'UP THE GARDEN PATH' by Pam Thompson
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- THE CAST
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- GARDEN WILDLIFE
- 2005 - 2016 GREENHOUSE UPGRADES
- 2008 -THYME SQUARE
- 2012 - THE PEAR HUT
- 2006 - OIL TANK SCULPTURES
- 2005 - RABBITS OUT-FOXED
- 2006 - BOUNDARIES
- 2004 - AN OLD BUOY
- 2009 - CULVERT+SUMMERHOUSE
- 2005 - PUMP RESTORATION
- 2010 - LIVING WITH HENS!
- THE WORLD'S MOST RECYCLED GARDEN!
- 'UP THE GARDEN PATH' by Pam Thompson
The green and rolling countryside of Worcestershire, England, is home to the cider apple orchards which surround the gardens of Pear Tree Cottage. They enjoy a sunny south westerly aspect with sweeping views across to Martley Hillside, Woodbury and Abberley clock tower. The Teme Valley lies just over the hill and, not far away, is the Herefordshire border. Although our climate is temperate, our seasons are often uncertain and always a challenge to a gardener! This began in 2010 & follows the weekly ups and downs of garden work chronicling both successes and failures but, above all, demonstrates the fun enjoyed by three people who regularly garden in all weathers
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7 February 2025
NEW GARDEN ERA!
24 January 2025
Pruning and Pollarding.
Who says there's not much to do in te garden in winter??
Even with other ongoing indoor and outdoor building/decorating projects, time was found for pollarding ornamental trees and fruit tree pruning. First up was the Liriodendron (Tulip Tree).
This tree was first pollarded back in 2013 and then again in 2019. If left, it casts much shade on some favourite roses adjacent to the terrace and it generally romps away into the Magnolia and over the well. This year with a new expert on the job, we foundsome damage to the bark in areas and also the heartwood didn't look a picture of health. The decision was made to reduce its height further thus lessening the stress on its root system.

As is usual with trees, clearing up the brash and logs took far longer than the actual pollarding! I'm sorley tempted to plant a climber against it but the don't want to hamper future pollarding! Desisions! DECISIONS! At when it comes to pear tree pruning there are no difficulet decisions and as for our apple tree, ALL decisions were left to the expert!! The young apple is a Bramley grafted on to a Lord Hindlip. Hopefully it will be groaning under the weight of fruit later on in the year !!
19 January 2025
Despite January Gloom!
Elsewhere in the garden Hellebores are popping up and snowdrops are just beginning to emerge. Nearly all the deciduous ferns have been cut back and before long, Epimediums will have the same treatment.
12 January 2025
BRING BACK THE BIRCH!
31 December 2024
18 December 2024
New Miracle Gardening Tool!
Here we are in December and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't missing my loyal and longstanding gardening companion of 20 years: Chris Pugh who left suddenly last September. However nothing lasts forever and life moves on and all of those over used phrases!
I've actually been really enjoying border clearance thanks to 3 dry days and a new miracle gardening implement!
I don't enjoy looking out on soggy brown mushy stalks in winter. Pretty shots of seed heads in the frost and food for birds is a myth here. The seeds are long gone and the rain and storms have battered what remains. On excellent recommendation I bought a Niwaki mini scythe and WHAT a game changer indeed. Border clearance was a breeze and done in far less than half the usual time. If honest, I was slightly daunted at doing it all alone but really need not have worried thanks to Tammy at Stockton Bury for her recommendation! AND....it wasn't just the Dragon Borders that were cleared and tidied, oh no! I could hardly stop and put it down. Even ELH himself came out and gasped at my progress!
Well done Niwaki!! For £14.00 it's a Miracle Tool!!
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Dragon Borders all cleared. |