Saturday, 8 May 2010

Frugal Gardening

This year was to be the year that I turned my garden into one of those little "show" gardens that they have at "Tatton" or Hampton Court flower shows. I was going to treat it to some stunning features, amazing new plants, a new patio and new garden furniture. But just like every other year, forces intervened and the cash was spent elsewhere. And so, it was time to use creative thinking in the garden. With inspiration from last nights Gardeners World and a lovely lady who exhibited at the Malvern Spring Show (what I wouldn't give to attend that with a wad of spondooleys!!!), I set about today making a pond from a dustbin lid ( I use the bin to grow spuds in).

Not very inspiring I hear you cry, but with a quick bit of splitting plants from elsewhere in the garden, and repositioning all of Mother Natures Freebies (the Lady's Mantle and an unidentified Pink flowering plant had self seeded themselves on the drive!!), half an hour later it was looking something like. All it needs now is a bit of sunshine, a resident toad and perhaps I might treat it to a water lilly.

And finally, what to do with all your wine corks - I saw this great idea when I went to Carl Wilde's house back in December. Its supposed to discourage snails and slugs around your plants. I'll let you know if it works. Meanwhile, it looks as if I need to drink a few more bottles of wine!!

18 comments:

Scented Sweetpeas said...

Fantastic ideas there, may have to try them both out :-)

WinnibriggsHouse said...

Now that is truly 'make do and mend', and I bet you will love it as much as any expensive makeover! Great ideas.

rosiehearts said...

I'd love to have a lovely garden with country garden flowers growing but there just aren't enough hours in the day. Yours is taking shape nicely. I'm surprised the corks aren't araanged in a heart shape!! x

Michela said...

What a clever idea! Hey, please call me when your toad arrives..I want to kiss him! xxxxx

Lisa said...

I'm liking the dust bin lid pond. May have to copy that idea too!
After all if I'm going to get that surgery enhancement I need to start saving and frugal tips like this will help!
Lisa x

Rosie said...

Great idea for a pond - I haven't got a toad but we have plenty of frogs - I can send a couple up your way - I'm sure they'll have a great time:)

Kathy said...

Love your pond - I thought I had the smallest pond ever, but yours wins! Hope you get to meet your Mr.Toad soon.
Love Kathy xxx

Paul C said...

It's a delight to share gardeners' tips. One I got for earwigs is place a few feet of discarded hose near the hose and you will be able to gather many of them.

noelle said...

great pond, we,ve just put one in our garden with a pond liner given to us by a friend so it cost us nothing either, we have four fish in it !!! Eagerly awaiting our first frog and maybe a newt or two!!! x x x

Lyn said...

mmmm not sure, just looks like you have a drink problem!
We spent all day in the garden today-not that you can tell!
Love
Lyn
xxx

Jen Walshaw said...

Love the pond, I fell asleep during gardeners world - doh

Gilly said...

Great idea for a dusbin lid! Now those corks...... Our bottles seem to have screw tops - wonder if they will deter slugs if I put them top down, if you see what I mean!

love those cupcakes said...

We've been similarly planning garden renovation but not much activity has taken place yet. Well, none actually. Any tips for attracting fairies (with magic wands) into the garden cos I think that's what we're going to need?

elsy said...

i dont believe thats the only wine corks you have....

lazylol said...

Now there is an idea for the wine corks!
Love your mini pond - I may have to make one!

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Lovely inspiring post :o)
You know you can pick up corks from UK Scrap Stores but I wouldn't want to spoil your fun! Slurp ;o)

Hope you have a lovely week ahead
Carolyn ♥

lesley said...

I'm with elsy on this one hee hee ;O)

I've tried everything else to get rid of slugs, including throwing salt on them, which works but you've gotta hang around the garden all night lol...I'll give it a go though Diane, much less messy!

highheeledlife said...

Diane, what a great idea, I just started getting into scarpbooking and what a great use of all those little bits of paper. Thank you for stopping by my blog ... I took a look through yours , love your gardening posts! i"ll be stopping by again. I have added your blog on my blog list to visit. take care!