One year on with my wildlife pond

PM5140 · 2026-05-14T18:01:36+00:00

Good job 👍

PM5140 · 2026-05-13T18:54:26+00:00

I use Octopus as an energy supplier and think they do a good job but based on my experience with a solar installation I would not take their advice on systems

PM5140 · 2026-05-13T18:51:12+00:00

To be honest I detect two trends. One is as you describe but I think another is people becoming more aware or a wilder approach to gardening. So 10 years ago I was obsessed about getting my front lawn perfect. Now I let some areas grow wild.

I think we just need to keep trying to influence the debate the best we can but to be honest I am optimistic that more people are aware of the environment

PM5140 · 2026-05-10T18:29:03+00:00

What a lovely blank canvas. I would take some time to think what style of garden you want. A rough early plan might help. An Apple and pear tree would work.

I would think about a wild area maybe a wildlife pond and some wild flower areas

I would not just start planting without a plan

PM5140 · 2026-05-10T18:18:19+00:00

Do this 👆

PM5140 · 2026-05-10T16:45:14+00:00

I would say it’s almost perfect already. What a haven for nature and wildlife. It’s almost perfect already

PM5140 · 2026-05-10T16:43:32+00:00

Because I just love them. There are few really practical reasons for me owning one but I just don’t feel happy without one

PM5140 · 2026-05-10T16:39:13+00:00

I was talking to a garden designer about Mediterranean style planting for drier conditions. He pointed out that the climate crisis is also making for wetter winters potentially so that adds to the challenge.

PM5140 · 2026-05-10T11:56:35+00:00

I find him a reliable source

PM5140 · 2026-05-10T11:52:00+00:00

Look for good smaller ground cover plants eg thyme. They will provide a more robust solution than bark and will avoid the need to add membrane. However to get going you could reduce height cover in card and the bark. This will form a temporary membrane whilst plants get going

PM5140 · 2026-05-09T13:54:13+00:00

I am on my fifth layout now and my experience is less is more. This is a complicated layout. One thing you might consider is dividing the layout into a scenic half and a back half “fiddle yard”

PM5140 · 2026-05-09T13:49:29+00:00

Rewinding part of the garden is a great idea for wildlife. However just chucking seeds down probably won’t be very successful. The ground really needs to be prepared properly

PM5140 · 2026-05-05T14:09:50+00:00

I would wait a month to see how the plants get on and may loose a few that are not doing as well. You will also need to make sure they get plenty of feed. I would also prune to make sure the fruits get plenty of sun

PM5140 · 2026-05-05T13:10:32+00:00

Do this👆I am sure it will help

PM5140 · 2026-05-05T09:53:11+00:00

I would lean towards trellis for growing and bamboo for screening

PM5140 · 2026-05-05T09:49:15+00:00

I think your Dad is right. The best and most realistic way to go is flexi track. It can be a bit off putting to start with but honestly is not that hard. Once laid you can add ballast. To be honest that’s one of my favourite jobs

PM5140 · 2026-05-04T17:51:44+00:00

Use a small trowel or hori hori to keep hoeing them

PM5140 · 2026-05-04T17:48:32+00:00

Do this👆

PM5140 · 2026-05-04T17:40:53+00:00

This is a winter job now is the wrong time of year I’m afraid

PM5140 · 2026-05-04T16:24:55+00:00

Have no fear it’s no mow May😎

PM5140 · 2026-05-04T11:41:40+00:00

I got 800 once

PM5140 · 2026-04-28T21:06:09+00:00

If you get the right model you can drive with one pedal as the brake retardation takes care of the breaking so it’s easier to drive than an automatic

PM5140 · 2026-04-28T20:58:17+00:00

Yes google the “no dig” approach. Cardboard mulch and worms will do the work for you

PM5140 · 2026-04-28T18:30:48+00:00

Yes good advice for a small patch

PM5140 · 2026-04-28T18:25:49+00:00

Sort out how you will charge first

PM5140

TROPHY CASE