Come and take a stroll with me through my far from perfect but much loved cottage garden. The healing effects of being outside and the benefits of letting nature do its own wonderful thing.
Beautiful Lindsey just read having my toast and tea a lovely start to my day I could feel myself walking around your garden with your words imagining all your spaces I love that you have an unruly garden one that you let do it’s own thing how refreshing, I do follow a lot of gardeners on insta and often feel slightly panicked when I see how beautiful and organised they are but your words and your garden have soothed me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us 🙏
What a lovely comment to receive, Liz, thank you so much. It's very pleasing to think I have helped you start your day on a positive note and have helped soothe you a little. Insta has a lot to answer for I think in making people feel what they have isn't enough or up to scratch. I would much rather have a few weeds and untidy areas than a pristine space where I was frightened to walk on the grass. My house is the same - but it's a happy home which is more important than what anyone thinks of the pile of shoes behind the front door! There's enough to worry about in life as it is without worrying about a few overgrown roses. x
What a wonderful garden! I had the most lovely garden in France and I miss it every day. They are part of your soul. I would so love to come and drink tea with you and potter. It would be heaven. I can also say you really know what you're doing with plants! They are in fabulous health xx
Thank you so much, Lily. Actually, when I take a cup of tea into the garden it rarely gets drunk - I tend to leave it somewhere and walk off to do something and when I come back it's either stone cold or full of bugs! But you would be very welcome!
Oh thank you so much David for that. What a lovely comment, I'm sure you will have your dream garden one day. It has taken me 20 years to get this point, there was nothing but massive conifers, concrete and grass here when we moved in so anything is possible. Thank you again for your very kind words.
Lindsey! That was a delightful stroll around your garden . I only wish I could actually have the tour with you. A garden which is lovingly unkempt is to my mind the very best kind of garden. Loving your podcasts, Michael makes me laugh too.
What a lovely thing to say, Lyndsay, thank you so much. I like 'lovingly unkempt', such a wonderful description, I shall remember that. I really do appreciate your comment about the podcasts as I'm not sure how they are being received. I really enjoy doing them, Michael is very chuffed that he makes you laugh! There will be another one of us chatting away shortly. Thank you again for commenting and your kind words, I hope all is good with you. x
We had a pond! We put in goldfish and they bred. We never knew til that point that they start off as black. We also had trillions of newts and some salamanders. The dragonflies, damsels and mayflies loved it. Our frogs came back every year. They will find you!
I hope so, Lily! I was confident I would find some frog spawn this year but not a peep. The newts are just as satisfying though and it's been lovely this week in the early evening to sit and watch them, although it's been very cold outside. It was glorious this morning but now the sky has turned grey and gloomy again. I hope you are having a good day. x
A beautiful garden Lindsey and newts. YOU’VE GOT NEWTS. OH MY! Check under your pond leafs to see if there are any eggs.
In previous years we had no sign of spawn, in our small tin bath pond, but did have froglets. This year spawn, which hatched showing us writhing tadpoles. The taddies disappeared, probably a bird spotted them and had a tasty snack. Time will tell if any escaped and are hiding amongst the plants. One thing is for sure nature and wildlife keeps us on our toes and is far more intense than any blockbuster, it’s much more rewarding.
Oh it is absolutely more exciting than any film, Karen. I spend far too much time just staring in the water - I was watching a newt trying to eat something much too big for it the other day, it was mesmerising. That's the trouble with nature though, it can seem very cruel but it's all part of life. I shall keep my fingers crossed that a few of your tadpoles survived, it's a very cut throat world I think, living in a pond!
I love your garden! It's so YOU. I'm not far from the beach and I'm still figuring out how to make my plants happy in sandy soil. I raise monarch butterflies here as well, and plant lots of plants with sweet nectar that they like. Already started planting because the winter was so mild, and the temperature is just right here in New Jersey. Happy Spring!
Thank you Ilona. I have very sandy soil here too, apparently we were once under the sea millions of years ago, the soil in places is just plain orange sand - even our road used to be called Sandy Lane. It's very thirsty and needs lots of manure and organic matter to keep it fertile. I would still rather have this though than heavy clay. It's so exciting at this time of the year, there's always a spot somewhere that needs a new plant! Happy gardening!
Thank you Cheryl, it's a very easy place to putter! In fact, I probably do far more puttering than actual work. It's very nice to know my little garden is warming your heart, such a lovely sentiment, thank you.
This was such a lovely read, and gaze, Lindsey. I admire the way you have come to an understanding with your garden and the plants and creatures that share it. I can absolutely understand your excitement about the newt; we found one in the Boys' paddling pool last year! We put him in a jam jar and took him round to the neighbours, who unlike us have a pond. I love my garden and its surroundings, but I wish I could think of it as other than a perpetual reproach to me, and that everything wasn't such a STRUGGLE (e.g. preserving any tulips whatsoever from the predators).
Thank you so much Andrea. I didn't know until I read up on them that newts only live in water in the spring/early summer while they are breeding then the rest of the year they live on land, under logs or damp areas. I am so happy to see them but they are taking up far too much of my time! I think we just have to eventually accept those things sent to try us - I used to get very upset about my ground elder but now it is just a mild irritant and I enjoy the odd bit that I miss when it comes into flower, it's a battle that I will never win so I've given up trying. I only put tulips in pots now near the house where I can see them from the kitchen window. The pesky thieves don't seem to bother the bulbs like they do if I leave them in the garden where they just disappear, it's such a waste of time and money. As they say Andrea, choose your battles. Hope you are enjoying some sunshine today!
Thank you, you are always so encouraging! Lovely (freezing) sunshine first thing this morning, back to hail now. ALL my tulips are in pots near the house! 🙄🤬
How lovely it is to wander around via your photographs such a picturesque country garden full of blooms which I adore. Your comment about the garden providing in so many ways is so true. Our garden saved us during Lockdown and since then, I’ve given back as much as I can e.g. feeding and pruning plants is so important. Having taken the time to read David Austin’s rose booklet, I’m now seeing and enjoying repeat flowering roses actually repeating!!!! Thank you Lindsey and have a lovely day gardening 😘🙏💚
Thank you Meryl, I honestly don't know what I would do without my garden, I'm absolutely sure it keeps me sane. When I first started gardening I didn't bother with roses very much but I can't imagine being without them now. The David Austin English roses are so wonderful with their romantic looking blooms and fragrance. I look forward to seeing yours on Instagram this year! I'm in and out of the garden like a yo-yo at the moment - one minute it is warm and sunny then it turns cold and grey, I wish it would make its mind up! x Hope you've got sun your way. x
Thank you for settling me this morning, making me think about and appreciate my garden and all it gives me. Today, blue sky, bird song, accompanied by crows and pigeons, but I suppose you can’t have it!
Oh, I've got those too! We have crow that wakes us up every morning by tapping really loudly on the bedroom window. As you say, Lisa, you can't have it all!. I'm so pleased to hear you felt settled this morning, that makes me very happy. Thank you. Have a lovely day. x
Beautiful Lindsey just read having my toast and tea a lovely start to my day I could feel myself walking around your garden with your words imagining all your spaces I love that you have an unruly garden one that you let do it’s own thing how refreshing, I do follow a lot of gardeners on insta and often feel slightly panicked when I see how beautiful and organised they are but your words and your garden have soothed me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us 🙏
What a lovely comment to receive, Liz, thank you so much. It's very pleasing to think I have helped you start your day on a positive note and have helped soothe you a little. Insta has a lot to answer for I think in making people feel what they have isn't enough or up to scratch. I would much rather have a few weeds and untidy areas than a pristine space where I was frightened to walk on the grass. My house is the same - but it's a happy home which is more important than what anyone thinks of the pile of shoes behind the front door! There's enough to worry about in life as it is without worrying about a few overgrown roses. x
What a wonderful garden! I had the most lovely garden in France and I miss it every day. They are part of your soul. I would so love to come and drink tea with you and potter. It would be heaven. I can also say you really know what you're doing with plants! They are in fabulous health xx
Thank you so much, Lily. Actually, when I take a cup of tea into the garden it rarely gets drunk - I tend to leave it somewhere and walk off to do something and when I come back it's either stone cold or full of bugs! But you would be very welcome!
Bugs love a brew lol xx
Your garden is absolutely spellbinding - it is utterly our dream garden 😍
Oh thank you so much David for that. What a lovely comment, I'm sure you will have your dream garden one day. It has taken me 20 years to get this point, there was nothing but massive conifers, concrete and grass here when we moved in so anything is possible. Thank you again for your very kind words.
Lindsey! That was a delightful stroll around your garden . I only wish I could actually have the tour with you. A garden which is lovingly unkempt is to my mind the very best kind of garden. Loving your podcasts, Michael makes me laugh too.
xxx
What a lovely thing to say, Lyndsay, thank you so much. I like 'lovingly unkempt', such a wonderful description, I shall remember that. I really do appreciate your comment about the podcasts as I'm not sure how they are being received. I really enjoy doing them, Michael is very chuffed that he makes you laugh! There will be another one of us chatting away shortly. Thank you again for commenting and your kind words, I hope all is good with you. x
My kind of garden. A lovely read Lindsey. I love my garden and being in it for just the same reasons.
Thank you Sue, that's very kind, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope you get some sunshine today so you can get outside to enjoy your garden. x
We had a pond! We put in goldfish and they bred. We never knew til that point that they start off as black. We also had trillions of newts and some salamanders. The dragonflies, damsels and mayflies loved it. Our frogs came back every year. They will find you!
I hope so, Lily! I was confident I would find some frog spawn this year but not a peep. The newts are just as satisfying though and it's been lovely this week in the early evening to sit and watch them, although it's been very cold outside. It was glorious this morning but now the sky has turned grey and gloomy again. I hope you are having a good day. x
A beautiful garden Lindsey and newts. YOU’VE GOT NEWTS. OH MY! Check under your pond leafs to see if there are any eggs.
In previous years we had no sign of spawn, in our small tin bath pond, but did have froglets. This year spawn, which hatched showing us writhing tadpoles. The taddies disappeared, probably a bird spotted them and had a tasty snack. Time will tell if any escaped and are hiding amongst the plants. One thing is for sure nature and wildlife keeps us on our toes and is far more intense than any blockbuster, it’s much more rewarding.
Oh it is absolutely more exciting than any film, Karen. I spend far too much time just staring in the water - I was watching a newt trying to eat something much too big for it the other day, it was mesmerising. That's the trouble with nature though, it can seem very cruel but it's all part of life. I shall keep my fingers crossed that a few of your tadpoles survived, it's a very cut throat world I think, living in a pond!
Love this Lindsey. Sounds like my garden. A real wellness sanctuary. Thanks for sharing ❤️
Thank you so much Gael, I'm pleased you feel the same about your garden, they are very special places. Have a lovely weekend (with your huge pot!).
I love your garden! It's so YOU. I'm not far from the beach and I'm still figuring out how to make my plants happy in sandy soil. I raise monarch butterflies here as well, and plant lots of plants with sweet nectar that they like. Already started planting because the winter was so mild, and the temperature is just right here in New Jersey. Happy Spring!
Thank you Ilona. I have very sandy soil here too, apparently we were once under the sea millions of years ago, the soil in places is just plain orange sand - even our road used to be called Sandy Lane. It's very thirsty and needs lots of manure and organic matter to keep it fertile. I would still rather have this though than heavy clay. It's so exciting at this time of the year, there's always a spot somewhere that needs a new plant! Happy gardening!
My sort of garden
I'm glad to hear it, Richard, thank you. It brings me a lot of joy.
Apparently if you give bulbs a quick soak in white spirit, it stops things eating them
I've never heard of that Lily, not sure if I would want to do it, I don't think the bulbs would like it very much either!
It was recommended by Jane of Snapdragon Life. She does it with her snowdrops
An English cottage garden would be my puttering place as well. Enjoying yours, warming my heart.
Thank you Cheryl, it's a very easy place to putter! In fact, I probably do far more puttering than actual work. It's very nice to know my little garden is warming your heart, such a lovely sentiment, thank you.
This was such a lovely read, and gaze, Lindsey. I admire the way you have come to an understanding with your garden and the plants and creatures that share it. I can absolutely understand your excitement about the newt; we found one in the Boys' paddling pool last year! We put him in a jam jar and took him round to the neighbours, who unlike us have a pond. I love my garden and its surroundings, but I wish I could think of it as other than a perpetual reproach to me, and that everything wasn't such a STRUGGLE (e.g. preserving any tulips whatsoever from the predators).
Thank you so much Andrea. I didn't know until I read up on them that newts only live in water in the spring/early summer while they are breeding then the rest of the year they live on land, under logs or damp areas. I am so happy to see them but they are taking up far too much of my time! I think we just have to eventually accept those things sent to try us - I used to get very upset about my ground elder but now it is just a mild irritant and I enjoy the odd bit that I miss when it comes into flower, it's a battle that I will never win so I've given up trying. I only put tulips in pots now near the house where I can see them from the kitchen window. The pesky thieves don't seem to bother the bulbs like they do if I leave them in the garden where they just disappear, it's such a waste of time and money. As they say Andrea, choose your battles. Hope you are enjoying some sunshine today!
Thank you, you are always so encouraging! Lovely (freezing) sunshine first thing this morning, back to hail now. ALL my tulips are in pots near the house! 🙄🤬
Oh no - you must have very brave squirrels/mice! Goodness, sorry about the weather, the sun will come back Andrea, promise!
How lovely it is to wander around via your photographs such a picturesque country garden full of blooms which I adore. Your comment about the garden providing in so many ways is so true. Our garden saved us during Lockdown and since then, I’ve given back as much as I can e.g. feeding and pruning plants is so important. Having taken the time to read David Austin’s rose booklet, I’m now seeing and enjoying repeat flowering roses actually repeating!!!! Thank you Lindsey and have a lovely day gardening 😘🙏💚
Thank you Meryl, I honestly don't know what I would do without my garden, I'm absolutely sure it keeps me sane. When I first started gardening I didn't bother with roses very much but I can't imagine being without them now. The David Austin English roses are so wonderful with their romantic looking blooms and fragrance. I look forward to seeing yours on Instagram this year! I'm in and out of the garden like a yo-yo at the moment - one minute it is warm and sunny then it turns cold and grey, I wish it would make its mind up! x Hope you've got sun your way. x
Thank you for settling me this morning, making me think about and appreciate my garden and all it gives me. Today, blue sky, bird song, accompanied by crows and pigeons, but I suppose you can’t have it!
Oh, I've got those too! We have crow that wakes us up every morning by tapping really loudly on the bedroom window. As you say, Lisa, you can't have it all!. I'm so pleased to hear you felt settled this morning, that makes me very happy. Thank you. Have a lovely day. x
Lovely to listen to you this morning, Lindsey. Felt like I was wandering through your lovely garden with you.
Thank you Darienne, and thank you for listening too. Have a wonderful day.