Daffodils and Diggers

Yes, it’s that time of the year again when they’re out in force, Daffodils and Diggers, that is!

It’s no mystery that everyone wakes up at the same time and suddenly notices that the garden needs sorting.

The days are getting longer, the plants are starting to grow and the birds are obviously feeling frisky.

As soon as buds start bursting we begin to notice the outside world again, very much like the creatures that will be coming out of hibernation.

Please Sir, can I have some more?

I’ve had a steady flow of enquiries from the first week in January.  This really ramps up by March, about the time when the Daffodils and Diggers are noticed out in force.  That’s the time when my email doesn’t stop pinging and my phone doesn’t stop ringing.

I’ve already got projects planned to be built in summer and by the end of the month my books will be pretty full for this year with only a few slots for Garden Design Consultations remaining.

The jobs that are being built this spring have been on the drawing board since as far back as September last year.  I have spent the winter drawing, discussing and honing designs to ensure that the clients’ vision can be implemented in spring.

Digger images courtesy of The Greatest Scapes  Completed Project 

Of course building work still goes on during the winter but it inevitably gets delayed due to bad weather.  One of my clients, known for her great sense of humour, was left with something resembling a mud mire to look at over the Christmas period.  Being a cheery soul she attempted to decorate the digger with tinsel.  Unfortunately the wind kept blowing it off so she gave up in the end but you have to admire her spirit.

Cosy Compartments

As you can see, it came good in the end.

So when you see those Daffodils and Diggers you know you need to have all your ducks in a row so to speak, if you want your garden ready to enjoy this summer.

Thanks to my dear friend Louise Green for the photo.

If you’re ducks aren’t already lined up here are a few tips on where to start.

Have a master plan: 

It can be a drawing, a written plan or simply in your head.  This way everything you do is working towards a final goal. This alleviates the problem of having to move things that have been inappropriately placed.   Projects can be tackled methodically in manageable sized chunks.

Having a Master Plan can save you time and money!

Creating that Master Plan: Firstly look at what you have, assess it and plan what you want from it.

Look what you’ve got:  What performed?  Don’t just think of plants; look at the garden as a whole.  Look at seating areas, arches, pergolas and paths? What is worth keeping? What needs moving and what needs removing?  What didn’t perform and why?  Does it need moving, splitting, pruning or throwing away?

What do you need:  Make a list and prioritise it.   Involve the whole family, consider making a mood board, the kids will love getting involved.  Don’t be afraid to dream, you can always rein it in later.

I can help to make your dream garden a reality? Don’t delay, get in touch today!

Till next month….. “Happy Gardening”