The much welcome higher temperatures are having their effect and growth in the garden is very apparent. Roses, irises, phlox and clematis are all pushing out new shoots. But I’ve not been doing much gardening this week. I’ve been observing the garden through the window as the new path is being laid.
One
My old path was broken, uneven and collected water. The new path will be well drained, carefully sloped and smooth. But I am already missing the patina and idiosyncrasies of the old path’s age. The builders are taking great care to keep the new path clean but I will be out there soon rubbing in the mud and possibly some yoghurt!
Two
In another area of the garden I am replacing a very broken up brick path and here I am using brick again. I’m slightly curious about the brick with the number on it but I feel much happier about this path as the clay bricks already have an aged feel. This was the most dangerous path in the garden, twisted ankles beckoned at every step. I am looking forward to striding down this path with confidence.
Three
The laying of the paths sadly means that some things in the garden get trampled on or have been dug up to allow for the base to be laid. I don’t think I will see any fritillaries this year and I know that one or two tulips have been snapped off. As I always say ‘you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs’. And of course I will have the chance to add something new to omelette! On the upside I will lose the ugly concrete edges and gain a precious couple of inches of border.
Four
I managed to get out the greenhouse this morning and was very pleased to see that the rocket seed sown on 16 February has germinated. The sweet peas sown at the same time are only just breaking the surface but they too are on their way.
Five
My daffodils are still in bud, the pheasant eye narcissus are coming along but the pulmonaria is definitely in flower. The clump was planted last year from divisions given to me by a friend. I think I’m going to divide this up again this year and use it to soften the edges of that new path.
Six
And here’s a couple of new ingredients for that omelette. Some nerines – bowdenii Ostara, and dahlias. The dahlias are a combination of greeny whites and are destined for pots. The path should be finished by Wednesday, whereupon I will become a gardener again.
I hope you have all been able to get to your garden and observe all the changes taking place. Pop along to The Propagator to see what else is going on in gardens around the world.
n20gardener 
Interesting! A path made of clingfilm. 😉 Will be very easy to keep clean. That brick path looks like it’s been there for years; the aged brick look is way better than that of modern engineering bricks. I doubt you’ll get much gardening done the first day after handover – you’ll be too engrossed in merrily tripping (pardon the pun) along all your new paths. And bulk-buying rolls of cling film.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wish I could have more brick paths in the garden. Can’t wait to be out there using them.
LikeLike
Lovely to see the changes you’re making in your garden. Your brick path looks smashing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All paths lead to Rome … I hope that with your new paths you will soon appreciate the changes in your garden! I’m waiting for the new overview, the brick one is already beautiful..!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Any plan coming to fruition in the garden just is cause for bliss. You’ll be enjoying your new paths season after season. Your pulmonaria is looking great, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love some brick paths! Your pulmonaria is looking lovely – mine are still a soggy mess.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope your pulmonariacome through. Mine were a bit brown on one side so some leaf trimming was called for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pulmonaria is a new plant for me over here in the antipodes. I’ve just googled it. No wonder no one calls it by its common name! Sadly I won’t be able to grow it….completely wrong climate here, I think.
LikeLike
Shame that pulmonaria won’t work for you. It’s a great early flowerer here. The leaves are a bit bristley though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sweet peas do not get sown directly? I would think that they would be difficult to transplant. They do not do well here. Some of us sow them in autumn and let the small vines just loiter through winter so that they can bloom about now. They do not have much time left in our climate. I did not grow any this year, but would have sown them not too long ago. I do not like letting them look weedy through winter. My niece in Los Angeles loves ‘April in Paris’ for the fragrance, and mixes it with other brightly colored varieties.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I sowed some in autumn which need to be planted out now. The February sown ones are for my main displays and won’t go out for a few months. Flowering time will probably be June. The summer fragrance is lovely. It’s interesting to hear that sweet peas are just about to flower in your neck of the woods.
LikeLike