Martyn posted on his blog last month that we had started rearranging our garden cold frame area - otherwise known as cold frame courtyard.
This is how it used to look.
The cold frames and raised bed really arrived before we were ready for them and so ended up in the wrong places. We hadn't ended up with the best use of the limited space.
We decided that this year we would put this right. The raised bed was going to be the most difficult to move and so this was 'just' realigned and moved nearer to the ivy covered fence.
The larger cold frame is the same length as the raised bed and so this was backed on to it.
The smaller cold frame lined up against the back of greenhouse allowing access to the path that goes from this area and down the side of the greenhouse.
This rearrangement has created a larger space between the cold frames which at the moment houses large pots of herbs and will provide space when hardening off plants before planting out.
There is also space on the far side of the raised bed. This provides access for planting and there is also planting area alongside of the fence.
The large pot above left contains our Issai kiwi berry and two small beds are planted with climbing roses. The one above has been fresh and green all through winter. In the top corner we have planted a sambucus nigra which was originally in a large pot.
When we moved the cold frames we noticed that the wood on the lids had weathered and faded.
We decided to restain both cold frames and I managed to grab a fine day last week to do just that. Now they are ready to be filled with plants.
This area is very sheltered and so we are thinking of moving the figs from the greenhouse into this area.
I also want to grow something else alongside the ivy on the back fence as the ivy doesn't extend the full length of the fence. I feel another trip to the garden centre coming on.
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It's nice when you can "tweak" an area to make it work better. It's a great spot to shelter your plants ---and I imagine you as well. I'd be out there every sunny day soaking up a little sunshine myself. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt is a really sheltered spot, Sue. As for tweaking - it's something we are doing all the time.
DeleteIt is all looking rather lovely ~ especially compared to one who has none! I am trying to work out positions for cold frames etc but the prevailing and ever strengthening winds along with finding the sunny areas means things are not coming together.
ReplyDeleteThis area is sheltered from the wind on all sides, Deborah. It's an ideal position which was unused for many years.
DeleteIt looks like an odd shaped area to work with. You've made good use of it though.
ReplyDeleteOur garden is a truncated triangle, Jessica and this is the pointy end.
DeleteYou've made the area a lot easier to negotiate now Sue. Those frames look as good as new with their new coat of stain.
ReplyDeleteThe area seems to have grown, Angie.
DeleteIt's good to make the best use of a space isn't it. You've made a lovely job of it, and the staining as well. Maybe a hydrangea petiolaris for the fence?
ReplyDeleteWe have one of these elsewhere, CJ but they do seem slow to get going,
DeleteIt is looking great - your own little nursery area. Great use of a difficult space
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jayne.
DeleteThose are such lovely cold frames. They are on my "to do" list although I'll likely go with homemade versions that will hopefully be functional, although not nearly as pretty.
ReplyDeleteWe just wanted to make this area look,attractive, Margaret. Had it just been part of the veg plot we would have gone for a more basic option.
DeleteYou certainly have made the most of that space, the cold frames certainly are better positioned and a little stain has them ship-shape again! I do like your planting in this area too, it's surprising how much you can fit into small spaces. Looking forward to what you buy!xxx
ReplyDeleteIt is surprising , Dina
DeleteThis arrangement do provide larger space! Cold frames are really useful!
ReplyDeleteIt does and they are , Malar
DeleteThose cold frames are dreamy!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelli
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