Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => Blogs and Diaries => Topic started by: Graham Catlow on September 03, 2015, 08:02:57 PM

Title: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 03, 2015, 08:02:57 PM
On the 2nd June we 'upped sticks' lock stock and 20 troughs, dozens of pots and all the garden plants from our home in Edinburgh to our new one in Bo'ness, 30 minutes (depending on commuter traffic) North West of Edinburgh.
Background to the move is in another thread (Moving On) in the Members Board of the forum.
Some of the initial photos in this thread will be familiar to those who have followed the Moving On thread.
I decided to keep a selection of photos for my personal memory of how the garden develops over the years and thought I would share it on the forum.
At this time I have a mix of getting some of the plants from the garden planted to keep them alive so the beds may well be nursery beds until I get round to a full design which may be some years away.

The first set of photos are of the garden as it was when we moved in. It is a very simply planted garden which has not been managed well in the last few years. I'm very pleased about this as I don't feel too guilty about a complete renovation. We looked at a couple of houses with mature gardens which would have been more difficult to put my stamp on.

I hope you enjoy the development as it progresses.





 
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 03, 2015, 08:05:19 PM
And the back garden.

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 03, 2015, 08:37:04 PM
The first photo is an overview of the front garden (from a bedroom window) prior to any work being done.

One of the first things I did was fill an almost empty bed in the front garden with my dwarf Rhododendrons, Lilies, Peionies and some herbaceous perennials. As I said before this is likely to be a nursery bed for now.

Taming the privet hedge was one of the early jobs. It was too wide and too tall. It's likely that it will be removed eventually and be replaced with a wrought iron fence. But for now I need something to keep Hugo in. It was quite a task. Someone suggested it hadn't been as short as the final cut in 30 years. And the amount of litter uncovered; wine, vodka, whiskey and an assortment of beer bottles, cans, someones rotting jacket and an assortment of other items was quite a haul. There used to be a miners welfare club next door so I suspect the bottles are from late night drinkers as they passed the house on their way home.

Photos-
Hugo
The hedge
First prune
Litter
Final height and greening up nicely 10 weeks later.
 
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 03, 2015, 08:45:50 PM
Nearly forgot to show you the Dwarf Rhodo. nursery bed
The bed was almost empty so it was quite easy to deal with.
There were two Hydrangeas in the bed which I left and I am really pleased I did as they turned out to be a fabulous shade of blue. They are the only things in the garden that I will keep.

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Chris Johnson on September 03, 2015, 10:22:25 PM
Hi Graham

I like these developmental stories and look forward to future instalments. Exciting times ahead.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: astragalus on September 03, 2015, 10:42:06 PM
Graham, where will your wonderful troughs be placed?
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 03, 2015, 11:17:00 PM
Exciting times indeed Chris!

Anne - I'm not sure yet. They are stored down one side of the house at the moment. They will probably be incorporated into the front garden design but that's in my head at the moment along with a hundred other ideas. Prepping the ground and keeping things tidy are the main tasks at the moment.
More instalments soon.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: fermi de Sousa on September 04, 2015, 01:04:51 AM
Hi Graham,
Looking forward to seeing things develop!
The colour of the hydrangeas shows you picked the right place for a rhodie bed ;D
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: David Nicholson on September 04, 2015, 09:53:08 AM
Seconded.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Matt T on September 04, 2015, 09:57:19 AM
Graham, so pleased to see the beginning of this thread after the journey you've been on. Will follow the development of your new garden with interest. Happy gardening!
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on September 04, 2015, 02:05:11 PM
My first thoughts on seeing the garden was that I'd plant the front intensively- place all the troughs etc and keep most of the rear garden clear for a Hugo Playground! ;)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 04, 2015, 08:59:43 PM
I'm pleased this development will be followed and hope you enjoy what you see as much as I will enjoy creating it.

Maggi the back garden will indeed be left mainly to grass (moss, weeds etc), it will never be a lawn, for Hugo and the front will develop how I want it even though Hugo enjoys being out there on the grass with me whilst I am working.

I forgot to show the overview of the front garden yesterday so here it is today.



 
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 04, 2015, 09:02:51 PM
The east border was the next job tackled and the photos are how it developed.
It was full of bluebells (blue, white and pink) and whilst I like the blue ones in woodland settings I didn't want them in a border and I really don't like pink or white ones. There were forget-me-nots and random daffodils also.
I cleared them all out - although I suspect there will be bluebells coming through for many years to come - those I missed and seedlings.
As with all the garden clearing this took some time due to tree roots near the surface and age related fitness levels. ::)
It is now planted with Agapanthus and Astilbe 'Sprite' and a Hosta. These were brought from the previous garden.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: angie on September 04, 2015, 09:36:57 PM
Graham looking forward to this new garden of yours. Loved your last one but I can imagine this will be even more special.

Angie  :)
ps can I babysit Hugo some time, just think he is so cute.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on September 04, 2015, 09:40:28 PM
I'm with you, Angela - Hugo welcome here anytime - Megan would LOVE him!

The Agapanthus are looking really terrific.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 05, 2015, 05:06:18 PM
Hi Angie, Maggi,
Hugo may be cute on the outside but a monster lies beneath, (in a nice way). He can be a handful.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 05, 2015, 09:49:52 PM
The next job was to deal with the west border.
Some images of how it looked prior to it being cleared.
It contained a large patch of Saxifraga ('London Pride'?) a white mossy Saxifraga, Pieris, Cotoneaster, Hebe, Euonymous, Sycamore, Bramble, Foxgloves, Bluebells, but worst of all it had grass growing all the way through it.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on September 05, 2015, 09:58:02 PM
Digging that lot out will keep you fit, Graham!
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on September 05, 2015, 09:59:00 PM
Hi Angie, Maggi,
Hugo may be cute on the outside but a monster lies beneath, (in a nice way). He can be a handful.

 Angela and I understand that - our husbands say much the same about us!
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 05, 2015, 10:14:04 PM
I mentioned earlier that there were a lot of tree roots close to the surface. These are from two large Ash trees just inside our front wall. They were pollarded a few years ago so look like two large green lollipops now. One of the first things neighbors asked me when I started to work in the garden was 'What are you going to do with the trees?' There seems to be a dislike of the trees for some reason. And whilst I wouldn't have planted them as a pair (or even ash trees) I have no real hatred of them so the answer is nothing at this time unless the neighbors want to pay for them to be removed.
These roots made clearing very difficult as you can imagine from the photos below. There were several large roots as seen in the photo but even more fibrous ones. The image is a small quantity of what I actually took out.
The whole area was hand dug down to two spade depths. Fortunately the quality of the soil is very friable and the weather has been good so it remained quite dry for most of the time.
Again the neighbors made interesting comments as they saw me work my way through. One even thought I was digging for coal ::) (Bo'ness is a former coal mining town).
I found a couple of old tree stumps under the Saxifraga which will make nice featured for the future development.
The border is nearly 3m wide.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 05, 2015, 10:17:36 PM
Digging that lot out will keep you fit, Graham!


It was hard work Maggi. You posted whilst I was writng the next post. So you can now see it completed.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 05, 2015, 10:18:02 PM
Angela and I understand that - our husbands say much the same about us!


 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on September 05, 2015, 10:29:02 PM
Never ceases to amaze me what animosity there  can be to trees. Mostly mumping about the falling leaves - or the sticky mess you can get  under some - but the most surprising  expression of hatred comes from a woman round the corner - she lives on a slip road which has a grassy area between it and the main road. There are some rose beds and a line of big old  flowering Cherry trees. When these cherries  are in flower their branches are covered in the lovely double pink flowers ad look  completely gorgeous.  Of course, with time - or horrible weather - the blossoms fall and the whole area seems to have had a deep pink snowfall. You should hear her complain.  It's a beautiful sight. Loily used to love rolling in the fallen petals!
It does make a bit of a mess for a week or so, but it's not a matter of life and death - but you'd never know it to hear this wifie!
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Matt T on September 05, 2015, 10:41:00 PM
Everywhere you go there are street trees being maligned, cut down and/or mutilated for all sorts of reasons. There are so many benefits to having trees in our surroundings, whether private gardens or public spaces. Goodness knows, we've survived many millennia living in a world with trees. I'm not convinced that many of us will come to any real harm now.

Whilst I think it's a shame that Graham's ash trees have been pollarded (probably under pressure from tree haters) it's nice that they are there to provide some structure and another type of habitat. On the plus side, pollarding does extend the life of a tree :)  Fact - ash has alkaline bark and so provides the perfect habitat for many mosses and lichens to colonise = huge biodiversity benefit!
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Chris Johnson on September 06, 2015, 08:42:28 AM
I found a couple of old tree stumps under the Saxifraga which will make nice featured for the future development.

Could well produce some interesting fungi this autumn. ;)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Tim Ingram on September 06, 2015, 09:08:28 AM
On that anarchistic part of the Internet - Facebook - Marcela Ferreya shows pictures of children drawing and hugging trees! Perhaps we have education all wrong here if people end up moaning about the leaves and flowers they drop!! My word, is there anywhere more calming and vitalising than a woodland?
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Hoy on September 06, 2015, 09:38:29 AM
I have nothing against trees but sometimes they can be too greedy!

My father had once made considerably effort to build up a compost heap during some years. When he decided to use the stuff he opened it and found nothing but ash roots :o He became both very astonished and very angry ;D

So be aware. The ash will grow roots into your bed.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Matt T on September 06, 2015, 09:47:10 AM
Equally, those roots could be an advantage, sucking up excess water in the summer, which would benefit plants that need a dry rest, especially in a wet summer. Hepatica, Cyclamen, many bulbs etc would love those conditions.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on September 06, 2015, 01:22:46 PM
On that anarchistic part of the Internet - Facebook - Marcela Ferreya shows pictures of children drawing and hugging trees! Perhaps we have education all wrong here if people end up moaning about the leaves and flowers they drop!! My word, is there anywhere more calming and vitalising than a woodland?

I have a horrible feeling that taking children out to hug trees in the UK would be vetoed in many places by over- zealous  Health and Safety officials!  Where such things are encourage the children will enjoy it and learn a great deal.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: David Nicholson on September 06, 2015, 04:29:50 PM
On that anarchistic part of the Internet - Facebook - ..............................

I have to say that on the second day of a self-implemented trial of Facebook I haven't found it at all "anarchistic"; would that it had been!. In the main trivial, predictable, and quite a bore. Much better to have read through and enjoyed Graham's new project and the interesting comments it generated.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Tim Ingram on September 06, 2015, 05:31:03 PM
Two days isn't much of a trial David! Personally I find it interesting because of the people as much as the plants - something that has never happened on the AGS website despite my naive expectations that it might. Plants are interesting and people who really know about them are interesting - but I am biased. I agree with you though - seeing projects develop is much more real. The anarchy is more to do with a journalistic freedom of expression, hence my reference to Alistair Cooke.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: angie on September 10, 2015, 11:03:20 PM
Angela and I understand that - our husbands say much the same about us!

How right you are Maggi ::) ;D ;D ;D

Graham I thought I worked hard last week , but not as hard as you. I got rid of all my veg and strawberry raised beds. Too much work and anyone that knows me knows that I can't cook so whats the point of growing these things  ;D Not sure what I am going to do with the space now. Might leave it as it is and watch and pinch some of your ideas  ;)

Angie  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 19, 2015, 08:08:46 PM
Hi Angie I 'm sorry I missed your reply. You don't need to look for ideas from me - I aspire to have a garden like yours.

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 19, 2015, 08:34:02 PM
Next steps,
I took the corners off the patch of grass to take away the harsh rectangular look.
I then added compost to the bed. In spite of adverse comments in the 'Compost' thread I decided to use the local councils free compost. The amount I required was too expensive to buy so I took numerous trips to the councils depot and all it cost me was a lot of hard work and a few litres of petrol. It looked like reasonable compost so I just now have to hope it was.

I have buried 30m of leakey pipe to irrigate the area when it requires it. So much easier than standing with a hose. There are four channels spread across the bed.

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on September 19, 2015, 08:51:55 PM
Then the good part.
I had a lot of material to plant from the old garden but I also purchased some more exciting things.
I have for some time wanted Betula utilis jaquemontii so I purchased three for this bed. The idea is to try to create some light shade. These added to an Acer from my old garden and a trio of Phyllostachys nigra will go some way to doing this.
The bed also contains a selection of my Hostas, Ferns, Acers, Azaleas, and will be filled with other herbaceous perennials.

The title of the thread is 'developing' a garden and whilst the trees will form the backbone to this bed it isn't yet designed so is likely to change and develop over the next years. I needed somewhere to plant out the plants I brought with me. I think I have left the Azaleas a little too long as they don't look very healthy at the moment. I will need to see how well they recover in the Spring.

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: angie on September 20, 2015, 10:38:02 PM
Looking good Graham. I wish I would have buried some irrigation pipes as I hate watering my garden. Haven't had to do much of that this year. It's not the watering that bothers me it's the hose pipe, it either gets snagged or kinks . I really get annoyed with hose pipes.

Really going to enjoy seeing the garden grow.

Angie  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on October 13, 2015, 07:24:32 PM
Have spent some time moving and tidying some troughs. I have added some plants from how they were in the old garden.
Thought this would be a respite from the hard graft of the borders but manoeuvering them was just as hard as digging.
These are all along the front of the house. The first set are in the shadiest part of the whole garden but even then it gets sun in the evenings.
The last two photos are also on the front of the house but in a brighter spot.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: astragalus on October 14, 2015, 12:27:39 AM
So glad to see you have started positioning the troughs in the garden, though I can only imagine the amount of work involved.  The two that are catty-cornered together are wonderful, especially with the vertical rocks.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on October 14, 2015, 07:39:20 PM
Thanks Anne. I'm pleased they are appealing to others and not just myself.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on October 14, 2015, 08:06:19 PM
Back to the toil of renovating another border. In the back garden now.
The first photo is the view before work commenced.
The first task was to remove the large very old and poorly pruned cornus.
The job took several hours over a couple of days but the removal of the root stock was surprisingly easy. There were very few roots large enough to require the axe to cut through them.
There is a semi mature sycamore, that has been cut back many times by the previous owners, to remove next which may prove difficult and a lot of spiraea but that shouldn't be too troublesome.
The final photo is after the cornus has been removed
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: johnw on October 14, 2015, 10:32:06 PM
A marvelous job on the troughs Graham.  Is that Rhododendron grande or sinogrange in the last set of photos of the back garden?

john
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on October 15, 2015, 06:55:40 PM
Hi John, the Rhododendron is R. montroseanum as identified by you in 2014. :D
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: johnw on October 15, 2015, 10:04:18 PM
That monty has made the transition rather well!  Glad you didn't leave that one behind.

john
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on November 02, 2015, 05:48:35 PM
The large border in the back garden is now cleared. As predicted the sycamore was quite difficult to remove.
Discovered a raised area in the corner - which will be removed. The lower edging is formed by four large sandstone coping stones which I will remove from their current position and try to utilise them somewhere else in the garden.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on November 02, 2015, 06:33:01 PM
Work continued in the front also.
When we moved in (5 months ago now) the hedge was above head height and I lowered it to open up the front. The intention was always to remove it and replace it with wrought iron fence.
We removed the fence from around the borders and utilised it on the wall.
The next task was to remove the hedge. I spent a whole day and managed to get half of it out, but spent the next couple of days regretting my efforts :( I'm not as young as I used to be.
The second half was removed today - by two men and neither of them was me ;D. It did cost but I decided the cost was better than the pain I would have suffered. I am a little disappointed as I would have liked to do the whole thing myself but it just wasn't worth it.
The last photo shows just how deep the hedge was. The border is nearly 1.5m wide now.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: David Nicholson on November 02, 2015, 06:49:47 PM
The wall looks good with the fence on it Graham. Plenty to do but it's coming on nicely.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on November 02, 2015, 07:26:55 PM
Very neat effect with fence on the wall - looks as if it has always been there.  terrific to free up all the space taken by the hedge.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on November 02, 2015, 08:39:55 PM
Thanks David, Maggi,
The wall as with most walls of this age has evidence of a previous metal fence, most having been removed for the war effort. I can't (so far) find any good photos of the house dating back
so not sure what the previous fence looked like.
I did find today an aerial view of the area taken in 1955 with a very small image of the house but the two trees are clearly visible and look the same as they do today like lollipops so I wonder if they have been pollarded in a past life too. 60 years ago and looking as large as the do today. I wonder how old they really are. :-\ The house dates back to 1898.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on November 02, 2015, 08:46:00 PM
Sounds like the trees may be original plantings which have been pollarded for a very long time. Fancy that!
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on February 12, 2016, 06:58:11 PM
Now you see them!
[attachimg=1]

Now you don't!
[attachimg=2]

Some of you will be surprised to see that I decided to have the two old pollarded ash trees removed. This was not without much consideration. Had they been specimen trees then I probably would not have done it but as you can see they had been ruined by pollarding and were nothing more than trunks with lollipop tops. I decided that I didn't want to develop the garden and let it mature just to take the trees down in a number of years time when it would be much more difficult to manage. The tree on the left already had a large area of rot in the bolus near the top.
I am amazed at how much more light there seems to be in the garden despite there being no leaves on the trees. Most of the neighbors are happy with their removal.
I thought the cost would be prohibitive and one quote was; being three times as much as the one we chose. I don't know what they would have done differently to make the quotes so far apart.
I plan to plant more trees in the garden but they will be medium sized and therefore more manageable.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Cfred72 on February 13, 2016, 08:31:39 AM
This is radical ...  :o Clean Up  ;D
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: angie on February 18, 2016, 05:09:44 PM
Graham took me five years to decide to take down some ash trees in my garden. I felt I was murdering them. Best decision I made. They never stopped the wind and shaded the garden to much. Miss the leaves though, used to have tons to make my leaf mould.
I would have been happy to fell those trees, they weren't very attractive. Can't wait to see your garden.

Angie  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on March 09, 2016, 05:46:07 PM
Another clearance! This is the last of the beds to be cleared. It contained a mixed bag but worst of all several young ash trees that had been pollarded several times to presumably keep them in check and a very old, and again pollarded many times, cotoneaster. Several old mahonia were also present.

It was a raised bed but I plan to level it out as the. I realised shortly after starting the reason the the previous owners had raised the bed. It was to hide an old fireplace that they had buried ::) >:(
It brings a whole new meaning to the term crocks for drainage ??? I haven't finished the job yet so there may be more.

The cotoneaster was really difficult to get out.

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: David Nicholson on March 09, 2016, 07:48:28 PM
I envy your energy (and fitness) Graham.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on March 09, 2016, 08:25:26 PM
Funny you should say that David - I was thinking earlier how much longer things take to do these days.  ::) Short bursts of action longer breaks for recovery.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on May 01, 2016, 09:38:42 PM
Things have moved on in the front garden over the past few weeks.
I decided to lay a path from the front gate to the front door through the lawn. This was no mean feat as I did it all by hand - no machines to dig the path or lay the sub-layer (type 1) or to mix the 'compo' (concrete) the latter being done very ably by my wife (along with other labouring jobs) whilst I did the laying of the slabs. The slabs are Indian sandstone and are thin enough to make even the large ones manageable. I'm very pleased with the result as I had never done this before and I suppose it took me a lot longer than someone with experience.
The design is a random one and whilst I laid them dry first and took a photo to remind me what I had done I ignored it when it came to the final laying. As you will also see I have added slabs into the grass to break that up and have put some of my troughs in place ready for planting. This latter part came to me after I had laid the path and thought it just split the lawn with no connection to the rest of the garden.
Some planting will commence in the next few days - at last some real gardening :)
There is still some hard landscaping to do but that will take second place to the planting.

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: astragalus on May 01, 2016, 10:21:00 PM
That's a great job.  Hard to believe you haven't done this before.  The overhead shot is wonderful because it shows everything at once and you can see the design easily.  Hope you'll photograph the troughs when planting.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: angie on May 01, 2016, 10:42:54 PM
Looking good Graham. Can see how you were pleased with yourself , job well done.
Angie  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: shelagh on May 02, 2016, 10:01:16 AM
Doesn't look as though you will have the time or the energy to get to Glasgow on Saturday Graham :o
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on May 02, 2016, 10:55:56 AM
Wow!  How natty is that? Very smart layout indeed - and looking as if you'd paid a fortune to some  "designer" to do it when it's all down to Catlow Power!
(I quite see how Shelagh thinks you're due  for a lie-down in a darkened room though!  ;) )
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on May 02, 2016, 02:06:44 PM
Hi,
I'm pleased some others like it and thank you for your kind comments.

Anne - I will certainly show photos of the troughs when I get round to doing them.

Shelagh - I haven't been to a show this year so am determined to get to Milngavie. Can't see what I might enter yet - probably nothing but a visit anyway would be good.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: shelagh on May 03, 2016, 09:19:25 AM
Great.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Tim Ingram on May 03, 2016, 06:07:01 PM
If I was on Facebook I would tick "Like"  ;)! Lovely stone.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on May 27, 2016, 07:25:58 PM
Its 12 months to the day since we received the keys to our new home. It has been a time of much change in our lives but we are all really happy with our situations now.
For me the garden has taken up much of my time mainly in preparation work but now things are coming together in the front (the back garden is a holding space and a bit of a mess.
So here are some photos of the planting in the front. There is still some work to do to the right.
I start with a couple of photos from last year before any work was done just to remind you what it looked like.

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on May 27, 2016, 07:27:38 PM
Some more
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on May 27, 2016, 07:29:27 PM
The last few for now.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on May 27, 2016, 07:37:22 PM
Pretty impressive, Graham-   unrecognisable from the dull original -not to mention being a real treat for your neighbours to enjoy with you.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: David Nicholson on May 27, 2016, 07:52:03 PM
Coming along a treat Graham.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: astragalus on May 27, 2016, 08:45:27 PM
Just a total about-face for your garden and such a creative one. How nice to see things starting to come together so quickly.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on May 28, 2016, 07:37:49 PM
Maggi - the neighbours and locals that pass have been interested in the development and all seem to like what they see. Ive even been stopped in the street an complemented on the changes.

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: astragalus on May 28, 2016, 08:29:36 PM
Not surprising, Graham.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: angie on June 01, 2016, 10:09:42 AM
Graham missed your last few posts, looking good. I can imagine your neighbours are enjoying the transformation .

Angie  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on July 03, 2016, 09:15:55 PM
This is my 'take' on an Auricula Theatre, though not for Auriculas. These are old apple crates that I have fashioned to my liking to house my Pleionies, Cypripediums and some other items.
They are secured to each other and to the garage. This gets them off the ground and means I will be able to keep a better eye on my Pleionies as I have neglected them a little over the past few months. I realise I will need to rotate them routinely. At this time of the year they get the sun from early morning until about 14.00hrs. They should get some rain but watering will be easy. They should be sheltered until late October and I could cover the front with clear plastic for a while. I will of course move them into my shed for the winter.

I think it will look quite impressive next Spring when they are in flower.


Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on July 03, 2016, 09:49:27 PM
That's a clever and very attractive idea, Graham.  Must have taken you a while to eat all those apples, eh? !! ;)

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on July 03, 2016, 09:57:52 PM
So many pies and gallons of custard Maggi.  :D
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on July 03, 2016, 10:27:47 PM
So many pies and gallons of custard Maggi.  :D
Well yes! But a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do!!!
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Jeffnz on July 03, 2016, 11:42:47 PM
You can still get wooden apple crates? Mots apple boxes here are cardboard and have been for many years.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: angie on July 05, 2016, 01:14:41 PM
Graham that's really nice. How come you get all the good ideas  ;D Down your way in August, so will be in touch and hopefully get a tour .

Angie  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on July 05, 2016, 07:15:18 PM
Angie you will be very welcome. Tea and cakes will be provided.

Most Apples are distributed in cardboard boxes here too. However these crates are still available and are still being manufactured.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Jeffnz on July 05, 2016, 08:23:19 PM
The wooden apple boxes bring back childhood memories, my uncle had a commercial orchard and I remember going into his packing shed and watching the fruit being packed into the boxes and then the lids being nailed on.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: angie on July 05, 2016, 09:59:42 PM
Angie you will be very welcome. Tea and cakes will be provided.

Most Apples are distributed in cardboard boxes here too. However these crates are still available and are still being manufactured.

Now I can't wait. Looking forward to seeing the garden. Loved your last place.

Angie  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on October 14, 2016, 08:33:14 PM
Its been some time since my last report but things have been moving on.

The front garden was almost complete when I last reported. It is now structurally as I want it. Planting may change over time.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]
The right hand side of the garden needed raising along the path so I used the remaining paving slabs to do that which do the job and keeps the aesthetics consistent.

[attachimg=3]

[attachimg=4]
A couple of views of the planting in the new raised beds
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on October 14, 2016, 08:46:09 PM
The view from the gate needed breaking up as it still encouraged visitors to walk to the house down this path instead of the new one, so I added a series of troughs.

[attachimg=1]

These troughs have mainly been redesigned from the originals that I brought from the previous garden.

[attachimg=2]

This is the front of the first series of three troughs.

[attachimg=3]

The rear of the same troughs

The main planting is Dianthus 'Whatfield Magenta' which when it settles in should flow from front to back.
The dwarf conifers are new. They were very cheap coming from New Hopetoun Garden Centres' Search and Rescue (a place that they sell off plants that may not be doing so well). I buy a lot of things from there and with some tender loving care they eventually recover.

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on October 14, 2016, 08:57:38 PM
The next set of troughs start with one that has been established for a few years with sempervivum and sedum.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

[attachimg=4]

The Salix boydii is another search and rescue and only £1.50. I thought it was architecturally very pleasing.

[attachimg=5]

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on October 14, 2016, 09:02:56 PM
Some views of other newly planted troughs in the front garden.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

[attachimg=4]

[attachimg=5]

Finally an overview from the front gate
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on October 14, 2016, 09:24:29 PM
The back garden is now set for the overhaul.

The old fence has been removed and replaced with a new Cedar one, and I have re-pointed the wall.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

The dwarf pines are a new aquisition from a neighbour who is redesigning his garden and offered them to me. They are heeled in at the moment. The large rhododendron is in its forever place.

[attachimg=3]

The bed is 12m by 4m so will take some filling but watch this space.

[attachimg=4]

I was a bit concerned about my Wollemi pine when I planted it in the spring as it didn't seem to take too well to its new position but it is doing well again now.

That's all for this session.

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: fermi de Sousa on October 15, 2016, 02:12:21 AM
Very impressive, Graham!
It hardly compares to what was there - a huge improvement and so much interest.
The Wollemi is excellent!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on October 16, 2016, 12:32:39 PM
I'm breathless at the thought of all your effort , Graham  - but my word, how worthwhile it is - the garden looks great and will only improve!
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Tim Ingram on October 16, 2016, 05:57:28 PM
Very nice troughs with the 'wood'; that's an idea to borrow when we next walk through our local woodland. Effective with dwarf conifers and ericaceous plants. And the Wollemi Pine is really striking!
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on October 16, 2016, 09:30:24 PM
Maggi, I'm breathless doing the work but it is enjoyable at the same time.

For years I have been saying I would like a couple of acres to develop. My wife keeps reminding me of that now that I am finding this garden hard on the old joints and back  ::)

Tim I think that when many people think of troughs they automatically think of miniature rockeries and not other materials. I have been doing both forms for some years now.

The Wollemi was a Fathers Day gift  from my daughter in 2010 and was 1.2m tall at the time. It is now over 3m. It had lived in a large plastic pot until this spring.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: astragalus on October 17, 2016, 08:23:29 AM
Graham, everything is coming along so beautifully.  What you have already accomplished is impressive as well as creative and beautiful.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: angie on November 05, 2016, 08:18:38 PM
Graham just catching up here. Garden is looking good. Do you ever sit down .

Angie  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on November 09, 2016, 07:37:55 PM
Thanks Anne. I'm pleased you like it.

Hi Angie, only when it rains or gets dark. The former all too often and the latter all too soon these days. Is it nearly Spring.  :-\
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: angie on November 09, 2016, 11:37:07 PM
Thanks Anne. I'm pleased you like it.

Hi Angie, only when it rains or gets dark. The former all too often and the latter all too soon these days. Is it nearly Spring.  :-\

Roll on spring  :) :)

Angie  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on April 28, 2017, 08:15:46 PM
Hi, Spring  has arrived (although with some of the cold winds we've been having lately I'm not so sure), and the front garden has woken up.
The spring bulbs (Narcissus 'Thalia' and Tulip 'Red Shine' have put on the display I was hoping for. T. 'Red Shine' is a stunning red tulip which I haven't grown or even seen before.

Some views from different angles.

Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on April 28, 2017, 09:27:00 PM
I've been working on the back garden over the winter, mainly this last couple of months as the weather has warmed a little.

The first photo is a reminder of how it was when we moved in.
The second is how it looks now.
And then some other views.
I now have a seated area for the evening as this area catches the sun from late afternoon until the sun goes down.
I also have a greenhouse (for the first time). It is small and was cheap and but suits me for now.
There is still much planting to do to cover the ground but that will come in time.

Unfortunately we have cats coming into the garden and Hugo finds the scents too difficult to resist so I have had to erect a fence to try to deter him from trampling through the garden. I have recently placed some sonic cat deterrents around and they have stopped the cats messing so Hugo is less inclined to hop over the fences. I do think the cats are still entering but they aren't leaving their calling cards anymore.

The large patch of grass will remain for Hugo so the development is unlikely to change for some time (if ever). Though I don't like cutting grass.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

[attachimg=4]

[attachimg=5]


Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on April 28, 2017, 09:28:24 PM
The Greenhouse!

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: angie on April 28, 2017, 10:38:18 PM
Looking good Graham . Pictures are lovely but I was lucky enough to see it for myself and it's amazing what you have done in such a short time. Looking forward to see the garden develop over the years. There were a few things that really caught my eye.
Enjoy your garden.

Angie  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on April 29, 2017, 02:33:32 PM
That greenhouse is as fully stuffed as I've seen - no spare space going begging in there!
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on April 29, 2017, 09:47:50 PM
And every pot a pleione Maggi.  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on May 09, 2017, 07:11:21 PM
I rescued these little chaps before they ended up as firewood. They are in reasonable condition - some rot and some deep cracks but they have a few more years in them. I thought they would add some amusement to the garden especially for the younger people that visit.
There are two missing but my daughter thinks I represent them anyway - Dopey and Grumpy. ::)[attach=1]

Hugo had to get into the photo too. He gives a perspective to the size of the little chaps.
[attach=2]
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on May 09, 2017, 07:18:29 PM
They have now been spruced up and are distributed around the garden. I didn't fully repaint them as I thought they would blend in a little more in their current condition.

[attach=1]
Sneezy

[attach=2]
Bashful

[attach=3]
Sleepy

[attach=4]
Happy

[attach=5]
Doc
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on May 09, 2017, 08:16:16 PM
Well saved, Graham! Lucky for them you spotted them and could perform a rescue mission. They're not so little, I see. Great fun in the garden.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on January 20, 2019, 07:32:57 PM
There hasn’t been much development since I last posted but things are maturing nicely.

I have decided to remove the grass from the front garden. I am not a lawn enthusiast and whilst I tried to improve the quality I didn’t really have the passion the put the time and money into what was required. Instead of the grass I am going to use Phlox subulata, mainly ‘McDaniels Cushion’ but some other varieties too.
I expect the effect to be similar to a lawn (evergreen mat) but requiring much less management and of course having the bonus of a mass of flowers in the spring.
I have made some purchases to get things going but also prepared a large number of cuttings in the summer, and will continue to take cuttings to fill in the gaps to cover the ground as quickly as possible.

[attachimg=1]
The lawn just before its removal.

[attachimg=2]
The current image. I suspect it will take a year or two to knit together.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on January 20, 2019, 08:02:28 PM
I think that is a clever move, Graham. It already looks good and will very soon look much  better than the lawn. Well done!
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on January 20, 2019, 09:26:46 PM
Thanks Maggi,
My wife and daughter dislike it at the moment and are far from convinced it was a good idea.
Time will tell.  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on January 20, 2019, 09:29:01 PM
Ach, it'll grow on them, I'm sure!
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: angie on January 21, 2019, 01:00:43 PM
Thanks Maggi,
My wife and daughter dislike it at the moment and are far from convinced it was a good idea.
Time will tell.  :)

Graham your ideas always seem to work well. Can’t wait to see it in a year or two.

Angie  :)
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on January 21, 2019, 04:28:41 PM
Thanks Angie,
I’m sure it will produce the effect I want its just having patience to wait for it all to knit together.
The
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: philsfog on May 23, 2019, 10:31:26 AM
I like these developmental stories and look forward to future instalments. Exciting times ahead.
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on May 15, 2020, 01:23:56 PM
Graham is having  some  trouble  posting - I know  what he  means - my internet  is  terrible  at the  moment- so slow and frustrating - hope  this works  on  his  behalf!

Semp trough 1
Planted last year and starting to mature
[attachimg=1]

Semp trough 2
Planted last month.
The Ophiopogon are planted in pots to allow for additional watering and to try to contain the runners
[attachimg=2]

Sprite 1
[attachimg=3]

Sprite 2
[attachimg=4]

S. barbulatum hookeri
[attachimg=5]

Best regards

Graham
Title: Re: Developing a Garden in Bo'ness, Scotland
Post by: Graham Catlow on May 15, 2020, 04:02:12 PM
Thanks Maggi.  :)
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