Gardening

My back garden is not very large and has the disadvantage of being on a steep hillside. However, it does face due south, and catches the sunshine all day. The garden is also surrounded by a tall stone wall which keeps out a great deal of wind, add to this the fact that is situated on the south coast of England; all of which gives the garden a very mild microclimate. Half hardy plants such as Dahlias, Pelagoniums and summer flowing bulbs can be left in the ground all year.

When we first moved in, the slope was such that after rain it was very difficult to keep one’s balance, so the first job was to terrace the whole area. This was achieved by dividing the garden into three, a large central terrace laid mainly with slabs; with a step down to a smaller one and also a step up to the third. At the same time a small pond was constructed approximately 8’ by 5’ and 18” deep. This was originally home to a dozen or so small fish and a number of plants. Now, the fish have dwindled to six which are very large (the Koi Carp have difficulty turning round) and one water-lily. In addition a filter and pump have to be left on 24/7 in order to aireate the water.