Three years ago, this characterless space was the view from Martin and Judy’s lounge windows. We came up with a design plan and set about planting to create a garden which would eventually blend into the surrounding landscape.
Very quickly, this space started greening up, as plants from Martin and Judy’s previous garden and top soil seedlings started growing away.
With no idea of how long it would take to create the sense of a garden space, I decided to write a blog after each visit to chronologically mark the progress. Martin and Judy’s new garden. provides the link, why not take a read ?
And here is practically the same view three years later.
My most recent visit was the 13 th September. After four hours of rain laden gardening, my work was complete. It was time for coffee and a biscuit to discuss the garden with Martin and Judy.
However, with no biscuits in the tin, rather than delving into the detail of the garden, it was the biscuits ( or lack of them ) which took precedence. We waxed lyrically for quite some while over our preferences – fig rolls and dark chocolate digestives came out as firm favourites.
Of course we moved our focus on from biscuits, and onto the garden. Ermentrude always sparks a conversation, she looked perfectly content among the late summer planting. Martin thinks we need more sculptures in the garden, Judy and I were in agreement.
Three years ago, Ermintrude looked rather lonesome, but over the last three years, the vegetation has encroached and ( I think) she always looks really quite delighted these days.
We all agreed that the climbing roses (which were planted in late winter 2022) have put on a great deal of growth this year. Several have now reached the height of the close board fence, and they have been hugely floriferous.
I am hoping we will have birds nesting in the rose clad perimeter next year .
The fence has been very obvious in previous years, as we have been watching the perimeter planting grow slowly as it settled in. Even with four recorded droughts this summer, the perimeter planting has not been affected. Horizontal and vertical growth has been vigorous, which has really has helped the garden to feel naturally mature.
Rowan, Silver Birch and Cherry tree branches now flow over the fencing and into the garden. They are now combining seamlessly with the roses to create a scented living wall.
Our choice of climbing and rambling roses have been Rosa canina , Rosa ‘The Generous Gardener’ Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ and Rosa ‘Rambling Rector’
In answer to my question from the third paragraph – I believe we have created a great garden space within three years. With this in mind, we have decided to publish a book about the creation of this remarkable garden, which has enriched our individual lives enormously over the last three years. The plan is, I will write the text and choose photographic images. Martin will write the poetry and Judy will create the illustrations. Should we cover our costs any profits will go to Alzheimer and Parkinson charities.
I hope your garden, provides you with joy,happiness and hope – just like this very special garden does.
Sally Wicks 