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Gardens & Allotments

Author Message
Scipio
Joined 08-05-2005
Posted on Thursday, 08 March, 2007 - 01:48 pm:   

On a glorious Spring day like today, aren’t those of us with them lucky to have a garden or allotment to enjoy! Anyone planting something unusual or developing an interesting project?
Bigjulie
Joined 09-04-2005
Posted on Friday, 09 March, 2007 - 12:47 am:   

I've pruned me roses.....
Pvp
Joined 17-03-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 14 March, 2007 - 09:35 am:   

I must say the magnolia tree by the school on Perry Vale is looking most fine.
Scipio
Joined 08-05-2005
Posted on Tuesday, 20 March, 2007 - 02:52 pm:   

Last weekend we visited old friends who are developing a couple of interesting projects for their 1970s semi. They want to install a rainwater- harvesting scheme but more urgently need to work out how to ward off “new neighbour” conflict over the limited parking spaces in their road. Embarrassing when this happens when family or friends come to visit.

Tentative solution is to break up the concrete drive and paths at the front of the house. Hard work but allows a fundamental redesign with generous tyre width segments made of a porous hard material softened by a new planting scheme - could also include rainwater-saving element here. The redesign creates extra parking space when required but reverts to a front garden most of the time. I suggested planting low-growing thymes. Can SE23 gardeners recommend some other robust plants?
Sherwood
Joined 30-03-2005
Posted on Tuesday, 20 March, 2007 - 03:56 pm:   

I think camomile is supposed to be robust. It used to be used for lawns.
Broadbeanster
Joined 12-02-2007
Posted on Friday, 23 March, 2007 - 02:11 pm:   

camomile lawns are only really great if you have minimal tread otherwise it doesn't really wear well... so robust it aint.

www.crocus.co.uk is a good site with good advice on plants and you don't have to purchase anything...
Roz
Joined 17-03-2005
Posted on Saturday, 24 March, 2007 - 11:35 am:   

I read somewhere about some protective matting on which cars can stand but through which plants and grasses can grow. I think low growing thymes are fairly robust, and you get the scent when they are walked/driven on. If I find the article I'll put it on here.
Roz
Joined 17-03-2005
Posted on Sunday, 25 March, 2007 - 09:41 am:   

Found the article- try
www.technix-rubber.com
or
www.perfo-uk.com for ground reinforcing systems you can park on with a lawn underneath.
Scipio
Joined 08-05-2005
Posted on Tuesday, 03 April, 2007 - 03:17 pm:   

Thanks for your contributions and the website details re reinforcing systems. Selection of low-growing thymes remains the preferred choice. Working from home last week, I took the opportunity for a quick look at the range stocked by Shannon’s. Also visited Crystal Palace’s Secret Garden (with a quick stop at Blackbird Bakery) before getting back into work mode.
Scipio
Joined 08-05-2005
Posted on Tuesday, 05 June, 2007 - 05:40 pm:   

Sunday afternoon’s opening of Culverley Green sounds worth a look - comes with plants for sale, tea & cakes, face-painting and a band. Hop on a 185 bus to Catford. More info at <<www.opensquares_loirevalleywines.prg.detail/Culverley.html>>.
Bigjulie
Joined 09-04-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 09:47 am:   

Devonshire Road Nature Reserve is also open as part of the opensquares / Loire valley wines events.
Saturday 9th 12-4pm