Comments on: It’s all happening in the garden!

By: Marrisa

Marrisa — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:06:31 +0000

You can never go wrong with photos of those gorgeous boys!! Never mind the garden…who wants to see that!!? 🙂
x

By: Ruta M.

Ruta M. — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:01:59 +0000

My solution to the clay problem, apart from cadging compost and soil from various sources, was to grow plants that fit the conditions. On some of the banks which are 100% clay I planted heathers with no more soil than the little bit that was in their pot and they grow brilliantly coping well with the drought and wet. Because the clay has a lot of rocks in as well it is difficult to dig holes for soil and the most anything got was about a bucketful of soil. Once I find a plant that does well in these difficult conditions I've then looked for different varieties to grow. Some good doers are - heathers, montbretia/crocosmia and buddlias. Ruta, I bought a soil testing kit to test the topsoil as it will be good to understand the science before we start planting in areas where we haven't had the landscape designed. I'm such a rookie when it comes to plant names. I've tried learning them but fail to and I'm a real disappointment to my step mother who has an encyclopedic knowledge of plants.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:49:16 +0000

Beautiful blossoms, mmm, love that sweet scent. Good luck with getting some good grass growing… I remember the drought last summer – phew – I think I was out in the garden every day with the sprinkler on moving it around (which of course the girls loved!). We’re in the midst of resowing some of our lawn too – but only a few square metres! 🙂 Looks like the bassets are taking their supervisory role seriously! Tee hee, Sarah x

By: Domestic Executive

Domestic Executive — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 06:56:58 +0000

Hi Ruta, yes it looksgood but don’t be deceived. There is clay, thick clay, under that top soil. And see that tree in blossom. It took a numatic drill to dig the hole for it to be planted in with enough room for some real soil to go in. Can’t imagine what I’m going to do when it comes to planting the rest of the bed!

By: Ruta M.

Ruta M. — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:40:43 +0000

Stunning picture of the cherry blossom. And those dogs do make me laugh. I’m jealous of your top soil. The previous owners of our olace did some weird landscaping to terrace the hill side and the topsoil is gone – under the swimming pool I think. I’ve had to garden in solid clay and rock and find and make, soil and compost. It has been quite a challenge.