Garden Update - Spring

Sorry for the huge gap between posts, let's just say life has been turned upside down since June and things are only now slightly more back on track (in a very loose way!).

My loyal garden companion

Thought you would like a bit of an update on our garden which seems to be on a bit of a winning streak at the moment as our plantings really grow into their surroundings.

At long last we have some lovely white flowers on our wisteria, which I am particularly proud of as these are the first flowers since we planted it four years ago.

All the trees are looking a little harsh just now as we gave them a major winter prune, however they will grow lots this year and fill out in no time.

The prune was well worth it as we have got rid of all the high branches and thinned out so we can grow better fruit and actually be able to pick it.

We have planted a new tree to replace the dead walnut that we cut down. It is a golden elm and we are very pleased that it is growing well and know it will look amazing in another 5 to 10 years!

The front beds slowly filling up with plants

The front garden is full of roses and we have also yanked out some more agapanthas to increase the size of the beds. Now that I have found some hardy plants that can survive the rubbish soil in the front beds I am having a lot more success.

The idea is that the main front bed will be agapantha free by next winter and we will have lots of lovely shrubs and flowers in there instead. I'd say we are now 80% well on the way.

Our new garden bed plantings

The mower broke, so I have been paying someone to do the lawns instead and have discovered they do a much better job than Mr L'Orange. 

Weed free, freshly cut lawns - beautiful

Now he gets to enjoy three hours of not cutting the grass at the weekends and I get to enjoy a beautiful lawn all through the week - it is a win win situation.

The lavender hedge is looking lovely at the moment

Hope you like the garden at the moment as much as I do. Until next time.

Our main bee attraction in the garden

Garden Inspiration - Melbourne Garden & Flower Show

Earlier this year we went to the Melbourne Garden & Flower Show for a massive inspiration fix. We took Mr L'Orange's parents and had a great day of garden hints, tips, ideas & creativity.

Given the stark and bare winter season in our garden at the moment, I thought it would be really nice for us all to get in the mood and soak up a little bit of professional garden inspiration.

These are some pictures of a 'Garden Library', I would so love to have one of these in our garden all to myself, I think it would also be a lot cheaper & easier than some of our more ambitious reno projects.

This picture is to inspire us to try some espalier apple trees this spring.

Clearly someone else has been inspired by my blog post to paint up some old pots! Love how this is so simple but very striking.

A beautiful tranquil pond - completely amazing how the garden teams managed to set all this up in just a few days.

Outdoor bathroom? Yes please - how amazing does this look? Need to ensure you have good screening from the neighbours though!

One thing I have realised from the show, is how effective mass planting can be, especially when a very focussed colour palate is used. Take a look at this gorgeous garden of texture and colour.

Decisions, decisions - should I have a bath, relax n the lounger or have a go on the swing - this garden has you spoilt for choice!

So calm and peaceful, you can imagine every worry disappearing as soon as you enter this garden.

Some good use for old wellies!

Hanging baskets full of flowers always need so much water that I've found it hard to keep mine going through the middle of an Australian summer, but a succulent hanging basket lasts all year and can brighten up even the shadiest corner. 

I have a hanging basket at the ready and plenty of succulent cuttings I can use, just need a spare couple of hours. I'm going to put my finished creation right next to the front door, which allows visitors to see it when they arrive and I can gaze at it from the dining table - I better make a good one!

This was one of our favourite gardens because it was simple but super effective and we thought we actually might have a chance at recreating this water feature at home - watch this space!

Hope you all have a great weekend!