• E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Growing Greenfields

  • Home
  • The Journey So Far
  • Blog
    • IN THE GARDEN
    • DIY PROJECTS
    • FROM THE STITCHERY
    • AT THE TABLE
  • Say hello
  • Greenfield Stitchery

2021 Early Spring Garden Projects

IN THE GARDEN

3 Apr

Hello and welcome back to my blog, it’s been a long time. How are you?

We’re doing ok over here. We seem to have had a productive early spring here at Greenfield, with fairly little thought or planning. I know the need to keep our minds and hands busy has been the driving force, as we approach a year without our boy…

I was originally going to return to blogging a few months ago with a post about the projects we tackled last year, a summary of the growing year, the successes and failures in the garden, lessons learnt etc. but every time I sat down to write the words wouldn’t come. Last summer is all too jumbled up with grief to make sense of and I think it will likely stay that way. I did write a more personal update, which you can read here. 

So instead I am going to write about the coming year in the garden, my goals and dreams which come and go depending on my state of grief at the time I think of them. This IS meant to be a positive post, bare with me…

The plant theatre project finished last autumn

As far as I can remember, Spring has always been a happy time, a favoured season and usually after hibernating over winter come spring, I’m chomping at the bit to get outside. This was true even before I started gardening and slowed down to pay extra attention to all the magical little changes a new season brings. I mean who wouldn’t feel upbeat about lighter days, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin and the sights and sounds of new life. I’m torn now. Anxiety is the overriding emotion when I think about the weeks ahead. On one hand I’m grateful for the hopefulness a new growing season brings, but also deeply saddened when I think about all that was lost during this time. But still, one foot in front of the other right? We’re all (my husband, daughters and me) still trying to live, dream and thrive, and I think there is hope in that.

Anyway enough of the heavy, you likely stopped by for gardening chat, so onto that. Other than the seasonal sow, prune, plant, grow to do list; there was one major job I wanted to tackle this spring; moving the greenhouse!

Do you remember this post? Well the overriding decision to originally have the greenhouse in the nook by the garage was based on the previous owners having had one there. As beginners at the time, we thought there must be a reason, although my gut told me I would be moving this greenhouse in a couple of years. After puttering through the first couple of years with just ok tomatoes and chillies, the decision to move it was made last December.

So we switched the greenhouse with the shed in the kitchen garden. I will say moving a greenhouse is not for the faint hearted but Andrew and I are still speaking to each other so it can’t of been that bad. The girls also helped carry pieces up the hill to its new location. A pane of glass randomly shattered but thankfully there were no other major dramas, and the door shuts properly now, go figure!

A couple of tips if you’re tackling the same job this spring. Label each part to its corresponding partner. Buy a window sucker, they are not expensive at all and make the fiddly bits of glass fitting so much easier. If you lost the build instructions like I did, check on the manufacturers website, they almost always have a copy online. Have tea in constant supply to get you through. 

The difference the new position has made with all sides now in full sun from early morning is night and day. I’m excited to see how the heat loving crops will do this year in better conditions. I’ll likely need to pick up a few suction cup shade screens for the hottest days. A good problem to have I think.

So what did we do with the shed? Well that just happens to be the project I’m most excited for this year. We are turning it into produce pantry or cold store if you prefer.  Complete with insulation and a heat source of sorts, the 8 x 6 space will be designated for storing garlic, onions, potatoes, apples (if we’re lucky) root crops, squashes, dahlias and any preserves or chutneys I make. There is lots more on this project to come but right now its an empty shell, ready for the first phase. 

The beginnings of the produce pantry / cold store

The next project was planting up a border in the orchard. Late last summer we had a retaining wall built at the back of the border where I had already planted some Persicaria and Astrantia. Instead of buying more plants, I decided to gather up the self seeded foxgloves found on paths and other random spots to create a foxglove border. Andrew edged the bed in stone while I transplanted the seedlings.

Slide for the before and after of the foxglove border

I love how this unexpected project came together and I cannot wait to see how it blooms. The best part is it should keep on giving for free every year as the foxgloves reseed themselves.

I asked Andrew if he would build me a strawberry planter, in any style of his choice where I could pop in last years bare root plants together with peas. Well he knocked it out of the park as usual, he built a rustic dry stone raised bed repurposing stone from around the garden. I imagine strawberry runners cascading over the sides and peas climbing the obelisk. The two make great companion plants, and I should be able to net them easily if the birds discover their whereabouts.

Last but not least was the very beginnings of a major new garden project started just last week. This is the area behind the kitchen garden, which has admittedly been a bit of dumping ground for garden refuse over the past couple of years.

The embarrassing before shot…
…and from the other end. I know!

The first step was to have the space cleared, cue a friendly local chap with a digger, a friendly farmer with a trailer, and 2 days later it now looks like this.

The area is south westerly facing, and approximately 200 square metres in size. To say this space has potential would be an understatement. Andrew and I have talked about, chickens, a pond, compost bays, wildflowers and a man cave, but are yet to decide on a final plan. The soil is beautifully loamy and loose, but with how exposed this area is, it will be interesting to see how things grow.

I’m thinking we may just sow some veg crops and wildflower seeds to stop the weeds taking hold this season, and see how things do for a year. I quite like the idea of a temporary garden. Compost bays are high on the priority list though, so we will likely tackle that project sooner rather than later.

And that’s all for now. I’ve been documenting the seeds I’m sowing this year and all of the above projects over on instagram. There’s also an IGTV showing my method for growing early potatoes in grow bags, if you fancy giving it a go. I’m also growing ginger and luffas for the first time this year, should be interesting!

How has your growing season started? Are you growing anything new or working on any new areas? Let me know?

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” ~ Audrey Hepburn

Take care,

2 Comments

« 2020 Garden Plans & 5 Growing Tips for Beginners
Things to do in the Scottish Borders »

Comments

  1. Yali says

    April 5, 2021 at 6:01 pm

    A garden is such a healing place! Your Garden is wonderful! Andrew, you and kids are wonderful at working the land and enjoying it! Thanks for sharing the updates and all the projects with us, you certainly inspire me. The Produce pantry will certainly be a great addition and it will certainly be used lots! I am so happy I saw your account on Instagram! I always look forward to your post and content! May you have a wonderful day.

    Reply
    • dianayates says

      April 5, 2021 at 10:15 pm

      Such a lovely compliment Yali, thank you for following along and engaging. I appreciate it! Enjoy the rest of your week! x

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow the Diana Diaries on Youtube

Uploads from Diana Diaries
subscribeSubscribe to my channel
«
Prev
1
/
2
Next
»
loading
play
My Garden • Tulip Tour 🌷 #gardentour #tuliptour #tulip #shorts
play
Living Room Makeover Episode 1 - Chatting Paint, Fabrics, Upholstery, the Fireplace, & More! ☕️💛
play
2022 Winter Seed Sowing Update! // Diana Diaries
play
5 Garden Jobs to do in April 🌿
play
3 Spring Arrangements Using Garden Pickings & Alpines! 🌼🌿
play
Kitchen Garden Tour, Planting the First Crops & Cutting Back Perennials! // Diana Diaries
«
Prev
1
/
2
Next
»
loading

A Little About Us…

A spark has been ignited in both Andrew and I, to continue the garden transformation, grow more food and focus on the idea of creating a sustainable do it yourself lifestyle around us, incorporating our new found loves of sewing and even more DIY renovation projects.

Read more...

Browse by Category

  • DIY PROJECTS
  • FROM THE STITCHERY
  • IN THE GARDEN
  • ON THE TABLE
  • OUT OUT

growing_greenfields

growing_greenfields
Technically they are past their best, but to me th Technically they are past their best, but to me they are beautiful 😍🌿

#tulipseason #bloomsoftheday #instabloom #tulip #vasearrangement #fromthegarden #potager #bouquet
The best bits of an absolutely glorious tulip seas The best bits of an absolutely glorious tulip season 🥰🌷💛 swipe left 

#tulipsofinstagram #tulipseason #scottishgardens #planttheatre #containergarden #gardensofig #gardeninspiration #mygarden #countrygarden #mygardenthismonth 
#embracingtheseasons #greenfingers
The Bluebell is the sweetest flower That waves in The Bluebell is the sweetest flower
That waves in summer air:
Its blossoms have the mightiest power
To soothe my spirit’s care… Emily Brontë

#bluebellseason #countrygarden #countrygardensmagazine #scottishgarden #gardensofig #gardenlandscapes #gardenerworld #scotland #gardenbeauty #spring #springgarden #mycountryliving
The spent tulips from the trough were headed for t The spent tulips from the trough were headed for the compost heap, and a few made a detour to the living room. I cannot get over how tall and thick the stems are. They’re flouncy and fabulous and I love them. I meant to spread them round the house but can’t bring myself to separate this little group. Is it just me or is that bare patch of wall crying out for some little paintings? 😍🤔🌷 Have a lovely evening all! 

#livingroomdecor #ovalroomblue #mycountryhome #tulipsofinstagram #gardenjoy #scottishgarden #countryhomes #flowersfrommygarden #fireplacedecor #fabulousflowers #slowdecoration
Tulips in Belfast sinks, another to repeat next ye Tulips in Belfast sinks, another to repeat next year, especially as this is the view from my work studio. 🙌 Once they’re over I’ll replace them with African daisies which do really well in this area, need zero dead heading, and last until the first frost. Do you have a favourite annual or many favourites? 🥰 

#inspiremyinstagram #embracingtheseasons
#courtyardgarden #gardenviews #greenfingers #countrygarden #beechgrovegarden #gardendesign 
#gardeninspiration #gardensofig #scottishgarden #belfastsinks #welcometomygarden #mygardenthismonth #gardenersworld #gardeninguk #flowersfromthegarden #underthefloralspell #gardenjoy
Hello, I hope you are well? I realised on Saturday Hello, I hope you are well? I realised on Saturday morning after sleeping for a solid 8 hours (unheard of) that I’ve been holding my breath for what feels like months leading up to the two year mark. Now the day has past I feel like I can breathe again, the clouds have rolled away and hope is returning. It’s a better place to be. If you’re stuck in the dark, hold on, this too shall pass. 💛

(A throwback photo from the Oxford days) 

#hopeful #griefjourney #healingjourney #mentalhealthawareness #countrylife
Perfect pelargonium petals. This is ‘Regalia Cho Perfect pelargonium petals. This is ‘Regalia Chocolate’ loving life on a sunny windowsill. Have a lovely afternoon. 🌿

#pelargonium #indoorgarden #scentedpelargonium #freshblooms
Good morning, the kitchen garden has put on lots o Good morning, the kitchen garden has put on lots of growth in the past couple of weeks and beds are filling up. Peas, broad beans, carrots, kohlrabi, celeriac and potatoes have joined shallots, onions, garlic, and strawberries. I’m aiming for lots of colour in this spot throughout the year. First up tulips, followed by ranunculus and anemones then sweet peas, and dahlias. Here’s hoping for a summer of sunshine. 🌷💛 Happy Monday to you. 🌿

#kitchengarden #raisedbeds #raisedgardenbeds #tulipseason #potagergardening #scottishborders #gardeninspiration #growyourownfood #organicgrower #flowersandfood #gardening
The view from the sewing room, across the courtyar The view from the sewing room, across the courtyard, and up the hill to the kitchen garden… It’s amazing to think that in just a couple of weeks the shrubs in the foreground, the beech hedge, all the way up to the trees on the ridge will be gloriously green. I may even have some more tulips blooming by then, who knows. I hope today is being good to you! ☀️🧵🌳🌲🌷🌿💛

#gardenviews #countrygarden #hillsidegarden #countryliving #kitchengarden #gardeninspiration #gardenlandscapes #inmygarden #gardenjoy #cottagegardens 
#cottagegardenstyle #gardenviews #greenfingers #countrygarden #beechgrovegarden #gardendesign 
#gardeninspiration #gardensofig #scottishgarden #welcometomygarden #mygardenthismonth #gardenersworld
The sky seems extra big today, full of white tippe The sky seems extra big today, full of white tipped fluffy clouds moving a mile a minute. …I’ll be keeping the pots huddled  together a little longer until the cold snap passes. They are a mixture of tulips, daffodils, violas, pansies, euphorbia purpurea, forget-me-nots, hostas, and a few pots of alliums destined to be transplanted to the potager. I’m hoping to create a @clausdalby worthy display or two this year. My idea of garden joy! 🪴💛

#planttheatre #containergarden #containergardening #countrygarden #gardeninspiration #plants #gardenjoy #springdays #springgarden #bigskies
The foxglove border started last year will self se The foxglove border started last year will self seed and continue for many years to come. 🙌 My job for the week is to transplant any rogue foxglove seedlings I find dotted about paths and other random spots to this border to fill it up again. 🌿💛 (pic from last summer)

#foxgloves #freeplants #gardenstyle #gardeninspiration #garden #gardendesign #foxglove #countrygardens #selfseeded #natureatitsbest
Ready for April, the sunshine and the showers. 💛🌿

#springstyle #scottishstyle #countrystyle #countryliving #ladygardener #gardeners #styleinspo #countrywear #kilt #inthegarden #gardenjoy #garden
The daffodils are beginning to join the spring par The daffodils are beginning to join the spring parade and how welcome they are. 🌼💛🌿

#springgarden #inmygardentoday #gardenstagram #countrygarden #scottishborders #gardenjoy #springbulbs #gardenlandscapes #garden #momentsofmine
Glorious green tips of tulips and garlic, little b Glorious green tips of tulips and garlic, little broccoli trees, and clear blue skies in the kitchen garden today. 🌱🌿💛🌷

#kitchengarden #raisedbedgarden #growyourownfood #growyourown #vegpatch #scottishborders #tuliptrough #raisedbeds #gardenjoy #organicgrowing #hopespringseternal
Today summed up: sleeping in, birdsong, sunshine, Today summed up: sleeping in, birdsong, sunshine, dog walks, broccoli picking, seed sowing, good food, did I mention sunshine. 🙌

Happy Spring Day to you! Here’s to a new chapter and a fresh start. How lucky we are to have them. 💛🌿

#springequinox #springday #countryliving #kitchengarden #thankful #sundaywellspent #raisedbedgarden #growyourownfood #growyourown #inmygarden #inmygardentoday #sundaystyle #inmyyaks
Friday is that you? I’ve so many garden plans bu Friday is that you? I’ve so many garden plans buzzing around my head for the weekend. We have double digit temps on the forecast and I cannot wait to sit outside with a cuppa and just soak it up! But first a day of sewing!🧵🪡 🥰 Have you any plans?💛

#gardenplans #jobsfortheweekend #greenhousegrowing #growingmyownfood #organicgardening #kitchengarden
There’s a new post up on the blog today if you f There’s a new post up on the blog today if you fancy a read. 🌿💛

#lastsummerdays #gardeninspiration #dahlias #dahlialove #potagergarden #potager #gardenblogger #gardenjoy
Ridiculous really 😍 …good morning 💛 #reds Ridiculous really 😍 …good morning 💛

#redskyatmorning #magicmoments #scottishborders
Snaps from yesterday. I’ve heard many times that Snaps from yesterday. I’ve heard many times that dogs make the best companions through grief, and that couldn’t be truer for this little snuggle bum. My Coco bean 💛 🐾 

#girlsbestfriend #terrier #minidoberman #countrysidelife #countryliving #griefjourney #freshairtherapy #scottishborders #barbourwayoflife #bodenbyme
Yesterday at the bench🐞 A symbol of protectio Yesterday at the bench🐞 

A symbol of protection, healing, grace and inner peace. A positive sign to hold on to, and one to share. 💛🌿
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Stay up to date

Subscribe to get all the latest

Copyright © Growing Greenfields • All rights reserved | Built and developed by Hello White Space

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsAcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT