From Jungle to Garden - A (very slow) work in progress!!

jo1972

Lotus-eater wrote: »

Don't go all girlie on us

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I don't mind bugs in the garden really, so long as I've got some gardening gloves on :rolleyes: really hoping I attract some butterflies and bees. Been reading about the bumble bee decline this week, something like if bees were extinct then the human race would only last for around 4 years as all the plants would die, in turn animals would die of starvation and then so would we!!

So I want lots of bees in my garden!

Lotus-eater

Yeah it's pretty dire, if I had my way, anybody that removes a dandelion plant should be forced to plant a flower to replace it.

At gunpoint by the flower police.

jo1972

Lotus-eater wrote: »

Yeah it's pretty dire, if I had my way, anybody that removes a dandelion plant should be forced to plant a flower to replace it.

At gunpoint by the flower police.

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

I'm okay to remove brambles though, yeah?

Lotus-eater

jo1972 wrote: »

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

I'm okay to remove brambles though, yeah?

In absolute total honesty, your garden is probably better off for wildlife now, rather than when you sort it out.
However that means you won't be able to use it, so not alot of good, as with most things it's a compromise, atm the bees won't have many things to eat in your garden, but if you plant a load of bee friendly plants, it will be better for them.
I have a back hedge that is full of brambles and I leave them because they are so good for wildlife, but I wouldn't want any in the main garden. But I also leave patches of nettles and long grass/weeds in the garden, piles of old wood and sticks around, things like that.
I've also got a bee house that I only bought because it was very cheap, as I have loads of bees nesting in my house walls and shed.
Also a bird nesting box.
I must admit to being a bit short of flowering plants and I have been changing that from last year.
Very neat tidy gardens aren't very good for wildlife, although to most humans they look great.

You can do loads, but obviously the smaller the garden, the more difficult it is.

ixwood

Growing from seed is the cheapest and most satisfying way of growing anything. Ebay is good for seeds. Just search for herb seed collection. I recently got a load.

Pippilongstocking

Hello just had a peep my dear - its far worse than it looks don't lose heart.

There's loads of structure there and once its cleared off you can work around that and have a really lovely defined garden.

Excitng new project.

Dont buy herbs - when its a bit more sorted or you have pots sorted PM me

I owe you a parcel

budget_babe

Hi Jo.

I have had a nosey too

I am sure you will get it to how you want it to be, sorry I am not much of a gardner though. Mr Bb is the one who does that, he could advise on a pond though but that would not be practical with small children.

So I will just send you positive thoughts, Fay though seems like she will be worth her weight in gold as always.

Hugs and take care
Budgie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ixwood

Ponds and children aren't mutually exclusive. They can be made safe relatively easily.

It really annoys me when someone buys a house with an established pond and instantly fills it in, killing or at best, making homeless, all the wildlife. They could at least find the pond and it's contents a new home.

They actually fetch really good money on ebay with all the plants and everything included.

jo1972

Thanks Fay and Budgie for your words of encouragement

ixwood, I'd never even considered a pond :think: I'd love a pond! Better get the garden halfway decent first though before I go off on a tangent!!

I made a small start on the jungle yesterday, would've started earlier but I'm trying to get over bronchitis so couldn't do anything too much. I managed to cut probably about a 10th of it down and chuck it in a pile ready for it to be bagged up later today. I borrowed the neighbours secetaurs and she only had one glove so my left hand was saved, my right hand is cut to bits :eek: going to B&Q today to get some decent thorn proof gloves before I bag up later.

ETA: I could barely move when I woke up this morning, must've used muscles I've not used in a while yesterday!

Here's were I'm at so far, doesn't look like I've done much but little and often, especially with my chest at the moment!!

pammyj74

See if you do a little bit like that every few days you will soon be there and have saved yourself the money and with that you can buy new plants and seeds.

good Luck with your project.
I have really got into gardening this year and am an absolute novice, have not got a clue, I usually just plant and hope for the best!!