Not much work was carried out in the garden, other than general tidying up, in September as we were away the first 3 weeks, then a week was spent recovering from the flights and the jet leg, then I started a new job.
Everything was so dry on our return. The ground was cracked as was the fruits and the tomato vines had collapsed with the weight and a lot of fruit had started to rot on the ground.
Anything that had survived was small in size and was starting to be eaten by insects.
There was a lot that was salvageable and very tasty.
The lawn obviously node mowing, but there had just about been the right amount of rain to stop it drying out, but not too much rain for it to have grown out of control.
I love the little flower growing in the cracks. It's been repotted now.
A mouse got into the cushion box.
I hoped I could protect the melons from the insects by reusing the mice nibbled cushion cover, I failed.
I reached genius level with this. Bamboo canes to direct the over flow from the water butt directly into the bucket.
At some point I'll have to speak to next door about her ivy plant, last time it over grew our fence causing it to collapse, she's rarely at home and we did have tenants who failed to keep up with garden maintenance.
More crops from the garden.
The cantaloupe melons were small but delicious. I cut around where they'd been nibbled and had enough for 2 servings.
I've kept the seeds for next year.
Pots have been moved around, wooden cold frame in it's winter position and plastic cloche set up.
Pruning of the olive and rose bush before the first frosts.
Herbs repotted and moved to the front door step
Pumpkins grown from seed. I got the seeds from Canna at the Three Counties Autumn show last year from a previous World Record Pumpkin.
knock on the pumpkins and if they sound wooden then they're ready to harvest.
There's still a bit of colour in the garden, some geraniums and I've planted pansies in the hanging basket out the front.
We've had more beans and tomatoes and whilst the peppers were small they were very tasty.
That's a shame your garden didn't fare well while you were away but it looks like the insects had a feast. Those little flowers that appear between the cracks are always so pretty.
ReplyDeleteGood job with the melons, I tried this year but they came to nothing. I will try again though. I didn't know that about knocking on the pumpkins to see if they're ready. I will have to remember that!
I was surprised the lawn did as well as it did though
DeleteI love that little flower growing to the cracks. I always feel like there's a life lesson in such things.
ReplyDeleteThere sure is
DeleteIt looks like there was some successes with the garden fending for itself - and still a good crop to return to. I always love to find 'free' plants in the paving cracks, especially pretty ones like that. #PoCoLo
ReplyDeletethe little flower was so prominent. the rest of the garden did well left to it's own devices
DeleteI always enjoy your garden posts, and you inspire me to try to do more in our UK garden. I think your garden survived pretty well during your absence, especially as you still had some fresh produce! #pocolo
ReplyDeleteThank you, I just felt a little sad that so much went to waste
DeleteYou still have crops and the garden looks beautiful. I've planted some sturdy winter salad this autumn, it keeps up with the snow and minus degrees.
ReplyDeletethank you, I was surprised at how well the garden did in our absence
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