Here I am. Standing in a friend’s garden.
One of the absolute joys of summer for me, is when a friend asks me to look after their garden. Just for a short while. Little dance of joy. I love other people’s gardens. I love my own, but there is something about walking the paths of another garden, in the evening. Admiring their work. Enjoying the night scented flowers.
To be honest, it’s not too onerous. This garden has an automatic watering system (must add this to ours) and so far we have only caught sight of the cat once. I didn’t mention the cat. He’s feral. We put his food out every day and it’s gone by the next. Hopefully it’s him polishing it off.
In the meantime, we check the garden. Ensuring the deer haven’t eaten the contents of the greenhouses, or nibbled the fruit from the trees.
The children think this garden is magical. They would like our garden to be the same. We have a secret gate, and once in, they scurry around the paths and greenhouses, finding cherry tomatoes to eat, while I collect courgettes before they grow too far.
Oh, and cucumbers. There are so many. My children are in danger of turning into one before the summer is out. Imagine. Three green cucumbers heading off to school in September. Smile.
There are rows upon rows of espalier fruit trees. Fruit ripening, ready for the Autumn. So easy to harvest. (where could I do this in our garden?)
Our friends’ system of raised beds are truly productive. Inspirational. (notes down in planning journal)
My son cannot resist the drying poppy heads. Like little pepper pots. Perfect for a child to investigate.
I love the way the squashes are trained up over the house frames. (notes down in planning journal). Not only do the squashes grow well, but it looks good too.
No area is wasted in this garden. Around the edges, fruit and nut trees are grown. Walnut and hazlenuts, and probably more. Hedge plums as well.
Yes. This is one of the joys of summer. For a few days, I can enjoy a different garden. Carefully select a few goodies to take home. A moment or two to enjoy the growing season and gather more gardening inspiration. Bliss.
Part of the “Here I am” summer postcards series. If you would like to join in, let me know.
That is one amazing garden, I can understand your awe. In theory I’d love a garden that size but the reality might be a bit too much. For now I’ll stick with our flowers and one raised veggie bed!
I guess you have to have buckets of time, or a gardener, to take on a garden that size. There’re only so many hours in the day. It is lovely to enjoy it. Just for a little while.
Now that is a garden, heaven
What a wonderful place, in awe of all that produce, fab
Enjoy my lovely xx
I certainly am. Seems very peaceful compared to my garden – full of children, dogs and chickens. Love the contrast!
What a gorgeous garden! In my dreams I have a garden that size (and the time to tend to). Realistically I couldn’t keep it under control but to house sit for a while would be fabulous x
It is a lovely garden. In my dreams too.
Oh my goodness, this is one gorgous garden, so much going on, yet it doesn’t seem too busy.
Such a well thought out and peaceful garden, no wonder you enjoy your time as garden keeper.
It isn’t busy. Parts of the garden, I’ve not shown, are left to wildlife or open grass. It really is a treat.
wow! that is quite the garden to look after. you are a good friend 🙂
I think they do me a favour, really ! 🙂
Oh my! What a wonderful and inspiring garden. I love how they have grown the squashes and I really would like a hazelnut tree. Great space, lucky people! I’d love to potter around there.
I do potter. It’s just too nice not too.
Wow! How awesome is that garden? I love the idea of a wendy house frame for trailing squashes – might see if I have old one in the garage and do some sweetpeas up it next year! *makes note to buy a planning journal*
I have a friend who ties the Lindt chocolate bunny bells on her young trees as it scares the deer as they brush up against it – also they hate the colour purple so lavender helps!
Lovely photos and even lovelier words, thanks for joining in! x
The squash frame is brilliant. It’s made of metal tubing and is quite robust.Also has netting to go over the top. They’ve made the raised beds to the same size.
Will have to try the bells. (If only to eat the chocolate!)
I;m going to nick that idea for squashes too – I’ll have to find a way to dissuade the allotment foxes from moving in though! What a lovely garden, and other people’s gardens are great to look around for inspiration aren’t they? #hdygg
So much inspiration. I’ve been busy tidying up my plot, as a result of visiting this one. Good luck with the foxes.
That is one amazing garden – I can only imagine the hard work and love that is put into it. How perfect getting to ‘babysit’ it for a few days and enjoy some of its treasures back home.
Lots of hard work. I’m rather swanning around and enjoying it all. Lady of leisure!
such a beautiful garden and i agree so much easier to enjoy when someone else does all the hard work
Oooh – I love that re-purposed greenhouse frame. I have rescues on old clothes drier to grow cucumbers up next year. #HDYGG