My Garden
So far, it’s been a strange summer, certainly here in mid-Wales. We’ve had the hottest June on record followed by what must be the wettest and coolest July to date! I love my garden and although it isn’t very big and there’s no lawn, the natural colours that nature provides are more than enough for me. There’s a rockery, a lovely bench to sit on and while away the time when it’s not raining. Warning: This could be a serious post!
Through The Window
When I got up this morning and made my way to the kitchen, it was light, well it’s light around 4:45 am these days, but rest assured it wasn’t that early. I noticed through the window that it was raining, again, but it was the first time I had really seen the colour of the various plants. Nature has a miraculous way of using colours that never look out of place. If we mere humans tried to mix and match so many various colours to look good next to each other, you know it would be a complete hash.
So Much Concrete
I am so pleased with how this garden has come together. When we moved here, it was a concrete mass, over three or four different levels. I did think about removing the concrete and starting over, but, it would have been a huge undertaking and probably not one I would have attempted solo. Then it starts getting expensive. I did toy with the idea of covering it with artificial grass, but again, I’m not keen on that stuff although it does have its place in some small areas.
Fencing
I had to replace the fencing around the garden which didn’t take me too long. Some of it is a picket fence, another part is black metal railings and then the trellis work you can see in the photo. I had a pile of old stones which had come from the wall where I had the fireplace put in for the wood burner, so they were used to create a rockery. I was still left with the problem of what to cover the huge plinths of rough concrete cast with. I looked at tree bark which is ok, but it needs refreshing every so often. Then, thanks to Mr Google, I found the perfect solution.
Rubber Chips
Old lorry and car tyres chopped up and covered in various coloured dyes. They use it around children’s play areas to help soften any blows they might suffer falling off a swing or see-saw. Plus it’s a difficult process to get rid of tyres so I think this is a good idea. We chose a colour with the fancy name of brick red, but they do all sorts of colours, green, blue, grey and so on. I fitted boards to the front of the concrete steps and then laid the recycled rubber down. That was hard work, I can tell you, well, it was for me.
Apples On Their Way
You may notice my old bin in situ, which I have spoken about before. The great news is the apple tree is coming on Thursday. I can’t wait. I’ve just realised that this post is a little bit too serious, not too much of the silly old sod in here. Maybe I am maturing? I just wanted to show how colourful and beautiful nature can be, even when it’s raining.
If you’d like to know more about recycled tyres then here’s the company: Eco Chippings
christinenovalarue
July 12, 2023Si nice 💚
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you, Christine. 😊
Carolyn
July 12, 2023Trev you’ve done a brilliant job. It’s lovely. When I look outside after rainfall I always think the colours have been highlighted. Maybe our old view of the seasons is forever changed. Everything seems upside down so I just enjoy what can be enjoyed and don’t fret about the rest. Life is easier when you are retired!
Trev
July 12, 2023It certainly seems a lot easier. Thank you, Carolyn. 😊
SusanR
July 12, 2023Lovely, Trev. That took a lot of work on your part!
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you, Susan. It was quite enjoyable work and when the weather’s nice, the rewards are that I can sit out there and listen to the birdsong and enjoy all the colours. 😊
SueW
July 12, 2023What a great start to my morning!
I love your garden, Trev and it looks lovely in the rain.
The bulk of our garden is at Victoria’s side of our house, leaving me with a patio and a long thin strip of grass. This year I’ve done nothing, not even filled any pots! You’ve inspired me to get myself down to the garden centre. Thank you, Trev. 🙂
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you, Sue. I have to admit it’s hard to get inspired during March and April when it’s still cold and wet, but it’s heartening to know that you have been inspired by this. Thank you again, Sue. 😊
willedare
July 12, 2023I agree! Lovely colors in your garden!
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you. Mother Nature 😊
Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes
July 12, 2023I love your garden, and wish mine was as easy to maintain…
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you. I love it too, I just wish the rain would stop. 😊
Riverside Peace
July 12, 2023Beautiful garden.
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you very much 😊
luisa zambrotta
July 12, 2023Your garden is gorgeous, dear Trev
I love it 💐
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you, Luisa. 🙏🙏😊
Going Batty in Wales
July 12, 2023Those trees make a great backdrop and don’t require any effort on yopur part! I lke the idea of the rubber chips and your garden looks great!
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you. You’re right about the trees. The electricity supply company come out every couple of years and tidy them up as they get in the way of overhead power cables. 😊
Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet
July 12, 2023Trev, I also use container gardening these days for a bit of color. We got pebble mulch for the front of the house and added concrete sidewalks and a patio to the back. Too many allergies to really garden any more. I like your low maintenance garden. Very cosy!
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you, Cheryl. Yes, all very easy and colourful. 😊
Herb
July 12, 2023Very nice! Good job.
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you, Herb. 😊
Peter's pondering
July 12, 2023Love what you’ve done Trev, it looks great. When you get to middle age, like us, it is wise to try to cut down on the necessary maintenance!
Trev
July 12, 2023I certainly concur with that. Thank you, Peter. 😊
Hope
July 12, 2023Wow! Wow! 🌼🌼🌼What a garden. It’s so colorful is right. 🌺🌺🌺 You have a great imagination, which turns into a lot of work, which makes your garden beautiful. 🌸🌸🌸
I must also give credit to your lovely wife Debbie, for helping you with her green thumb.
Oh! Before I forget “you” have a green thumb too. Happy Gardening!!!!
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you, Hope. I will pass on your kind thanks to Debbie too. 😊
Rosaliene Bacchus
July 12, 2023Love the vibrant colors in your garden, Trev! Brick red appears to work well.
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you, Rosaliene. 😊
June Lorraine Roberts
July 12, 2023The garden looks lovely Trevor 🙂
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you, June. 🙂
Cindy Georgakas
July 12, 2023lovely garden Trev with crazy weather💞
Trev
July 12, 2023Thank you, Cindy and indeed the weather has been crazy. 🙂
Carol anne
July 13, 2023that is awesome Trev! I think you did a fine job! Nature is amazing even moreso in the rain!
Trev
July 13, 2023Thank you, Carol, that’s very kind of you. 😊
The Hinoeuma
July 13, 2023Beautiful! How close are you to Llandysul or Llandeilo?
Trev
July 13, 2023Thank you. About 50 odd miles away. 😊
The Hinoeuma
July 14, 2023I have friends in both places. Plus, I am of Welsh descent.
Crystal Byers
July 13, 2023So pretty! ❤️
Trev
July 14, 2023Thank you very much, Crystal. 🙂
John W. Howell
July 13, 2023Your garden looks terrific, Trev. You mentioned turf. I tried three differed sod solutions for the rear yard and finally put in artificial turf. We all love it and it contributes to our zero scape objective. The only things needing water are the trees, shrubs and plants.
Trev
July 25, 2023Thank you, John. I did think about artificial turf, but I am happy with what I did in the end. Sorry for the late reply, I only just saw this. 🙂
Peace Truth
July 15, 2023It’s such a beautiful show of colour 😍
Trev
July 16, 2023Thank you very much. 😊
Smelly Socks and Garden Peas
July 16, 2023My garden is a sea of mud and will stay that way until we can afford a landscaper after the building work finishes.
Trev
July 17, 2023Good luck. 😊
Jim Flanigan
July 17, 2023Lovely. A definite improvement.
Trev
July 17, 2023Thank you, Jim 😊
cattalespress
July 18, 2023Your garden is truly a sight to behold! It is so peaceful and serene, and I can imagine it being a great place to reflect and find solace. You have done an incredible job of creating such a beautiful space!
Trev
July 21, 2023Thank you very much, that’s very kind of you. It is a lovely space. 😊
holley4734
July 22, 2023It looks like it’s coming along very nicely. Looks beautiful! 🙂 I enjoy gardening. It’s a process. lol
Trev
July 25, 2023Thank you. I just wish the weather would improve this summer. This month has been nothing but daily rain and cool temperaures. 🙂
Angie
July 25, 2023It’s been hot hot hot in Alabama. Last week heat index was 100 to110 F
Trev
July 28, 2023Yikes!!! That is hot. Stay cool, Angie and thank you. 😊
markbierman
July 30, 2023It’s looking good!
Trev
July 30, 2023Thank you, Mark 😊
PA Pundits - International
July 31, 2023Great posts! Keep up the good work! And thanks for the ideas that I may try on our home.
– ed
Trev
August 3, 2023Thank you. 🙂
Lara/Trace
August 8, 2023I don’t see any concrete- you are like a magician!
Trev
August 8, 2023Thank you, it’s all covered with the red stuff and the blue wood. 🙂
surrealartpsychonaut
August 13, 2023It looks like a nice place to read and think about what to write next.
Trev
August 13, 2023Thank you 😊
LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙
September 22, 2023Really nice 🙂