My Garden Progress

Hello All

As some will know I am in the process of getting on top of the garden but due to my health it is taking a while.

I have just had a new 6' x 6' T&G Apex Shed erected today and am having the fencing done next Tuesday.

At the end of August, after the nesting season, I will be having the unwanted Shrubs removed, however, I also have a few Spiraea japonica Shirobana that i will be keeping which are not looking their best.

I would like to hard prune these down to the ground to get them under control and also this would allow the surrounding area to be cleared easier.

I am hoping to prune them in August, would that be alright?

I know it would not be the ideal time, however, any advice is welcome.

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

Hello @Kevin Cowans nice to see you on here and getting your garden put in to order and I hope your fencing goes fine without to much stress

I brought this year a Spirea Snowmound which flowers in spring and after it flowers you can cut it back then but otherwise as there's that many different sorts...I hope this link will help till a member can help you more as I checked for my own which is sprouting fresh leaves lovely

Pruning Spiraeas - How when to prune Spiraea shubs.

 

@Kevin Cowans I've been hunting more mate for August pruning as this may help more

How to Prune Spiraea Japonica

 

Kevin, yes, you can safely cut down...as hard as you like...your spiraeas. Now, August, whenever
I grow some varieties for their foliage and always cut these back by half in mid summer to promote new colourful foliage.
You wont affect the flowering......they will still flower next year

 

Hello @Verdun and @Gail_68

Thanks for the replies and the reassurances.

I was worried that pruning them hard in August may cause issues but it seems all should be fine.

Kevin

 

Kevin any time mate and if you don't mind a nice added pic once your fencing is up if not I understand

 

Hello @Gail_68

Not a problem, pictures will be incoming when the fencing is completed.

Thanks

Kevin

 

Kevin,

Thanks mate as it will be nice for us to see your established work

 

Hello @Gail_68

There is still quite a bit to get done but at least I have started on it.

I must say it is nice to finally have a shed that is not falling to pieces

After the fencing is done on Tuesday, in late August I will be having the shrubs removed and then in September I will be getting a local gardening company out to get the garden all dug over and prepared so that it is ready for planting.

I will also be purchasing a complete new set of gardening tools as the ones I currently have which belonged to my dad must be more than 50 years old and have seen better days.

Thanks

Kevin

 

Kevin it may sound silly but everything takes time and our garden was a disgrace but with hard graft from my hubby it was achieved in the end and I also have health issues but I do know this and you'll find it the same once it's achieved and you have it how you want it...it's nice and soothing to the mind and soul to enjoy.

I just have the tools needed now for just keeping on top of the plants but the old tools was made of better quality than today, so look through them first and just replace what you think might be better to buy

 

Hello @Gail_68

Thanks for the reply.

I know it is going to take a while and it already has, I have been trying to get to this point for years now, since 2011 when my Mum passed.

I am really looking forward to getting the garden how I would like it and having somewhere I can sit and relax or at least try to relax.

I am not impatient I just want it now

Also, regarding the tools, I have checked through all the tools I have, not many admittedly, however most of them need to be replaced, so I will be getting a new Spade, Fork, Hoe, Edging Knife, Rake, Tine Rake, Edging Shears, Trowel etc.

I have already got a good pair of Bypass Loppers (extendable) and also Bypass Secateurs (?).

I also need to look into Solar Lighting for the Shed (no window for security) and would also like a water feature of some kind in the garden so that is something I need to research.

Thanks

Kevin

 

Kevin, go for stainless steel tools ....at least for the spade, you will find it much easier to dig with.

 

Hello @Verdun

Thanks for the advice, I have been looking at solid forged steel, is that any good?

Kevin

 

They can be quite heavy kevin. Compare and test out a few stainless steel spades.....careful though, dont do what I nearly did once and almost decapitate another customer in the store!!
I like to test out weight, balance and feel; length too as I am over 6'.
Soil and mud falls off stainless steel making it lighter to use.
The only point to add is, some cheaper stainless steel spades will bend so go for decent quality

 

Hello @Verdun

Thanks for the reply.

Just curious but how do you nearly decapitate someone with a spade

I do not know if this is allowed so please tell me if not but would you be able to recommend a make of stainless steel garden tools that are of good quality?

As for the length of the tools this would also be important for me as I too am over 6', actually 6'5".

The problem is that because of my Autism I have great difficulty in going into shops to test products and rely on the experience of others so that I may order online in confidence.

Thanks in advance

Kevin