I loved reading this and it confirmed I’m doing things right! A newbuild with a sharp useless drop away at the end and acres of fencing (how can we have so much in such a small garden?!). Having brought my compass with me when I first viewed I’m pretty confident I know the sun’s traverse but had already decided to sit it out this summer before hard landscaping to be sure I get it right. We levelled, top soiled and turfed as a starting point. All my garden pots are still gathered on the not very attractive patio making it inaccessible! I’ve just had trellis installed and I’ve painted all the ugly fencing black so I have my back drop. Next I’ll pop a few pavers around for my pots to stand on and to free up the patio. Can’t wait to get my three potted cypress trees where I’ve planned! I’ve bought four new plants - two climbing hydrangeas for the shady side of our garage and a fig and pear to be espaliered along the sunny fencing. I’ve designed the layout, planting, water feature and pergola but I am waiting until next year for a lot of it to be absolutely sure. The huge pot of my olive tree shattered in the move so I’m contemplating planting it in a corner for immediate height. I’ll be so interested to see how you prune yours. Plans include more white hydrangeas (of course!), white tulips, peonies, alliums & agapanthus. Not sure whether to plant out my box balls or keep them in their planters tbd next year. My potted spirals are out front. The little front garden (more a path with beds) had actually been planted by the developer so I’ll see how that goes.
So looking forward to seeing what you keep, lose and add. When we moved to our cottage garden virtually everything went eventually except a magnolia tree and a beautiful peony. So much was prickly and/or unscented - what’s the point?! Totally with you there!
Sounds to me like you are doing everything exactly right Penny. Well done for taking the time at the beginning with the levelling and top soil. I love the idea of planting the olive. I’m going to prune our ground planted one very heavily. I’ll film it. As far as what we will keep and what will go, I think a lot will go in the end. Some things are lovely, but totally in the wrong place. I’ll be trying to save some things by digging up and replanting, or taking cuttings, etc. the olive, agapanthus and fig are all staying though.
I'm so looking forward to seeing the different stages you take in your garden journey. Love those old steps leading you down into the lawn area, you will make it look amazing. Agree with waiting to see what emerges in the first year, we had to clear a jungle of old and overgrown shrubs first, filled two vans full to see the garden had nearly doubled in size!! I then mainly weeded and kept it under control until the next spring giving away plants as they emerged that I didn't want! I have lots of pots so have colour all year round from them so can buy smaller less expensive shrubs and plants and wait for them to grow and look lovely planted in the borders! Xx
You did well there Elaine. Yep, basically doing the same thing first. There’s a secret courtyard at the front, which is a whole different ballgame. Looking forward to showing you all that and what I do with it.
It looks like someone has really enjoyed that garden there with the border by the house . It’s going to be so nice to snip a bit as you go and see what comes and goes . Those steps are to die for and probably full of tiny floral beauties just waiting for warmth . Yes I’d love to wander round there , reminds me of my first two seasons at this place . Determined to take the sycamore down at the far end ( we left it because we liked it 🙄) heard that twice with the last two houses , (It not a bloody park ! ) but leaving to see and ponder over the ancient hazel ..which has actually become a focal point now . It’s a gem in fact and gives so much . Coppiced and forever loved. I will love this journey with you my friend X
Someone at some point knew what they were doing here. Although, there’s a lot of planting kind of in the middle of nowhere, which annoys me, as they are lovely plants, but in the wrong place. That’s why I really need to take my time. There’s a dreadful, very ugly holly. I like holly, but this one was at the bottom of the queue when it came to handing out the pretty points! But, it hides the view of another house, so I may need to crown lift and reduce the canopy.
How crazy am I setting my alarm for 6am going downstairs stairs to make a cup of tea and settling back in bed to have my weekly catch up. Sets me up for the day. My only disappointment is the weather is so awful. I look forward to seeing your garden de-weeded, pruned and tidied to within an inch of its life over the coming months. I too will have to be patient and wait to see your plans evolve and come to life next year. Enjoy your day JP x
Now that’s dedication for ya! I have to say that really makes me smile, makes the hours of writing all worth while. Btw - I say I’ll be chilling this year, but you know I won’t be able to resist at least designing things in my my head!
As always, a fantastic way with words. I love how informative you are, while managing to keep it light, engaging and funny. I can’t get over how generous you are with your time, and with sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience, always with grace and patience. Thank you JP, wonderful.
I’m absolutely awful at doing nothing but when we moved here I did exactly that, and let the garden show us what it was about for a complete year and I’m so glad i did - treasures i had no idea of
As always, I had a good chuckle at reading this, JP! Do you know what a gift you are for just being able to do that?
My new garden is quite chaotic. But, I've inherited a few worthy plants; a fig which I've had to cut right down but which doesn't seem to care! A productive Pear, a Kentish Cobnut, a massive Olive and a massive Bay, both favourites of mine and great in wreaths. The rest of it needs an overhaul. But, more pressing is the lack of privacy on one side. I'm going to be putting up trellis toute suite and planting climbers in abundance.
You have inherited a thing of beauty there. I think it's the inherant character which most of us would have to cultivate and wait for - that comes with age and patina. I love your walled garden. I hope you really will lie back with a glass of something, and look at your space, even though inevitably your mind will be doing the opposite and brimming over with ideas, as a creative brain can't help doing.
Franny thank you so much. It makes me very happy that I can make you laugh of a Sunday morning, whilst imparting a little knowledge. It sounds like you have some great plants already in your garden. Looking forward to hearing which climbers you choose.
I can’t wait for you to get started on your garden JP! Of course I’ll be following along here!
This year is a big year for me too! My home renovation and new out buildings will be finally completed.🎉
I’ve patiently been waiting to get started on the final design of my garden! I’ve basically been following your advise of waiting and watching what needs to be done! I will be reorganizing and adding on to my entire garden. Sounds ambitious? Yes it is! I’ll get it done! I’m retired!😜
But first it needs to warm up in the normally sunny Southern California mountains, it’s been unseasonably windy and cold!🥶 Let’s do it! It’s show time!
Yes it is! That is why it has taken me so long to adjust to gardening up here! So different from my coastal home in San Diego! We have a gorgeous garden nursery up here that has a huge selection and always fully stocked with native plants, annuals, perennials, deciduous and non-deciduous bushes and trees that weather the extreme fluctuations in temperatures up here! We are zone 8a!🙋🏼♀️🫶🏻
Really enjoy reading this and understand where you are going but Oh dear everyone is SO patient. We moved in February. The garden landscaping began last week with a greenhouse, cutting hard back several overgrown shrubs and removing a huge fig tree where the relaxing area will be.
We do have some lovely shrubs, magnolia choisya, variegated holly … my excuse is I just dont have the years left to wait 👵😂
Enjoyed your write up JP VERY MUCH!! Loved the photos of the steps etc. Will read each process as the garden emerges, you are a genius when it comes to design. XxM
Looking forward for the journey in the garden & house. I already love the garden, almost touch the tranquility there with its old stones, steps & curves. I love a traditional English style garden but with JP’s med & style I’m sure you’ll make it amazing looking at your previous work ! Enjoy unfolding this year x
Can’t wait to follow this series JP, I’m looking at starting to share the stages we’ve taken in our garden make-over next month, more than 10 years of slowly adding and transforming our outside space, we just need the bloody sunshine to get out and start enjoying it now xx
I was laughing as I read it, you may be physically stepping back and relaxing but your head will be working like crazy and contemplating and planning the various stages of interior and garden design. I will sit back and wait for the implementation process to unfold. Exciting times ahead.
This is so exciting JP- excellent idea to take it slowly and take on what you’ve got. A kind of long-term inventory where you’ll be so surprised by things popping up!
That’s exactly it Jo. I won’t be able to resist making plans in my head and maybe a little on paper, but the idea is that most of the big changes will be next year.
Looking forward to following along , would love some climbing rose advice … I just lop away branches that get to wild but no idea how to train it etc 🤷♀️
The absolute best person for rose advice would be the fabulous @jothompson on here. But, my main advice for climbing roses would be to always try and train them horizontally, not vertically. You’ll get so many more new shoots and blooms if you do that. Deadheading is essential too to prolong the season.
Well, obviously the horizontal shoot will send up loads of vertical shoots, but the idea is that you take at least one or two of those and train them in vertically too. In that way, you'll still eventually get the height you need, but it will be bushier.
I loved reading this and it confirmed I’m doing things right! A newbuild with a sharp useless drop away at the end and acres of fencing (how can we have so much in such a small garden?!). Having brought my compass with me when I first viewed I’m pretty confident I know the sun’s traverse but had already decided to sit it out this summer before hard landscaping to be sure I get it right. We levelled, top soiled and turfed as a starting point. All my garden pots are still gathered on the not very attractive patio making it inaccessible! I’ve just had trellis installed and I’ve painted all the ugly fencing black so I have my back drop. Next I’ll pop a few pavers around for my pots to stand on and to free up the patio. Can’t wait to get my three potted cypress trees where I’ve planned! I’ve bought four new plants - two climbing hydrangeas for the shady side of our garage and a fig and pear to be espaliered along the sunny fencing. I’ve designed the layout, planting, water feature and pergola but I am waiting until next year for a lot of it to be absolutely sure. The huge pot of my olive tree shattered in the move so I’m contemplating planting it in a corner for immediate height. I’ll be so interested to see how you prune yours. Plans include more white hydrangeas (of course!), white tulips, peonies, alliums & agapanthus. Not sure whether to plant out my box balls or keep them in their planters tbd next year. My potted spirals are out front. The little front garden (more a path with beds) had actually been planted by the developer so I’ll see how that goes.
So looking forward to seeing what you keep, lose and add. When we moved to our cottage garden virtually everything went eventually except a magnolia tree and a beautiful peony. So much was prickly and/or unscented - what’s the point?! Totally with you there!
Sounds to me like you are doing everything exactly right Penny. Well done for taking the time at the beginning with the levelling and top soil. I love the idea of planting the olive. I’m going to prune our ground planted one very heavily. I’ll film it. As far as what we will keep and what will go, I think a lot will go in the end. Some things are lovely, but totally in the wrong place. I’ll be trying to save some things by digging up and replanting, or taking cuttings, etc. the olive, agapanthus and fig are all staying though.
They sound wonderful! Not sure I’ll get figs from mine anytime soon but the sooner planted …!!!
Exactly right Penny. Just imagine your garden in two years from now!
Everything crossed!! I’ll be enjoying yours from afar! Xxx
Can’t wait to see your olive tree film!
I'm so looking forward to seeing the different stages you take in your garden journey. Love those old steps leading you down into the lawn area, you will make it look amazing. Agree with waiting to see what emerges in the first year, we had to clear a jungle of old and overgrown shrubs first, filled two vans full to see the garden had nearly doubled in size!! I then mainly weeded and kept it under control until the next spring giving away plants as they emerged that I didn't want! I have lots of pots so have colour all year round from them so can buy smaller less expensive shrubs and plants and wait for them to grow and look lovely planted in the borders! Xx
You did well there Elaine. Yep, basically doing the same thing first. There’s a secret courtyard at the front, which is a whole different ballgame. Looking forward to showing you all that and what I do with it.
It looks like someone has really enjoyed that garden there with the border by the house . It’s going to be so nice to snip a bit as you go and see what comes and goes . Those steps are to die for and probably full of tiny floral beauties just waiting for warmth . Yes I’d love to wander round there , reminds me of my first two seasons at this place . Determined to take the sycamore down at the far end ( we left it because we liked it 🙄) heard that twice with the last two houses , (It not a bloody park ! ) but leaving to see and ponder over the ancient hazel ..which has actually become a focal point now . It’s a gem in fact and gives so much . Coppiced and forever loved. I will love this journey with you my friend X
Someone at some point knew what they were doing here. Although, there’s a lot of planting kind of in the middle of nowhere, which annoys me, as they are lovely plants, but in the wrong place. That’s why I really need to take my time. There’s a dreadful, very ugly holly. I like holly, but this one was at the bottom of the queue when it came to handing out the pretty points! But, it hides the view of another house, so I may need to crown lift and reduce the canopy.
Well you absolutely know what your doing X
🩷🩷
How crazy am I setting my alarm for 6am going downstairs stairs to make a cup of tea and settling back in bed to have my weekly catch up. Sets me up for the day. My only disappointment is the weather is so awful. I look forward to seeing your garden de-weeded, pruned and tidied to within an inch of its life over the coming months. I too will have to be patient and wait to see your plans evolve and come to life next year. Enjoy your day JP x
Now that’s dedication for ya! I have to say that really makes me smile, makes the hours of writing all worth while. Btw - I say I’ll be chilling this year, but you know I won’t be able to resist at least designing things in my my head!
As always, a fantastic way with words. I love how informative you are, while managing to keep it light, engaging and funny. I can’t get over how generous you are with your time, and with sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience, always with grace and patience. Thank you JP, wonderful.
That means the world to me Tina. Thank you. Xx
I’m absolutely awful at doing nothing but when we moved here I did exactly that, and let the garden show us what it was about for a complete year and I’m so glad i did - treasures i had no idea of
Mark we are the same. I find it excruciating, but I’m determined to find out what we have. Let’s see how I do!
As always, I had a good chuckle at reading this, JP! Do you know what a gift you are for just being able to do that?
My new garden is quite chaotic. But, I've inherited a few worthy plants; a fig which I've had to cut right down but which doesn't seem to care! A productive Pear, a Kentish Cobnut, a massive Olive and a massive Bay, both favourites of mine and great in wreaths. The rest of it needs an overhaul. But, more pressing is the lack of privacy on one side. I'm going to be putting up trellis toute suite and planting climbers in abundance.
You have inherited a thing of beauty there. I think it's the inherant character which most of us would have to cultivate and wait for - that comes with age and patina. I love your walled garden. I hope you really will lie back with a glass of something, and look at your space, even though inevitably your mind will be doing the opposite and brimming over with ideas, as a creative brain can't help doing.
Thank you for sharing this, JP. Happy Sunday.
Frannyx
Franny thank you so much. It makes me very happy that I can make you laugh of a Sunday morning, whilst imparting a little knowledge. It sounds like you have some great plants already in your garden. Looking forward to hearing which climbers you choose.
I can’t wait for you to get started on your garden JP! Of course I’ll be following along here!
This year is a big year for me too! My home renovation and new out buildings will be finally completed.🎉
I’ve patiently been waiting to get started on the final design of my garden! I’ve basically been following your advise of waiting and watching what needs to be done! I will be reorganizing and adding on to my entire garden. Sounds ambitious? Yes it is! I’ll get it done! I’m retired!😜
But first it needs to warm up in the normally sunny Southern California mountains, it’s been unseasonably windy and cold!🥶 Let’s do it! It’s show time!
Your friend,
Chriss 🙋🏼♀️🫶🏻
Chriss this is hugely exciting! 2024 is your year. Can I ask, is it quite difficult choosing plants as you have hot summers and very cold winters?
Yes it is! That is why it has taken me so long to adjust to gardening up here! So different from my coastal home in San Diego! We have a gorgeous garden nursery up here that has a huge selection and always fully stocked with native plants, annuals, perennials, deciduous and non-deciduous bushes and trees that weather the extreme fluctuations in temperatures up here! We are zone 8a!🙋🏼♀️🫶🏻
Omg I would love a day at that nursery!
JP you’re always welcome here!👩🏼🌾🫶🏻👨🌾Remember Palm Springs is right down the hill!☀️😎
Really enjoy reading this and understand where you are going but Oh dear everyone is SO patient. We moved in February. The garden landscaping began last week with a greenhouse, cutting hard back several overgrown shrubs and removing a huge fig tree where the relaxing area will be.
We do have some lovely shrubs, magnolia choisya, variegated holly … my excuse is I just dont have the years left to wait 👵😂
Susie I totally get it! 🤣 I’m usually going crazy straight away too. Let’s see if I can actually be that patient and wait!
Enjoyed your write up JP VERY MUCH!! Loved the photos of the steps etc. Will read each process as the garden emerges, you are a genius when it comes to design. XxM
Those steps fill me with so much joy Marion. Can’t wait to weed them and show them in their full glory. Xx
Looking forward for the journey in the garden & house. I already love the garden, almost touch the tranquility there with its old stones, steps & curves. I love a traditional English style garden but with JP’s med & style I’m sure you’ll make it amazing looking at your previous work ! Enjoy unfolding this year x
Thank you Gail. What I love is all the character it already has. I love the stone steps and the high wall is wonderful. I just need to uncover it!
😂 I can hear the impatience already, I’d be the same….just little projects 🙌
🤣🤣🪴
Can’t wait to follow this series JP, I’m looking at starting to share the stages we’ve taken in our garden make-over next month, more than 10 years of slowly adding and transforming our outside space, we just need the bloody sunshine to get out and start enjoying it now xx
Will it ever stop raining? 🤣 Looking forward to seeing your garden Sonya.
I was laughing as I read it, you may be physically stepping back and relaxing but your head will be working like crazy and contemplating and planning the various stages of interior and garden design. I will sit back and wait for the implementation process to unfold. Exciting times ahead.
After finding quite a large leak last night, the first implementation will be from a roofer! 🤣😳 💦
Ah the joys of money pit older properties sometimes 🙈
All part and parcel xx
Wonderful article as always JP and super sound advice. I cannot wait to see what you do with your new garden; the last one was exquisite!
Thank you Wendy. Lots of plans for the new one, but taking our time.
This is so exciting JP- excellent idea to take it slowly and take on what you’ve got. A kind of long-term inventory where you’ll be so surprised by things popping up!
That’s exactly it Jo. I won’t be able to resist making plans in my head and maybe a little on paper, but the idea is that most of the big changes will be next year.
Looking forward to following along , would love some climbing rose advice … I just lop away branches that get to wild but no idea how to train it etc 🤷♀️
The absolute best person for rose advice would be the fabulous @jothompson on here. But, my main advice for climbing roses would be to always try and train them horizontally, not vertically. You’ll get so many more new shoots and blooms if you do that. Deadheading is essential too to prolong the season.
Ooh Thankyou! I’ve been going vertical 🤦♀️ consider me better advised 😂 I’ll look up Jo too 😊
Well, obviously the horizontal shoot will send up loads of vertical shoots, but the idea is that you take at least one or two of those and train them in vertically too. In that way, you'll still eventually get the height you need, but it will be bushier.
THANK YOU JP
👍🏻🩷👍🏻