KonMari 2016 - The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up

greenbee

Floss wrote: »

How about cyclamen for autumn colour - regular or small flowers? There are some lovely clematis which flower twice, early and later in the summer, but I suggest you don't go for a C.Montana (pretty but hooligan tendencies once flowers drop in May!). Then you could look at summer bulbs such as anemones, maybe a couple of periwinkles for ground cover, or even some low perennials such as London Pride or Lungwort?

Thanks Floss! I have some cyclamen from another MSE poster, and definitely want some more so will add to the list (the ones in Homebase that I saw on Saturday said they flowered and grew for one season only so need to go elsewhere). I'll definitely avoid C.Montana - I've had to kill the one that was here originally as the mice were using it to access the attic. As far as I'm concerned it's something to use if you want to hide a building!

There was some lungwort in the bed... but it's not there anymore as I've dug so much stuff out. I should have moved it earlier. I'd forgotten about London Pride - I had it at the last house and it would be a great way to edge the bed (I'd considered edging all the beds with bricks but it would take ages, and I'm not sure I have the patience to do it well in a garden this size!).

I need a rest from gardening now, so I think I'll get some cooking started and then make a list...

Floss

greenbee wrote: »

Thanks Floss! I have some cyclamen from another MSE poster, and definitely want some more so will add to the list (the ones in Homebase that I saw on Saturday said they flowered and grew for one season only so need to go elsewhere)...

The labels on mine said that when they were planted in 2008, and they are looking lovely right now, small shaded pink & pure white under our roses They may not give as good a show next year but will soon repay your patience!

greenbee

Thanks Floss! I've put some I bought from waitrose under the wild pear tree (where I also have my snowdrops, bluebells, snakeshead fritillaries and attempts to get various wildflowers to grow). I've got some dark mini cyclamen on the landing... I think what I might do is get them for indoors in succession and stick them outside to take their chances!

I really should be saving for the downstairs floors/kitchen but it would be nice to have part of the garden looking nice during the year. If I can keep that bit under control and slowly reclaim the rest it will make a HUGE difference.

Must call the tree surgeon and get the too-big apple and plum trees taken out. And the two ash trees that are dying. At least they'll provide a bit of firewood...

Siebrie

Kondoing is at a standstill at the moment, having just returned from my parents, where we stayed for the halfterm break. Dds and I did some activity everyday, most were free, I did the shopping I can only do in my home country (the much discussed triple salt licorice ) (quite a few groceries are cheaper over there, as well), I met up with a friend for dinner, and I bought some new clothes (!!).

The clothes spark a lot of joy, the sleeves are long enough, the bosom part not too large, the trouser legs are long enough, too. I'm pretty average size and shape in my part of my home country, but where I live I am smallerbusted and much taller than average, and buying clothes is a pain. And I have to say, having the money to just buy what sparks joy, new, is joyful as well. I have had to scrimp and pay attention for so many years that I can really appreciate the ease and carefree expense.

mavvymoo

Morning all just a quick catch up not had time to read all your posts yet but I will.:)

Phone call on Friday morning to say my DS and DIL and their 3 dogs :eek: Were coming up for the weekend and would arrive in 5 hours :rotfl:Did I panic no I didnt just a quick flick round and a swish of bathroom and was ready for the arrival (dont you just love KM)

A lovely time was had by all including the 17 week puppy who was almost toilet trained by me in one weekend so no accidents as I was on the ball with it. Fell in love with him but to early days for us to think about another one.

But puppy decided to bring every leaf in from the garden he could find and there was a lot :rotfl:So I keep finding leaves hidden everywhere so housework for me today to catch up with where I was before they arrived

But with KM no panic about them coming and no stress when they were here. Dear old Marie has really changed my life in a big way more than she will ever know. Welcome the new chilled out,does it really matter Mav :rotfl:



Mav x

mavvymoo

Slinky wrote: »

Today we did a bit of rubbing down of the kitchen wall where we'd done some filling in about March..... Can't rush these things can you! It needed a bit more filler which has now gone in. Hopefully now it'll be level enough to paint after another rub down.

:rotfl:Only read this far up the posts when Slinkys post caught my eye. I had just checked my diary and I had my radiator removed in march and I have also filled the skirting boards etc and thats as far as I have got with it as well :rotfl:So you are not on your own with the rushing to finish something I am also guilty as charged But does it really matter ? Nope it really does not .

Mav x

silvasava

Greenbee - you can get Cyclamen that flower year after year. I always move the ones from my window boxes into the garden. A couple are now about 5 years old and the corms are as big as an onion! They are making a lovely show underneath the shrubs. You mention your too big apple and plum trees - would it be possible to have them pruned back to a more manageable size? They provide blossom and fruit - if they are old they may just need some tlc for a bit.
We were visiting rellies this weekend. My aunt has dementia and is now in a wheelchair but her hubby is her carer and is marvellous at keeping her stimulated with music, videos of the photos during their married life and the children. She was an avid reader so I've come back with a bag of books. Couldn't refuse the offer but did ask if I could pass them on when read. Was quite spooky that her reading tastes are so similar to mine so I could say no to a lot I'd already read!
No kming done over the weekend but need to sort some phonecalls today and blitz the washing basket for starters!

mrs-moneypenny

Had a good tidy round at the weekend a broken DVD player and a big old fashioned tv are heading to the recycling skip at Dh works.
Currently using a little of my yarn stash to make an elf for dd3 to take to work in December.
Going to ask if I can have a stall at the school Christmas fare for the DVD excess, what don't sell there for school funds I'll take to the CS.

greenbee

silvasava wrote: »

Greenbee - you can get Cyclamen that flower year after year. I always move the ones from my window boxes into the garden. A couple are now about 5 years old and the corms are as big as an onion! They are making a lovely show underneath the shrubs. You mention your too big apple and plum trees - would it be possible to have them pruned back to a more manageable size? They provide blossom and fruit - if they are old they may just need some tlc for a bit.

I was surprised that the homebase ones said that, so will look out for them elsewhere. And also enjoy them inside them move them out I want to get some of the spring flowering ones as well as the autumn ones.

The fruit trees are in the narrowest part of the garden (about 10ft wide) on the south side of the house between the wall and next door's garage. And they are WAY too tall (apples are best picked out of the bedroom window... plums with a cherrypicker!). And the apples are eaters that don't last. I think I'd be better off taking them out and putting some new ones in elsewhere, but we'll see what I get done this year! I just wish the wild pear in the middle of the lawn was an apple tree that provided decent cookers (maybe I'll plant a bramley on the other side of the lawn to replace it in 20 years time!).

silvasava

Some cyclamen are indoor ones - usually the large ones. Outdoor ones are usually the small ones. you do need to check when you buy them. I've been getting mine from our local market the last few years and always buy the outdoor ones - I like to get my money's worth!!