Help me love my garden please

[piskieinboots]

Since moving to this MQ* in Bedfordshire I am really really struggling to love and feel inspiration for this garden. Not sure why, because I've never had a problem with any patch I've had in nearly twenty years of military moving.

I put a patio in here, Snowdrop put my greenhouse up, we have put in the usual (link-a-bord, for speed) raised beds - yet still I can't bond with it. Why? What is so different for this patch of ground to any other?

I write, on a monthly basis, for another (!) gardening publication but am really struggling to find passion to find interesting stuff here to relay to them.

When we moved here in May it was sort of understood that this will be our last post till Snowdrop retires and would therefore be here for nearly six years - now I find we may be moving (yet again) in 18 months time.

Enough wiffle - send me inspiration, passion and instructions on how to love this garden please - thank you

In case you don't know my history:
*MQ = married quarter, which is a house on military camp

[Jeanied]

Maybe you didn't really want to move Piskie? How do you feel about the house?
If it were me I'd go for some of the more transient things to grow and give interest - like annual climbers (ipoemea, cobea scandens, tropaeolum speciosum etc) rigged up on trellis panels.
Or experiment with a style you wouldn't normally go for - again using annuals and whatever is a bargain in Wilcos. Try out new flowers instead of new veg - or vice versa. Make a formal garden if you prefer informal. Try some trompe l'oeil effects or use some fabric panels as well as plants.
Obviously not in this weather - but how does it look in the snow? That may be a good place to begin as it masks all the small details and forces you to look at structure.
Or post some photos on here and we can suggest things!

[Nicos]

Did you feel that way before you knew that you may be moving???

How about inviting peeps over for a BBQ ...yup- coats and snow n all- just to feel it's a more sociable place?( they probs already know you're mad!)

I know when we have peeps to stay we tend to get suck into a task to make the place look nicer indoors- so maybe the same goes for outdoor entertainig???

Isn't it as private as the previous garden???

Tubs, bulbs,annuals- get some colour into it so it feels more inviting??
Lots of bird hangers etc ...and take piccies of them being used.

[Jeanied]

I know - just had an idea - how about running loads of strings of lights round the garden? Fairyland (inspired by your Christmas avatar, Piskie!)

[piskieinboots]

Maybe you didn't really want to move Piskie? How do you feel about the house?

I'm fine with moving - tis part of his job spec. I have always viewed each new patch as a blank canvas project and have always done masses of work and left them in a lovely condition.

The house - I shall never warm to it.

Did you feel that way before you knew that you may be moving???

Isn't it as private as the previous garden???

To an extent, yes I did - I just assumed it was taking a little time to settle on this move. Although I had planned to plant a tree in one of the corners, I don't feel inclined to do that now.

The garden is much more exposed and open to the last one.

I am feeling self-pitying because at least I have a blinking garden and a warm house
*slaps Piskie
*bad Piskie

Thanks for some thoughts and ideas

[taff]

Sounds like you can't be bothered to do anything to it because you're moving again, so what's the point of putting long lasting things in place when they'l be gone again before long.

Maybe container gardening, nurture some stuff that'll take a while to grow that you can take with you next time.
Maybe also see if there's a local gardening club, meeting with other people who have a passion for it might help.

[weekendwellies]

Have you had a housewarming? If not why not have one and tell everyone to bring 'something' for the garden, but dont give them any ideas about what you want and then use whatever turns up. Could be chairs, pots, plants, lights, ornamentals, you never know what people bring.

[lettucegrow!]

It's probably 'cos you know you're going to be moving soon, 18 months isn't it long is it? It must also be hard to get enthusiastic about a garden attached to a house you are not particularly keen on. Isn't the garden just an extension of the house.
I'd go with taffs idea of containers, you could do a pretty winter one, winter cyclamen, skimmia etc.Good luck.x

[SarzWix]

(((((hugs)))))

I sort of know how you feel - I hate this house (although I know I should be grateful for it) and it's definitely spilled over into the garden. Both front and back are neglected because I put the effort into the allotments instead, as I'd much rather be there...

Not sure what to suggest, except that if you're really disliking the house, then the garden needs to be a refuge from it. I'd plant the tree anyway; even if you might be moving on, it will still give pleasure while you're there. Maybe use some trellis and some planting to create some private corners so that it doesn't feel so 'open'?

And as for what to write about, well, the problems involved with creating a garden that inpires passion when it isn't one you chose yourself will probably resonate with quite a lot of people; there are a lot of people stuck in the rental trap at the moment, and still more likely to end up in it.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Pot up loads of Spring bulbs - it will make you feel like you are doing something and will look lovely in due course too.

Who isn't feeling unmotivated about their garden when it is minus something outside, and it is snowy? If you still feel the same way in March when the bulbs are poking their optimistic shoots up, ask again then.

[piskieinboots]

You are all wonderful - thank you

(((group hug)))

[binley100]

It must be hard when you can't put down roots for any length of time... Like others have said I'd go with things that are moveable , pots, bird tables maybe the odd piece of garden art and loads of annuals to brighten it up in the summer.

[zazen999]

Right Pisk....now look here......

Moving is one of the most stressful events as you well know and you are probably still annoyed at having to lose so many plants due to annoying movers who wouldn't take stuff....so you are just going to have to let that go.

Some gardens are just rubbish - but you have to decide what you realistically want out of them in the time that you are there....and knowing it could be 18 months, and that you will lose things when the movers refuse to take them again is probably having an effect.

So - ask yourself what you want out of your garden, and what you think is feasible to take next time around and work around that.

And if all else fails; a sunlounger and a hooge bag of wildflower mix and somewhere to sit your glass of cinzano and lemonade.

Or you could put it over to growing seedlings, and sell them on ebay and give yourself something to think about whilst you decide.

[Two_Sheds]

are you feeling down anyway, or is it just the garden?

[Bigmallly]

Sounds like you're having a bit of a S.A.D time of it.

Seasonal affective disorder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia