Wednesday 11 September 2013

War on Weeds - (Before) Work in Progress




When it comes to this time of the year, I've usually had my surfeit of gardening and I want to leave it all until the spring.



Because we had a couple of weeks away this year (and a Bank Holiday) which we don't normally take,  I want to create the resemblance of a cottage garden we had before the weeds went wild.



The flowers have made a valiant effort ( well the hardiest of them) to survive, though some have died under the avalanche and will have to be replaced.



Thistles and couch grass

Bind weed and nettles  
I thought if I took pictures as I clear each bit, sort of a 'before' and 'after' I will feel inspired to keep going. That's one of the good things about gardening, when you do a bit, you can see where you've been.
It rained today.
Once I can make a start on one corner and do a bit at a time, I can do it.
Do you need goals and accomplishments to keep you going too?

19 comments:

  1. I have read on other blogs that weeds have been worse this year than in years past.

    I do find that goals keep me going yes. They keep me in check :)

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    1. I suppose, because we had a late spring - it was cold and wet right up until April and then all that gorgeous summer weather, the growth has been exceptional this year. Saying that, so have the edible crops so I mustn't grumble,

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  2. I have done a little weeding but whenever I have some spare time it seems to be either pouring with rain (as it is now) or blowing a gale. Roll on summer. (then I will complain it is too dry or too hot - never satisfied).

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    1. It's rained here today as well, but we did manage to to trim one hedge back. Trouble is with so much other stuff to do, my flower borders are last on the list. Summer's slipping further and further away and I'm dreaming of another holiday.

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  3. I need deadlines.

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    1. Me too - I have to build little monuments a bit at a time.

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  4. That's how we did the front gardens this year, one bit after the next. I am so pleased; we are so set for next year.

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    1. Your gardens are a credit to you and your helpers. Well done to your grand children - brilliant what they've achieved.

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  5. This year I bought and put down very thick landscape fabric to prevent weeds in my gardens. I have used thinner products in the past and they did an OK job. I thought that spending more money on the heavier materials would completely eliminate them. The August weeds were invincible and pushed through some places anyway. However, they were less than where I did not lay any fabric down. I am not sure though if it did a better job than the stuff I used in previous years.

    Sometimes, though, pulling weeds is good therapy.

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    1. I've got some of that weed prevention stuff too - trouble is it's still rolled up in a roll and my cats think it's a lovely cosy blanket to stretch out on.

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  6. Same here Molly. It's that lack of attention over Summer that does the damage. We all have to pay come Autumn!

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    1. I think the weather conditions have a bit to do with it too. The veggie crops have been exceptional this year. Haddocks looks as if it's done really well too.

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  7. yes I like encouragement, or just company helps. When I dug our huge pond in our last-but-one house, I asked my friend to come round, "not to help, just sit and talk to me while I dig" and it make the task much more bearable!

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    1. Kath, your energy amazes me. Your house and garden are a credit to all of you. The recipe you posted on your last blog looks delicious - must try it.

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  8. I would just feel defeated before I'd even begun!

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    1. I know the feeling, don't mind the work, it's just finding time to do everything

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  9. I see what you mean, Molly. :-) I've never seen weeds like we have this year, with thistles, nettles and hogweed taller than I've ever known them. Still we battle on......

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  10. We do that! The hedges have grown beyond as well this year. My O/H says he's beginning to feel like the undertaker on Boot Hill trying to keep up with it all. Still, the summer was glorious wasn't it.

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  11. Hi Molly, keeping Sunday's special is getting more difficult but we try to stay home too. Thank you for the wonderful nature shots. Thank you for your last sweet comment too, olive

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