it's by design or nature's course. I have trouble bringing myself to get rid of plants, just like I have trouble parting with some of the junk I've accumulated over the years:) But I am seeing that certain plants are just more trouble than they're worth, and especially as I think about getting older, I think about maintenance as one of the main criteria for selecting new plants. I don't want to plant something I can't take care of when the old knees finally give out:)

    So good to have you back, Cheryl! I've missed your posts...I hope all is well and that you had a wonderful Christmas.

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  2. Marigold Jam28 December 2011 at 09:07

    Good to see you again. We must all adapt or die and this includes our gardening plans. Good luck with your new easier to manage garden - keep us posted.

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  3. Cheryl28 December 2011 at 09:33

    Hi Rose,

    Wildlife will always be top of my list. so the new garden will cater for their needs above all else.

    Low maintenance will not be an option for this particular garden.....just a little bit more relaxed perhaps :-)
    I know that you will like it Rose, as it will have lots of lilacs and blues.

    I had a good Christmas tku....I hope that you did to ?
    I have missed blogging but must confess a blogging break was much needed.

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  4. Cheryl28 December 2011 at 09:34

    Hi Jane,

    Absolutely....of course I will keep you posted. I feel like I am starting an adventure :)

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  5. Anonymous28 December 2011 at 10:53

    Hi Cheryl,

    Glad to hear you've been getting out in the gardem; I haven't really been out in mine at all for what seems like a looong time! I have spotted plenty of bulbs coming up though, and need to pull some little couch grass babies up before they take over a recently dug over patch.
    I also need to plant the Hellebores I bought a while ago, but it is nice having them where I can easily take photos.

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  6. Lisa at Greenbow28 December 2011 at 11:29

    You are serious about your changes. I can tell by the pile in the wheelbarrow. I can't wait to see what all goes on here. I wish I could walk with you to see the hawk. I bet it comes to investigate your garden.

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  7. Wendy28 December 2011 at 13:05

    Change is refreshing and I'm glad you are welcoming change into your garden. That being said, it's often hard to part with old friends. But learning new techniques and methods is always a positive experience.

    I will be learning what plants I can have in my living room. The window faces south and is very sunny, but the electric heat is very dry. Not a good combination for most plants (especially the tropical ones). So I will do some research into how to humidify the air for my indoor plants and what light works best ( I love putting plants directly in the window, but often direct sunlight is not good for them).

    Nice to see you back, Cheryl. I too have been absent from the blogging world for a spell.

    Right now the wind is howling outside my window, snow is blowing, and we're in for severe weather this evening. I intend to cuddle up with a good book and a hot cup of cocoa to keep warm.
    Sending hugs across the big pond.
    p.s. - love seeing your wheelbarrow and green grass.

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  8. grammie g28 December 2011 at 17:24

    Hi Cheryl...Nice to see you here again, but I understand the break need though!!
    The weather is not the same here either one day it is December and the next it is early winter 50 degrees today go figure !!
    Making changes is a good thing, but for me I have a hard time, but I am getting there fast!! lol
    Garden work is not on my mind at the time... but getting a head start is always a good feeling..
    I am still bringing stove wood into the basement and am glad the weather is good to do it in!!

    I love your sky shot very pretty!!!

    Hope all is well my friend...

    Grace

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  9. Carole Barkett28 December 2011 at 21:10

    I've been thinking the same thing only I haven't gotten started yet

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  10. Cheryl28 December 2011 at 23:02

    Hi Liz,

    I cannot believe I am gardening in December. I didn't even need a coat, just a heavy jumper and scarf.
    I do not like gardening in the heat, so this is perfect for me :)

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  11. Cheryl28 December 2011 at 23:04

    Hi Lisa,

    Oh yes I am serious:) 2011 has been exhausting with regard to the garden. I do not think I would be able to continue to cope with it, unless I make huge changes with the plantings. I have everything planned in my mind, just hope it looks ok when it's finished.

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  12. Cheryl28 December 2011 at 23:06

    Wooops....Regarding the Red Kites, they fly over open countryside, so I doubt they will ever come to the garden. They are huge birds.
    Nella and I watched the pair hunting amonst a flock of wood pigeons the other day. It was amazing......

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  13. Cheryl28 December 2011 at 23:08

    Hi Wendy,

    Oooh that does sound cold. I do not want snow, we do not seem to be able to cope with it here, for some reason. Everything comes to a standstill :)

    Indoor plants are beautiful and help to clean the atmosphere. I am sure with some research you will find some pretty plants to put on your window sill.....

    Hugs to you my friend

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  14. Cheryl28 December 2011 at 23:13

    Tku Grace for asking....and yes I am fine.

    I light a wood fire most evenings. The days are warm but the nights are chill and it warms this old house up :)

    I must say it is hard to dig up old friends but some of them have really struggled in this garden. I have not got the time for the constant attention they need.
    I know in my heart that I am doing the right thing and that I need this journey at this time. It takes me away from the everyday struggles that we all face. My garden is my church........

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  15. Anonymous29 December 2011 at 01:07

    Head's up on Red Kites; they're usually scavengers so you won't often see them catching anything- if you begin to put meat out you might well be able to attract them though, but then you run the risk of them becoming dependent on you for food.

    So people's worries of them taking their pets/livestock are misinformation and prejudice :(

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  16. Cheryl29 December 2011 at 06:37

    Hi Liz,

    I have to say I am truly not worried about Nella being in the garden with Red Kites around.
    I watched them for at least ten minutes trying to bring down a pigeon. I do not know if they were successful as I did not have time to spare. Yes they are scavengers, hence their persecution.

    You should know me well by now....I believe everything has a right to live, and most animals are driven by instinct alone.
    I will always be on the side of wildlife because that is just how I am :)

    Love them I do, feed them I will not :)

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  17. Laura Bloomsbury29 December 2011 at 07:27

    Dear Cheryl, it's so obvious that the garden is your church and all the souls in it loved and missed in proportion. Glad to see you ringing in some changes for 2012 though and finding time and the heart to blog again.

    Laura x

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  18. Q29 December 2011 at 09:31

    Dear Cheryl,
    Growing plants for the birds, bees and butterflies is why I garden too...also I like some food for my table! Mother Nature helped me remove many non-native plants by killing them off in 2006. I wept for dear old friends but have found my way to balance. Climate change is part of our world. I want to be sure and have host plants for the butterflies. They are my main concern. Many of our native plants are endangered. These are the ones I am focusing on in 2012. Plus more herbs for my tea chest.
    Today it is to be 60 F degrees! Silly warm....I love seeing your gardens in December. Your December sky is lovely. Keeping fresh water for the birds is my main outside work. Once again it has been dry.
    I love sitting on the deck and reading my books while the birds feed. I shall look up Red Kites....they sound amazing.
    Happy 2012. Sending hugs on the breeze.
    Sherry, who misses the butterflies

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  19. Anonymous29 December 2011 at 09:57

    Hi Cheryl,
    Lovely to hear about your new plans. I shall look forward to seeing what transpires. Hope you had a lovely Yule and many blessings and good wishes for 2012! xxx

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  20. NCmountainwoman29 December 2011 at 16:48

    There is such optimism in this post. Far too often we worry so much and feel helpless about change. We need to think more like you and see opportunities for change and adaptation ourselves.

    Happy New Year!

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  21. Cheryl29 December 2011 at 23:19

    Hi Laura,

    Tku for your comment....you truly can, see me clearly.
    Having a long blogging break was a good thing.
    I have given much thought to my life, and the journey ahead.
    I can see things clearly once again, and feel positive as I take steps towards 2012.

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  22. Cheryl29 December 2011 at 23:23

    My dear Sherry,

    I can see this new garden so clearly in my mind.
    A romantics garden....where bees and butterflies dance and feed.
    Beautiful lilacs, mixed with soft pastels....oh, I could go on and on :)
    I know in my heart I will achieve my goals...I need to focus on the garden, I need to do something positive.....I am happy.

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  23. Cheryl29 December 2011 at 23:23

    Hi Lucinda,

    I do hope that 2012 is a good year for you and holds all your dreams...

    XX

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  24. Cheryl29 December 2011 at 23:26

    Ncmountainwoman,

    As always your wisdom touches me.

    Tku for visiting.

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  25. fiona30 December 2011 at 08:19

    well done, cheryl .. you know I had just that first little hankering this morning, just a momentary sort of a 'hmmm, might have a think about what I'm going to plant where and when .. hmmm' but not got beyond that yet .. now I know someone else is out there hard at it, I shall don my wellies and venture forth!! My body and soul are crying out for fresh air, for one thing, and if anything was going to inspire me to get outside again its that stunning final photograph of the sky .. I'm sick of watching gorgeous winter skies through windows and time to get out underneath one xx

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  26. Cheryl30 December 2011 at 23:30

    Hi Hedgewitch,

    Beautifully summed up. I also dislike being inside for too long. I feel like a caged tiger sometimes.
    Being outside and working with nature brings such rewards, that go beyond words for me personally.

    Look forward to reading about your plantings :)

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