garden

I've been desperate to sort our garden out so that we can take full advantage of the wonderful summer we're having so far. It's a tiny space (you're looking at almost the full width in that photo), but it's all we've got (well, along with an even smaller space out front) although we do have plans to make it a little bigger (in the near future hopefully). In the mean time though I've been really wanting to buy some flowers and veg and get planting, so that we could both make the best of what we have and make the most of it, by growing some of our own food as well as making it a lot prettier.

One of the problems though has been a lack of time and confidence. Weekends are a bit of a conundrum for me these days. On the one hand Jim's around so I should be working. But on the other hand Jim's around so I want to be spending time with the family. And then of course there's the housework and the decorating and the cooking and everything else that I want to do in those precious two days. So gardening, which is something that I have little experience of, is always bottom of the list because I never really know where to start.
Today though I went shopping with Hazel. We started at Ikea and bought succulents, hydrangeas and purple things (no idea!) and then went to B&Q and bought carrots, lettuce and purple sprouting broccoli as well as some Dahlia's and some different purple things (still no idea!). Then when we got home I opened a beer and watched as Hazel very patiently planted up most of the new purchases with the help of the girls. How's that for friendship? Seriously, that Hazel's a good egg!

And of course now that it's started I'm overly excited to keep going with it all. And I'm really excited about growing veg and teaching the girls that we can grow our own food, especially as Bella's at the "where does it come from stage" (did I mention that she asked me the classic "but how do babies get in your tummy" question the other day? Always a good one!). And Hazel's promised to keep us on track, which is good because this stuff also makes me a little nervous.

Comments

[Tia Webb]

My three year old asked that dreaded question the other week, I was straightish and told her that daddy and mummy had a very special cuddle and daddy planted a seed in mummy's tummy and that's what grew into a baby.

This appeared to satisfy her and I let out a big "phew".Four hours later at dinner with my parent's a little voice pipes up....."how does he get the soil in there to make it grow??????"

Needless to say, once explained, everybody died laughing but OMG kids say the funniest things!!!

T xxx

[Jenny]

The succulents (and cacti if you don't have small children around) at Ikea are wonderful and so cheap, it's too tempting not to go out with a new one each time you go there! Planting is fun at any age, children don't get enough dirt nowadays.

[Qalballah]

We got our own (half plot) allotment this year; its a LOT of work (to get started) but I've noticed that the kids really are enjoying eating straight from the source. Ever thought about going for one? You don't have to farm all of the plot; the guy next to us has left his as a wild area to support wildlife and we're going to try to leave a portion wild and add a pond for frogs. Nothing like getting your hands dirty when you're a kid!

[sue]

How much fun is that for you all! A great way for the whole family to help out. We just planted our winter vegie patch 2 weekends ago but now I have to figure out how to keep away the garden pests. Love Lily's curls too, how cute. You should make them some little gardening aprons!

[mickie]

Your garden looks lovely and a great way to become a gardener is to simply learn by doing. You just enjoy the plants and remember to water them when the soil is dry. You will be fine. Loved the pic of the little one enjoying the soil :D!!!

[Kristy]

You think I can put Hazel to work in the garden when she visits me?!

[Esther]

I've had a lot of how do babies get in there recently as well. We have an allotment and I'd second that they are great if hard work to start. My boys love it though.. Fruit picking is well worth doing as well. Both mine loved it and the 15 month old looked like and extra from a horror movie he was so covered in strawberry juice but the farm people didn't mind at all.

[Keri]

Congratulations on gardening! Careful, it's addictive!

[Ruth]

that's it - get them started early then you can sit back while they do all the work.
Could your purple/blue flowers in pic 1 be campanula / lobelia? and in pic 4 - salvia?

Here's my "baby" when she used to help me in the garden http://craftypeople.wordpress.com/2007/11/10/my-new-best-friend

[julie]

looks like they are having lots of fun with the gardening! Love Lilly's curls - and Bella's looking more beautiful than ever, hope she's feeling better after her cold.

[Sarah Smith]

Hi Manda

I love the pictures of Bella and Lily helping with the gardening.

One suggestion for you to try is some herbs. They will grow well in pots and can be added to salads as well as been used in other things too.

[Toni]

The girls are so adorable and growing so fast! I really see Jim in Lily.

Succulents are fantastic! You will love them. Our patio becomes a second living area for us during the summer. It feels like we've added on to the house because we're out there so much--eating, reading, talking, napping, playing, and of course doing nothing :)

[Global city condo]

Hi Manda

they are really enjoying their garden activity..

[Jo White]

Hi Manda
We have a tiny garden too, and I didn't have the least idea about gardening - and I still don't! But someone told me to just bung it all in and see what happens - and that's a really good way to learn. My tip is Mange Tout - easy peasy (ha ha!)and quick to grow and the seeds are big, so good for little hands. You also get loads from one plant, so you won't have to give up too much of your garden to them :)
Jo

[Hena Tayeb]

wonderful pictures. it's great that your children are having fun with the gardening.

[jen]

Growning your own veggies is economical but really the best part is how much better they taste than store bought! I miss my lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers! I was pregnant last summer and now I have a baby this summer so my garden is full of weeds now. Good luck to you and your garden. Be sure to post some pics once your plants come in!

[maypole]

I LOVE to see children learning about gardening, I think it is so good for them.

[Furniture removalists]

They are angels..XOXOX