Taming the jungle

Now that I have more time at home I have made some progress in the taming of my jungle, alias Five Years' Hard Labour. But progress is painfully slow. This place was abandonned for six years, and when I first moved in I thought its name should be changed to Bramblewood due to the massive triffid-like growth of brambles. But today I have actually managed to clear an area which once was apparently terraced flower beds. It's only a small area, but very satisfying. Should have taken some before and after shots!

So far, apart from an empty vodka bottle and a couple of beer cans, I've also discovered lurking in the growth a car seat cover, three flower pot trays, two dog's bowls, various bits of plastic and plastic bags, and my septic tank. Also an azalea I didn't know I had.

Looking forward to a bonfire to get rid of all the stuff cleared so far. (Though *cough* we are not supposed to burn...so may do it on Christmas Day.)

Re: Taming the jungle

Plus two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

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Well I think I have at least a pear tree...

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Hello Ania
So nice to see a thread in gardening at this time of year. Apart from being winter and wet and cold out there, we are all worrying about christmas.

I wish you had taken photographs (says she who can't put a picture on!)

I know it is hard work, clearing a big area but imagine how thrilled you will be when it is done...a satisying job.
Pots and trays you find, you can keep ... we all end up with a big pile and they are always useful

Now you have a new azalea to admire in spring too.
Good luck with it all and please keep up posted here, on your progress.

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Thanks for the encouragement, Janela! The nice thing is that since retiring I can actually make a prolonged assault on the jungle - we've had two mainly dry weeks recently which has given me the chance to do a bit every day. When I was working I had to hope that the odd day off had suitable weather, which usually it didn't...Little by little...

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That's great progress Ania, you deserve a pat on the back, well done you.

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What are you going to plant in the garden once it has been cleared Ania

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I was wondering too Meg
Was thinking, are you going for a bit of veg? Ania.
I have to be honest, I've been guilty of looking at plant and seed catalogues this week

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....and I have just purchased my runner beans having eaten the last of the frozen ones which were lovely and full of flavour this year .

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Will eventually do some veg, but the area I am currently clearing will likely be rockery stuff. To be honest, I suspect that it will be another year before I can plant it. The roots of what has been there are so extensive that I suspect in the spring and summer I will have to do repeated spraying with weedkiller before I can even think about planting new stuff.
Have been thinking about suitable veg, though. What do you suggest as being the best things to grow when I am a household of just one?