Clicking on the image will take you to a larger version of the “after” shot.
The end of the month all-ready! I am not sure where October went.
So this is my “end of the month view” post – hosted by Helen, The Patient Gardener.
October has been the most glorious month, which means that I am extremely busy at work and I am really looking forward to things slowing down – although that wont be for a while yet.
As you may be able to spot – we have also been very busy in the garden – although to be honest the majority of this work has been done by Shedman.
But to begin at the beginning ……
Regular readers may remember I had a camellia – which got a “mohican” last April.
Well – after contemplating it for 6 months, Shedman and I decided that we would take it out completely.
I meant to write a post about it ages ago, but time ran away from me.
I will just say that despite me assuring Shedman that it would be easy, I was convinced that it would be fairly shallow rooted …
I was wrong!
Shedman tackling the below ground monster
Very, very wrong!
It was an iceberg of a shrub, and took us about 7 hours to get it out.
It did however leave a large circular hole, and both Shedman and I thought it would make a lovely pond.
I walked around for a week very confused – as this was the area I had earmarked for grasses and mini-prairie planting
(Pond or prairie, pond or prairie – You get the picture).
Shedman, however settled the matter while I was at work one day, by digging out the pond, enlarging the border and marking out grass paths to lead through the planting.
View from up-stairs, showing the grass paths that will go through the planting, eventually.
I should perhaps mention; that we all-ready have two ponds and did we really need a third? It will however, be a wildlife pond, so will have a comply different habitat.
So I should also confess here, that when I went to Hall Farm Nursery, I did come home with a few grasses.
They have not been planted yet, but are just placed in their pots in the soil until we finish the edges of the pond but they are
2 x Molinia Skyracer
3 x Calamagrostis acutiflora “Karl Foerster”
So exciting
So while we still have some work to do on the new pond, by getting rid of half our lawn, Shedman has created some new planting areas for me to play with.
Quite a lot of the grass was covering rubble, so in some areas I am hoping to get away with “gravel gardening” just don’t tell the plants they are in rubble rather than gravel.
The majority of the new planting will have to take place over a few years.
For next year I will be sowing annuals – clouds of cosmos, verbena, cornflowers, poppies etc.
I am quite worried – there is not much garden left for Shedman to dig up!
Just that bit of lawn in the middle between the two grass paths
I wonder what he will do when that’s done?
Mmmmm….radical gardening…..the best kind.
Poor Shedman, he will be at a loose end. I’m sure you will think of something.
I notice a ladder leaning against that large conifer – perhaps you need a tree house
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No, I can’t see any differences. . . of course I can!
Great work there!! You can never have too many ponds. I say if you’ve got the space and know how then you should use it.
Out of curiosity what is the house like construction on your tree? I cant quite work out if it is the Savoy of bug houses or a bird feeder?
Keep up the good work.
Ryan
My jaw dropped when I saw these photos – I knew you were considering another pond but hadnt anticipated really what you had in mind. Looking good and what a lot of new planting opportunities!
Saw your reply to my comment on the nursery post – I havent looked but I suspect I am about one and half hours drive away so doable.
Helen – patientgardener´s last blog ..End of month view
Amazing to see how much has happened! It must be so exciting to look back on how things have changed, especially as it all matures.
You’ve inspired me to get mine sorted… However I’m a wimp when it comes to bad weather so think everything may have to wait until next year…. ha ha.
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Oh Karen. When I visited last weekend, that was a lovely round hole beautifully marked out with wooden pegs. It has obviously grown a bit since then. Looks wonderful though. Wish I was a frog or newt in your garden. Three homes to choose from. Main residence, holiday home and a place to chill in. Decadent or what!
Wow, it looks GREAT! Really, really good. I’m so glad you got rid of the camellia. Isn’t it funny how sentimental we feel about plants when they’re sitting there sulking and looking unattractive? Then when they’re gone, we don’t give them a second thought. I think my motto will have to be: if in doubt, rip out.
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Spot the difference – you have moved the chairs and parasol
No seriously it looks as there is a lot of hard work going on in your garden and it should look even more beautiful next year. Those tall grasses are really striking. Here our garden needs a major overhaul and I am wishing that I was fitter and at least ten years younger !
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What busy gardeners you and Shedman have been of late. I can hardly wait to see this area in the coming years. I only wish I had space for a water feature – let alone more than one pond! I am thinking of sinking a copper drum (very small one at that) in front of where the new Buddhist statuary is going to go next Spring. Always a pleasure to visit and see whats new with you!
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I love the shapes as you look up to house in the picture. I wish i had walked down there and looked back when I was there. keep at it.See you next week.
Seven hours. Holy cow. In my book that’s at least a four cuss word job.
The pond looks absolutely terrific, though. I think it is going to attract loads of wildlife. Get the camera ready…
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That was not a shrub…that was a tree! Your garden changes look wonderful! The Grasses will look beautiful growing by the pond. I am going to share this post with Mr I~~He who does not garden or blog~~Maybe he will be inspired to help me finish my stocktank pond project! gail ps There’s a garden in Nashville with a need for a good garden digger if Shedman and The Artist run out of projects!
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You two are an amazing pair! I cannot believe the amount of work and effort that has gone into your yard, gardens and pond(s!).
It’s fun to try to envision the next season’s photos. You keep me intrigued. If you EVER run out of things to do, you can also travel to Iowa! 
Wow, really that’s just about all I can think of to say. Wow – fabulous.
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Wow, you have been busy! That camellia was a monster, glad you had help to get it out. I think almost anything would look pretty with your gorgeous stone house in the background.
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What a treat to see the different views, including the back of the house, love that stone! The camellia was so large, I have never seen one that big. It was taking up valuable pond space, obviously. How neatly the paths are lined out, the Shedman is a master! What fun to think of plants to add. I love the grasses you have chosen already, Karl F. is a major player at the Fairegarden.
Frances
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Wow Karen … great projects! What will happen to Shedman when all the grass is gone
Happy November!
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I think I should get first shout on Shedman when he has finished all the digging the other side of the bay. What is the point of moving all the way over here from the Midlands to be near the pair of them if I can’t use his muscles once in a while. However, if anyone will pay him more than me, you will no doubt get first shout!! (black coffee and pork pies will probably do the trick).
That looks really good and what a marathon effort. I suggest that the owners of any local football pitches should be worried as shedman clearly won’t be able to stop digging up turf when there is none left in your garden and will be out by moonlight with his spade and balaclava.
All those planting opportunities, how good is that!
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Your Blog has beautiful pictures. I had a small pond in the back and this year I moved it closer. Love it – I have pictures on my blog – Gloria
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I enjoyed visiting your blog! My, you are very busy! I have 3 little shrubs I have to pull out and have been putting it off. However, now that I have looked at your renovations and 7 hours of pulling, my job looks pretty easy.
You have a wonderful garden and pond…beautiful! -Amy
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Weeding.
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How lucky to have Shedman! I agree with Lucy … there is always weeding and pruning too. Wonderful addition to an already fabulous garden. Carol
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Oh Karen … I spotted this earlier but had to come back for a longer look! Absolutely brilliant… I love it. I also love your grass paths. Three ponds too… wow
I’ve made a start on my new one too and have lifted many plants and potted them up to replant next year. Unlike Liz (Lol) I’m a wet and cold gardener so I plan to keep on with this until I can’t dig the soil. Lots to do as you know. Got my biggest plants out… mine was a pine tree and it nearly had me beaten!! I’m doing it all myself… I don’t have a shedman (Awww). I get help with wooden construction works in the garden and tech for my blog… I’m quite happy with that
Have a good week
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Karen what an interesting post. Who would have believed that Camelia could have been so enormous under the ground. How interesting to see how the garden is developing. I love your old stone house it sets your garden off so well or vice versa.
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Don’t worry about Shedman, you can always send him over to do a spot of digging in the Bliss garden as i am still waitng for my pond to be dug.
Good grief, I never thought that Camelias could root so deep.
I love the way your garden is turning out to be a green work of art, well done, the both of you!
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