Change!

The garden was empty and yet overgrown at the same time when I first met it. Since then, there have been some changes. I took out the old and diseased plum tree that dominated the view from the kitchen. I hesitated as I hate to think of removing trees, dead or alive in a way, but the garden isn't big and can't really accommodate too much that isn't making a positive contribution. On cutting down the tree, I found the wood was as light and airy as cork - no life there then! Still, all piled up at the top of the garden for any insects or small creatures to make the most of. I also said farewell to a huge Ceanothus and equally large Rosemary - too big to prune attractively and no longer flowering in the the case of the Ceanothus. Both were imposing on the top of the wall outside the kitchen.

In place of all the above, a delicate tree - Amelanchier 'Ballerina' and snowdrops planted in the green beneath it. Also, a new Rosemary - to be kept small and useful, a Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' for constant colour and early scent and a Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb', for more constant colour and a contrast with the soft green and cream of the Daphne. I'm trying some alpines along the wall in the hope that there will be enough heat in the summer - we'll see! All very exciting!

The view of the garden from the kitchen window when I moved in - a bit imposing!

Opening up the view 3 months later

One year down the line