I previously posted photos showing our plot in the best light, grass newly cut, tidy beds with tidy edges etc.
Before you get the wrong idea and think we have the perfectly manicured plot I thought that I ought to shamefacedly reveal the bits of the plot we prefer to hide.
We have a small bed that once contained a collection of various types on mint. Knowing mint likes to spread its wings and can become a nuisance. We decided that we could keep it in check in a small bed surrounded by a frequently cut grass path.
The mint did try its luck at straying across the path but only succeeded in making mowing the paths an aromatic experience. The problem wasn't the mint but the fact that it was really difficult to weed amongst the mint. The bed is now in desperate need of renovation. I've started on this bed and it is a real challenge.
In a similar state is a longer bed planted up with shrub roses, black elder and perennials. Perennials will need to be rescued and kept in a place of safety before serious weeding can take place. I think we may use weed control fabric on this bed.
The patch really is intended to be a haven for wildlife but we may need to check it a bit.
Nearest is the area that is probably the easiest to sort out as it is our 'useful objects' pile. You know the sort of thing bits of wood to hold down netting etc, old canes and some old fence panels that will be used around the compost heap.
Alongside this is another area in need of clearing which at present is a temporary store for some weed control fabric that needs relocating.
There now doesn't that all make you feel better and maybe just a little smug? As for me I just wish I hadn't set it all out like that but the hope is that by using more and more weed control we will now be able to get round to sort out at least some of our shabby areas so that they will no longer need to be hidden from the camera.
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We had mint on our last plot, we never managed to get it all out, but there was a lovely scent whilst we pottered about. I'm sure you'll get those areas sorted out soon, especially as you'll have more time in the growing season now with all the weed control fabric you've got down, you'll be looking for jobs now that you won't be doing so much weeding.
ReplyDeleteThe jobs look for us, Jo. It's not the mint I mind it's the couch grass.
DeleteThis makes me feel a little better I'll admit!
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting to get the key to my allotment, which hasn't been occupied for a year. It'll be interesting to see what plants and weeds we find, I'm just hoping we'll be able to clear it enough to grow some vegetables in time!
Welcome Eloise. Good luck with your new plot. Often when a plot has not been cultivated for a while it is quite fertile and produces good crops.
DeleteWell, at least your "rubbish" is organised! You and Martyn must be incredibly fit and industrious to keep your plot in such good order. My garden maintenance requirement is trivial by comparison.
ReplyDeleteCall that organised, Mark?
DeleteIt looks like a never ending job Sue, it certainly keeps you on your toes!
ReplyDeleteIt does, Jo
DeleteI have to say Sue...I'm impressed that you have those shabby bits and were prepared to show them. One or two of those photos would get you thrown off our allotments so I feel slightly better now about sometimes getting a little behind!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for confirming the you are indeed human!!!
I think it's important to show shabby bits, Tanya or people feel they are failing if they can't keep everything neat, Thrown off!!! They are spread in different parts of five plots so easily hidden, Wait 'til you see the state of some plots on our site. A post coming soon!
DeleteAbsolutely human
So nice to know you are only human! Lol. I rather like the wild areas as you say they are excellent for wildlife. I had to dig out my herb garden last year as the grasses got too good a hold....it was such a pain.xxx
ReplyDeleteThe bit with nettles etc won't be tidied up much, Snowbird and will be lefy as a wildlife refuge
DeleteHuman after all ;-) We have great trouble finding places for all our useful bits and pieces, they tend to migrate around the garden as we move from project to project!
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit different in the garden, where you have to look at it more, Yes definitely human with all the usual failings
DeleteYes, mints are really annoying with their invasiveness, although I keep buying new varieties not worrying about the consequences ;)
ReplyDeleteThe mint wasn't the real problem Dewberry it was not being able to weed amongst it.
DeleteNone of my plot is particularly neat and tidy, but behind my shed is an area of shame. Poor little struggling rhubarb plants, thick grass, nettles, five other types of really strongly growing weeds and all sort of sticks and wire netting and "stuff" left behind by the previous plotter. Plus it seems to be at least half a foot lower than everywhere else, so every time I walk round that end of the plot I fall down. I'll enjoy seeing you transform the bits of your plot that you're working on. No doubt they will be immaculate before long!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wildlife haven CJ - immaculate I doubt it.
DeleteGardening is never ending job, especially for me that do gardening all year round. Always find 'rubbish' and unpleasant side in our garden every season. My garden is on part shady area, I have to grow the right plant on the right plot following the sunshine direction.The most shaded area become the worst side and of course be the most annoying sight.
ReplyDeleteAt least we have a period when weeds stop growing, Endah
DeleteThis made for some comforting reading, so thanks! We're making a real effort to keep on top of things at the minute. Keeping the borders and unused bits neat is sometimes easy to let slip in favour of getting things planted and growing.
ReplyDeleteThat's where the we hope the weed control fabric will help, Lee. Free up time to tackle theses bits.
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