ARCHIVE PAGE: this website is gradually being updated from April 2022
Maintaining the Garden Talk
My garden talks are illustrated with slides, projected from a computer using a data projector.
To give a flavour of what is included, I have uploaded the slides for this talk as pdf files, though in practice they are Powerpoint files. I have split the talk into sections to reduce the waiting time when downloading the files to view, and of course there is no commentary, which I provide in person when giving the talk. Some slides do, however, have explanatory annotation on them. The content of the talk does change fairly regularly (as the garden changes).
Despite these limitations, the files should still provide a reasonable idea of what this talk is about.
Introduction
The talk starts with a brief history of the garden in the 30 years we have been here.
Compost
A major time consuming task in the garden, but one which is integral to the way the garden is managed.
Fruit and vegetables
We don't grow a lot of fruit and vegetables, but those we do grow all require their own maintenance routines. Some get a little less than they deserve.
Lawn
The lawn is not particularly large, and has reduced in size over the years as areas have been cut away for planting. What is left still requires some regualr work.
Mulch
A feature designed to reduce maintenance, which it does to a reasonable extent. Used as much for decoration as for weed supression.
Paths
Paths are the key design feature in the garden, linking and separating different areas and allowing access throughout. They have their own problems and demands.
Pests and problems
Just a few of the many nuisances that challenge the desired order of things.
Topiary
There are many different topiary forms around the garden, and the boundary hedges can be added to the annual clipping cycle to make up a sizeable time commitment.
Trees
Like any other plant, trees require maintenance - pruning, shaping, and eventually removal and replanting.
Watering
Growing plants in pots and baskets requires a regular routine of watering, mainly done with rainwater from water butts using watering cans.
Weeds and thugs
The common weeds are all present - bindweed, ground elder, dandelion, celandine, buttercup, self-heal, plantain .... Thugs are those plants introduced deliberately that have their own idea on how much of them there should be.
Wildlife
Watching, photographing and feeding wildlife are everyday occupations, as well as planting appropriately to encourage birds, insects and animals to make their garden their home, or at least a regular visiting place.
Contacts
Looking up the garden towards the shed
Email and phone
- e-mail: info@oldfern.co.uk
- Telephone: 01751 476005
- Mobile: 07881 209459
Mailing Address
- Steve Fearnley
- Garth End Cottage
- Roxby Road
- Thornton le Dale
- North Yorkshire
- YO18 7SX
- (United Kingdom)