In the last few weeks I feel that I (and Nicola too!) have done more un-gardening than gardening! We have been clearing out the jungly and weedy growth to make way for new ideas and planting, as well as the large pond that is have planned. In some ways it is very satisfying, cutting back the scrub and weeds and letting more light into previously dark and over-grown areas. However it does feel a bit relentless at times and even destructive. I feel sad for the shrubs that were planted deliberately, but which got out of hand and have become woody and misshapen. I am not so sad for the relentless brambles and dogwood that are the bane of my life. It’s good to make such spectacular changes however and I know it will be wonderful when finished.

Here are the before and after pictures

• 

• 

• 

All of the leafy growth was taken down to the woods and turned into another ‘fedge’ between out plot and the neighbours’ to supplement the old hedgerow line. Good for wildlife and possibly a deterrent to deer.

The next phase is to get Steve in with his digger to dig the two large ponds each side of the path. I had thought of one large pond with a bridge, but the larger the pond the more expensive the liner and two ponds and a causeway instead of a bridge is more cost effective. After all I will need plenty of funds for the new planting.