One year on....and beyond

Congratulations on finishing a big job, the fence looks good and I'm glad cars won't be able to pull in to your drive any more, it's annoying when that happens.

 

@Sheal Nice job on the fence. Good to see the traditional colour for that neck of the woods colour as well.

 

You've done a great job there, @Sheal. The fencing and gate look really attractive and the postbox is a nice touch, too.
I bet some of those car drivers got a bit of a shock when they realised they could no longer use your land as a passing space/ parking space .

 

Thank you for the compliments everyone, they're much appreciated.

No ranch gates @shiney but we're still yet to get a name plate up.

So are we @Michael Hewett. We're yet to find out what happens when a 100 strong herd of cattle passes by.

Anything colourful would look very out of place here @Sandy Ground and I prefer traditional colours anyway. The colour is deep mahogany and matches the fascias and soffits on our bungalow.

I wish I could take the credit @Blue arbour but I only made the choice of fencing and layout decisions. The hard work was down to a local man who I refer to here on the thread as 'A'. He can lay his hand to anything diy and does any major work here for us.

It was very satisfying to watch their confusion when they realised one would have to back up to either of the passing places.

 

It's more than a year since I last posted so an update is due.

Having to take the best part of a year out due to an arm injury and various other issues taking me away from the garden, today I got back to work at the top end of the front garden.

The ground between the fence and pine trees was cleared of rocks by 'A' last year. Today I spent a couple of hours clearing the rough ground of cobble sized stones. In the process of digging and raking I've rebounded off another couple of large rocks that need to come out. I'm not strong enough to lift them on my own, so will need help with those. The ground is now clear (hopefully) and ready for digging over and levelling in preparation for grass seed next Spring.

The post is upright below, it's me not getting the camera angle right.





At last I have a slate house nameplate attached to the fence underneath the post box. And the fencing has been tested by a hundred plus herd of cattle including three huge bulls.

The new border bed I started has had little attention too and still needs to be brought out to it's eventual shape and size. Last October I planted four shrubs, two of which will be dug out as they are not what were ordered from suppliers.



This year there was a little colour added with herbaceous perennials I grew from seed. When I eventually finish extending it I'll add smaller shrubs and other perennials.

The occasional deer that pass through the garden have left all these alone thank goodness, which means I've struck lucky with the deer resistant plants chosen. Having said that, there was a herd in the area throughout this summer and unfortunately they've devoured a few other young shrubs in the garden that were supposed to be deer resistant. It's not only frustrating but proves expensive replacing them.

 

This is a nice idea for a thread, I haven't seen it before.
I'm glad you were able at last, to do some work in your garden.
You border will look good when it's finished, it will be interesting to see what you plant there.

 

Gosh, where has this year gone to Sheal. You take care, but so pleased you have the cows and bulls to assist in security matters.

 

Lots of hard slugging there @Sheal but it sure is paying off nicely!

 

Thank you Michael, Victoria and Lori for your kind words.

Michael, it's only when I post that the thread comes back to the surface.

I don't know where it's gone Victoria, but if I'm honest I'll be glad to see the back of the last eighteen months. It's been a difficult time for both myself and my family.

I'm getting there Lori!

 

I've just had an emotional re-read of my thread and sadly have to say it will have to be brought to a close. Over the last three years family issues have come to the fore and with age creeping on my health has deteriorated, neither are connected but we, husband Pete and I, have to make changes. The arm/shoulder injury I sustained two and a half years ago has never fully healed and other health issues have taken their toll. I hasten to add I'm not by any means ready to push up daisies but as many of you know, dealing with health problems changes priorities.

A lot of work has been achieved in the gardens in the short time we have lived here (coming up for seven years) and I'm sad to leave it now as it was coming together - as well as that wonderful view.

So, looking to the future we've decided to downsize and move on. At the end of July we'll be moving just over the border into Ross-shire having bought another bungalow with a small garden in the heart of a quiet village. The garden is entirely different to this one here but has it's own 'personality'. It will also allow me to return to my love of growing in preference to gardening - once I've invested in a necessary greenhouse.

I would like to have attached some seasonal pictures of the garden here but unfortunately my newer computer is in for repair and all the photo's are stored on it.

Thanks everyone for your kind words along the way as this thread has progressed, perhaps we can do it again with the new garden.

 

Really sorry to hear that @Sheal, but you're doing the wisest thing possible downsizing. I look forward to seeing photos of your new garden, I'm sure you'll do an amazing job of it as you have with this one!

Nick

 

Thank you @Nikolaos. As well as yourself I've had understanding and support from those I've told which I'm grateful for. Pictures will certainly follow after we're settled.

What I forgot to mention in my post, this move is also about what is to happen here. The road I live on is single track and a year or so ago it was announced that SSEN (electricity) intend to build a huge substation about three quarters of a mile away on this road. The planning which will be applied for at the end of this September is for the substation to be built on 74 acres of farmland and will take four years. Although local residents are fighting it - its almost a certainty planning will be passed. It's pretty much impossible to fight these big companies when money speaks louder than words.

 

Sad you have to move on @Sheal but as we all know sometimes needs must, main thing is you'll still be able to continue on with your love of gardening.

 

Thank you too @mazambo. I think you'll agree the love of gardening keeps us all sane when the going gets tough.

 

It's a sad time for you but also an exiting one (did a similar thing myself several yrs ago) We have to move on and do what's best for the future.
Good luck in your new home and garden, and I look forward to reading and following your new thread