Putting grids and angles to work...

A plan of the new layout.
But colours shown here are nothing like the original.


I decided to place some paths and beds at an angle to boundaries. This does two things - firstly it will help to widen the look of the plot and secondly it adds interest to a grid design that is very geometric. The grid is the most efficient way to enclose the raised beds.

Women may be temperamental but...

... computers are much worse! Technology is a wonderful thing until it won't do what you want. An example plan will follow soon...

MyVeggieHaven - "Veggie patch to kitchen in less than 20 paces"

Infact I can get from kitchen door to the farthest reaches of my garden in about 20 paces! Yes it is fairly small! So the challenge I have set myself is to design a productive and attractive garden with some fruit and veggie growing space. I will be finding out just how productive the kitchen-garden beds can be, only totalling about 12 square metres! I have tried to fit in more growing space, but one runs into problems like restricted access and a sharp downturn in aesthetics and suchlike. To use space as effectively as possible I will be including fruit cordons and hanging baskets for strawberries and will use other container growing ideas. I will also use rainwater collection from the greenhouse and garage roof for watering in dry weather.

Natural granite setts in a circular design will form a major feature on the ground and this area will be used for additional seating. It is some years since I grew veggies and so I am really looking forward to getting started and have been re-reading my old RHS course notes and various books. I'll be using organic methods and will be including a wide range of plants to encourage a mini eco-system and biodiversity. I may even include a bee-hive if there is space.

Bugs have rights too!

Someone's recent question "Are you an organic designer?"was followed by a rather long list of further horticultural questions about organic practice.
Organic practice is to do with sustainable gardening. It's to do with being part of a larger ecosystem and finding ways to contribute not just to take. For a naturally inclined garden owner there are so many ways to be a benefactor. Try to incorporate into a garden scheme some plants that attract bees and butterflies. And then there's the principles of 'Permaculture' for those interested. Like most of life it is a process of continual learning, so more about 'the natural garden' no doubt will follow this posting.