Had a mortgage too long - it's going, going, gone!

Ali-OK

Thanks for the welcome NG - brill idea on meerkat movies and our local Cineworld is part of that and can take advantage :j. Just waiting on a re-set password (can never remember them!).

Sarahevie - I don't go anywhere :rotfl: But similarly with being off work at the moment seem to be running around alot more. Also get 50+ mpg.

debtfreeoneday

Sorry to hear about your GA..

Glad the tooth was ok.

What plants did you buy? What would you recommend for planting in raised beds that will last year after year, and have a bit of colour? I need bushes type thing, but don't just want all green..

I did say I was naff at gardening!

Ali-OK

Got lots of plants as bought smaller ones = cheaper and I tend to go for shrubs too as more hardy and less work

Depends on how much sun you get and what your soil is like as to what would work best. I've gone for some red ones like Berberis (Rosy Rocket) and Coleus, couple of ferns in different colours for structure, couple of grasses (blue/silvers), diehards like eunonymus (yellow/green), Caenothus (gorgeous blue brushes), flowering hebes (white and purple with yellow/green leaves), dwarf buddleja (flowering white and blue), then for ground coverage periwinkle (purple flowers) and Ajuga (purply brown leaves).

There are some lovely planting ideas on www dot crocus dot co dot uk too.

I've started a book to note down each plant and when to prune, how to look after and size etc. Downfall is leaving the label in the ground, only for the dog to take it :rotfl:

Getting quite serious about my gardening now. Sat outside and sure I can see the plants actually growing :rotfl: Would love to learn how to split, grow from seed and cuttings etc. Can feel a potting shed coming on :eek: Perhaps that's a goal after MF and before retirement - free hobbie is my thinking for then Just got to learn not to kill them in the meantime :rotfl:

debtfreeoneday

One of our next garden projects is a 'man cave' as in time we want to convert the garage, so DH needs somewhere to work and store his stuff. I plan to build my own potting shed on the end of this, a very small one, but somewhere I can keep my gardening stuff and mess around.

Thank you for all the plants above, will write them all down and look out for that website as well.

Ali-OK

Nurseries are a great place to wander around and see what you like the look of, usually cheaper than garden centres as they cut out the middle man. Often owners will help you out with design ideas too.

Your plans sound good too, might be able to put something up the spare side of the house here. Shall check in with DIYer at the weekend on that one

debtfreeoneday

I'm having my hair done at the weekend and it's at a garden centre, so I'm going to take an extra half hour to myself and wander and make notes!

I have pinned so many potting shed ideas form Pinterest!

Ali-OK

Good idea - note down pot size too as they tend to come in 1, 2 and 3 litre and cost accordingly.

Nearly finished the last bit of border filling with top soil/compost/sand and grit mix - tip - keep your child's larger bucket and spade, when a shovel is too big/heavy and a trowel too small, DS's old spade is perfect

Tea break and back to it. Determined to finish it today!

debtfreeoneday

Argh - what have you done to me, I've watched too many vids on crocus site - slugs, snails and paperwhites to name a few.. Seriously thanks for the recommendation, I've got a few ideas now of what I want to do, just need to start buying some bits and pieces!

Ali-OK

:rotfl:

It's a bit addictive once you get an idea and run with it.

I've finished the borders here :j Going to suffer for that tomorrow.

Batch bolognese made for dinner with a few portions for the freezer.

Uh-oh, MFW plans possibly going to be skewed as architect has sent through the drawings, does look good so first step is to pay £124 for pre-planning advice and officer visit. See whether it's a possible goer or not. An upper only extension enlarging 2 bedrooms and adding an en-suite. Quite a large floor area to play with as over garage, kitchen and utility (original build).

Financials - possibly gone to pot due to the above :rotfl:

debtfreeoneday

Do you need the extension? Are your rooms on the small side?

I'm not an expert on extensions, but assume it would be fairly simple as you already have the footing and not having to dig down??