Making a Front Garden
Making a Front Garden
Back in early May I mentioned that I was making big changes out front, well, I never did say it was to our garden!
Perhaps I was bigging it up a bit, referring to what I had been up to as some major project, I mean, it isn’t exactly Alan Titchmarsh stuff.
Its all about Making a Front Garden for our neighbour Hilary
Anyway, hidden below the large swathe of lawn was masses of tree roots and builders rubble. Preparation work took me a little longer than expected, but hey, my speedy Gonzales days are over.
Hillary’s garden extends forward from our front garden, although it was always kept very tidy it was rather uninspiring.
Getting back to how this all came about, well Hillary had been telling me back in April that her gardener was unwell and would not be able to look after her garden this season.
Hillary herself has been poorly and was just getting over a recent illness which has kind of knocked the stuffing out of her.
I suggested that when I was cutting our front grass I would also do hers.
We kind of got around to talking about her garden being in need of a makeover. I was thinking that it would be nice to do something for someone for a change and if she were to buy the plants, I would do the work..
Mid April I got stuck in, cut out a border extending from the end of our garden to more than half way down our neighbours.
I then with great difficulty due to tree roots, cut out three circular borders.
Couple of weeks later, ground prepared, top soil and compost added to improve the clay soil. Planting has started.
Mid July and pleased to say all the plants have taken.
Most of the edging border would only take annuals owing to the very shallow depth of soil. Come Autumn I intend to replant this with Spring flowering Primula.
Hillarys garden measures, 45ft x 21ft. Our own garden front and back is never complete, we are forever making changes even on the times when we think we have it perfect.
Its a bit different doing someone else’s, you cant exactly say after spending a lot of money on plants, I think it may have looked better with something else in place of so and so.
Well, fortunately, all concerned seem to be happy with the result.
List of plants used
Yew (taxus baccata) topiary pyramids
Buxus (Box) Lollipops
Standard Holly Silver van toll 
Sorbus (rowan) Joseph rock
HT Rose Claret
Nepeta nervosa blue moon( catmint)
Astrantia Venice
Leucanthemum snow lady
Heuchera Paris
Veronica Ulster blue
Aruncus aethusifolius
Erica carnea myretoun ruby
English Lavender
Max Frei hardy geranium
Bedding cosmos, begonia semperflorens, lobelia, allysum
There it is then, everyone happy, did I mention, the view from our window has improved dramatically.
Our front garden with Hillary’s at the far end.
Thanks Tatyana, getting ready for the big move once again
Oh, I would love to have you as my neighbor! Great job, Alistair! I understand what a challenge is to deal with tree roots – I have the same problem in my own garden. It limits the variety of plants we can use and it stunts their growth. Anyway, you’ve done an excellent job!
Thank you Sarah. Yes, on the move again, Myra has never settled here. We have bought a new bungalow in Fife Scotland. It will be completed in January.
I always notice when neighbours’ front gardens look well together. It is so much more satisfying to the eye. What a great job you’ve done on Hillary’s garden. Are you on the move again? I am very confused!
It is disappointing to think Hillarys garden wont be looked after, I must tell her the news today as the for sale sign is going up soon.
Hello Alistair, nice job you have done, and a great selection of plants you chose. I have done something similar where I used to live before and it is so satisfying to see the improvements – especially when you, like me were watching the neighbouring garden every day. I hope someone will be able to take care of your work for the future? In my case the neighbour died shortly afterwards after having been ill for many years, new people moved in and they didn’t want to take care of the garden but didn’t want any help either. Needless to say I felt rather sad looking over the low fence at the wilting, dying garden I spent 5 months creating and which I had put 95 plants of mine into. It’s true as you say; you never know what’s around the corner.
Hi Pam, its not so long ago I was telling Hillary not to concern herself with maintenance as I would keep it looking good. You just never know whats around the corner.
Titchmarsh would be proud of you, Alistair. Did I just read on Diana’s blog that changes of another kind are imminent? Hillary will be disappointed. P. x
then it is simply – good things happen to good people – your kindness being rewarded!
Funny, I was just thinking yesterday that when I tell Hillary of the latest developments she is going to think just as you did. For that matter so will everyone else around. Ah well, its not such a big deal, but its hard to believe, this latest opportunity only arose 10 days ago.
(the hiden motive ;~)
But it does make it so much more attractive for all the neighbours who pass that way!
Nadezda, some positions just cry out for annuals.
Hi, Alistair! What a good job you did re-planting your neighbor’s front garden, I love a line of annuals along the road, beautiful combination of colors.
Wow…awesome view from that window…beautiful!
Thanks Indie, It does give a bit more kerb appeal, may help to sell the house if we decide to move on again.
It looks very lovely! That was so nice of you to do, and it definitely makes the scene from the window look all the more beautiful!
Hi Rick, I would offer to do more if I had the energy.
Very nice gesture Alistair and done beautifuly in your inimitable style, I hope you aren’t thinking of taking over the whole estate 🙂
Hi Sunil, Its one thing constantly trying to make improvements to your own garden. Not so sure if I welcome these thoughts of needing to make improvements to another.
Hello Alistair, I can definitely see your style in your neighbour’s garden. I really like the combined photo at the end showing the two front gardens together, it really shows that the whole is more than the sum of the parts. I hope both you and Hillary are very satisfied and happy with the results!
Hi Angie, It is very satisfying helping others.
What a kind thoughtful neighbour you are Alistair. I’ll bet both gardens are the talk of the town now. I think gardeners make great neighbours and you’ve proved my theory correct.
What a marvelous thing! Through your generous nature you’ve done a kind thing for your neighbor while also beautifying your own world. Great job.
Debra
Ruth, I am delighted that you dropped by.
What a lovely thing to do for your neighbor. The planting looks fabulous, and you get to enjoy it also from your window.. I hope you don;t mind me reading your garden blog.. I came across you from Helene Taylor who I enjoy following, Helene has given me so great tips for planting in my own garden.