"Bluebell Bliss: A Cottage Garden Favorite in Transition"

Today, I found myself unable to plant my beloved roses, despite envisioning the elegant trellis adorned with blooms gracing the bottom of the garden. Alas, the day unfolded differently.

Instead, I dedicated my time to clearing the vibrant Bluebells that had once danced in the gentle breeze. Though lovely in their time, they’ve finished blooming and, in their departure, have sadly depleted some of my other cherished plants of their much-needed nourishment and moisture. The garden now appears rather bare and sparse, yet I choose to see it as a blank canvas waiting to be adorned.

After a long day of meticulous clearing, I am rather worn out, and my back twinges with remembrance of the labor. Tomorrow, I shall turn my attention to the right side of the garden and the charming rockery beneath the grand ash tree.

Yet, amidst the fatigue, I can’t help but feel excited about the possibilities that lie before me. With the space I’ve reclaimed, I now have the delightful opportunity to reorganize, envisioning where new plants could flourish.

Soon, I’ll also welcome the arrival of my pond plants, and I must not forget the lovely floating planter pots that found their way to me just yesterday!

With the addition of two plastic tubs and two vintage metal buckets, along with my spare solar-powered water feature pump, I envision digging small havens throughout the garden to create enchanting micro habitats for wildlife.

Water is a precious resource, especially as we’ve been graced by little rain in recent weeks, and I can’t wait to see how these ponds will attract our delightful friends of the natural world.

The evening drew to a close with me giving the garden a refreshing drink. Though rain is promised to grace us overnight, I remain a skeptic of the weather app’s predictions! 

In the midst of all this joyous work, I’ve realized I might need to order an additional bin for my garden waste. My compost bin is overflowing, and I’ve had to resort to an old black bin for the excess. With another bin on wheels filled to the brim, an Amazon order seems imminent tonight, hoping for another garden waste bin to arrive tomorrow.

As I sit here, savoring the serenity of my little garden retreat, I feel grateful for the opportunity to nurture this cottage garden—a truly quintessentially British countryside dream blooming with life and natural beauty.

Warmly, Lindsay Blair 

Friday 23rd May 2025