There is a certain satisfaction in clearing the garden. Even though in the long run I would like to have a garden which is full all year, with as little bare ground as possible, knowing what I know now and with the benefit of a fence all the way round, I feel that I am getting the opportunity to start again.
So, yet again, I’ve been removing pebbles from a neglected corner which, in this case, had Honesty growing in it. The plan last year had been to sow the Honesty so that its roots could break up the compacted soil.
I don’t think the pebbles had originally been there but had seeped through from next door. Either way, it was a messy job getting as many up as possible. On the other hand, digging a hole for the remaining sedum to go in was quite easy, no doubt because of all the rain we’ve had over the last week.
I think the sedum will like this spot, being one of the sunniest parts of the garden as well as one of the driest. It was intended as the herb garden but so far it hasn’t been doing magnificently on that front. However, time will of course tell.
At least the bay tree has thrived this year. Perhaps its hugel bed has sprung into action or it could have been the heat this summer. Or its root system could be well established after being moved from a pot two and a half years ago. In any case, I most definitely won’t want for its leaves.
Growing out of chaos 
Looking good Helen. Great satisfaction in getting the garden sorted, though it might look a bit daunting at times I must say, still lovely to see the results isn’t it. 🙂 My bay tree did well too this year which it did not the previous years.
Great to hear your bay tree has done well, too, Agnes.
We have a very large bay tree which has babies all over the garden
I wondered if that would happen with mine 😊
Keep a lookout 🙂
I’ve got quite a few other trees growing, such as silver birch, which have self-seeded 😊
That’s good
😊
I love sedums .. especially the raspberry coloured ones. The bumbles do too! Bay trees are amazing. Ours took ages to grow and then it went nuts 🙂
I guess it takes time for the roots to establish…. anyway, good to know the bumbles like sedum flowers. Not surprising really, considering purple is their favourite colour.
I remember digging gravel out of a garden bed when my son was about two. I would sit on the ground listening over the baby monitor as I dug, sifted, dug, sifted, gradually removing pebbles and stones. It was hard work but somehow therapeutic.
I’m sorry to have missed so many of your posts this summer. I hope you and your daughter are doing well.
Yes, very well thank you. She’s at high school now, so growing up fast! Have both your sons now gone off to college?
High school! My goodness she’s a young woman now. Yes, both boys are now in college. My youngest started his freshmen year in August and my oldest is now a senior. It’s astounding.
It is indeed astounding… to think when I first encountered your blog, your sons were about my daughter’s age now. I hope your younger son is settling into his new environment.
Some days were long in the early years, and yet the years have gone by in a flash. They’re both taller than me! Both are having great years at university which makes me a happy mum.
I’m glad they are both happy – and you, too 😊.
Thank you, Helen.