After almost five years living in our current property, my husband Sam and I made the decision that we wanted to be closer to family, which has meant selling up and moving house.
This decision to move from the first home that we have created together, and love with all our hearts, has been tough, but we've made our peace with it. However, leaving our first garden has been much harder to make peace with, probably because I can't pack it and bring it in its current form, like you can with other belongings. It's been a slightly bittersweet summer, knowing that this will be the last season I get to enjoy it, but appreciating it all the same. So I decided to write a little post about five of the things I will miss most about my first garden, as a memento for me really. I'll try not to get too soppy.
1. The trees
You gotta love a tree in a garden. There are three in particular that I will miss:
The Liquidambar
This tree was already well-established when we moved in and I instantly fell in love with it. It was crammed into the the top section of our garden with about fifteen Damson trees. We cleared the damson trees so we could build the shed, greenhouse and raised vegetable beds, but the Liquidambar was too cool to take out too. So we left it.
This tree is deciduous, but the maple-like leaves are amazing, especially in the early autumn. As the summer progresses, the leaves gradually change from green to scarlet red to a blackened Burgundy before they drop. It pops brilliantly against the turquoise walls of the greenhouse, and it is a sight that I will definitely miss.
Cornus kousa var.chinensis
The cream-coloured flowers (which are actually bracts, or modified leaves) that appear in summer make this tree or shrub an elegant and well-loved choice. As the end of summer approaches, ornamental, dark-pink fruits hang from the branches, before the leaves change colour and fall.
Again, this was well-established when we moved in, with a delightfully curved trunk, helping to form a natural arch with a Berberis that hangs over from next door.
I may choose this tree for future gardens, but I know I will miss this specimen in particular, as to me it acts as a marker for the entrance to the garden.
3. Salix 'Hakuro-Nishiki' - Flamingo Tree
This cute dwarf tree is a striking feature in the garden. I didn't quite mean to prune it into this shape, it just sort of happened. But I do think it looks quite good.
This Salix was already here when we moved in, and I was captivated by it's pale pink tips in spring. It also stays short and compact, which is ideal in a small garden. Its pale, variegated foliage really lightens a dull corner. From a distance it looks like a a fluffy cloud has drifted over the border.
I haven't drawn up a short list of plants to buy for the new garden yet, but this one will definitely be considered.
2. The shady spot
Every garden should have one area that is solely for relaxing. I am not very good at relaxing in the garden, but I am practising, and these garden bean bag chairs have definitely helped with that.
Underneath the bark chips, we covered the ground with a weed control fabric to keep it low maintenance.
This corner of the garden gets shady from mid afternoon. With the surrounding planting, it feels like a mini oasis in the summer heat. I deliberately kept this area relatively clear of plants so that it could be used this way. I like to chill out on a bean bag in the shade and have a drink, or do a bit of work. I defiantly haven't done enough of this sadly, but I do hope to use the bean bags in a similar way in our new garden.
3. The Virginia Creeper
Virginia creepers are vigorous and I have had to cut it back every year to keep it from tormenting the other plants too much. But while she might be a bit of a diva, she sings for her supper. The colours in this plant blow my mind every year. When the leaves turn in the autumn, it's like we have a red curtain down one side of the garden.
I can't say if I would plant one of these in our new garden, as you need plenty of space for this plant to show off, and I think our new garden might be a bit too small. But I wouldn't rule it out in the future.
Knowing that I probably won't own another of these for a while does make me sad though. I have developed a real affection for this plant. In fact I call her 'Red' (p.s if you got the cultural reference there, you are my hero).
4. My raised vegetable beds
A huge part of my enjoyment of this garden has been growing my own vegetables. Along with two raised beds, I also grow herbs, berries and veggies in lots of pots. There is always limited space, and I am constantly juggling crops. But I can't complain, and I have been able to grow a considerable number of vegetables from these raised beds, from peas and beans, spinach and swiss chard, beetroot, cucumbers and spring onions, courgettes, broccoli, garlic and kale, oh and carrots!
I am hoping to put my name down for an allotment when we are more settled, so that I can grow more vegetables on a larger scale. But I've been grateful for the chance to experiment and gain some confidence first. It has been priceless. I will miss the sight of the raised beds and the greenhouse in the back.
5. The Greenhouse (or my port-in-the-storm)
The greenhouse was built for me by Sam. There is also a shed at the back. Sam built both himself, mostly from pallets, which isn't obvious from this angle. Before you ask, he is an engineer, so building things isn't totally outside his comfort zone. But it took a huge amount of work, time and skill to build, and I think I will miss the greenhouse most of all. Sam has promised me that there will be other greenhouses, which is very kind of him, but I have fallen in love with the character of this one.
I adore everything about it. I love the colour, and the way it creates a focal point at the top of the garden.
I love how warm it is inside. It shelters all my succulents and tender plants in the winter, giving them good light levels but protecting them from frosts and rainstorms. It is actually a cosy place to be on a winter day too, especially if it's drizzling outside.
In early spring, I've enjoyed sowing seeds in the greenhouse, while listening to podcasts and drinking tea, like the little old lady that I really am.
I'll also miss the view of the garden from the greenhouse too. I often felt like King Mufasa surveying my kingdom when I looked out the greenhouse windows: as it turns out there is a little Lion King in me too.
Despite the many happy memories I have of this garden, it kind of sucks knowing that this will no longer be my kingdom. But I am lucky enough to get a new garden with our new house, with new perks and new challenges and a new chance to create another little kingdom.
Watch this space.
Thank you so much for reading.
Have a great week.
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