The tree team kindly left a pile of the longer and lighter branches for me to work with and with the dog's 'help' and supervision by the cat, I spent most of the morning cutting and hammering in stakes along the edge of the flower bed.
Then after a much needed mug of tea, cat and dog treats, we returned to the garden where I attempted to weave wayward branches along the stakes. Cue a bit of swearing...... ok may be a fair bit.
Despite the formidable pile of brash and branches, it was difficult to find long slender and supple branches to wind along the edge of the bed so it is not as neat and as picturesque as it was in my imagination however it is doing the job it is required to do - Keep Willow on the pathway and out of the flower beds.
Want to finish the first one then attempt a second one today. However, having just looked out, I suspect that the weather will stop play - it is miserable out there - oh what a shame! It means I will have to stay indoors and paint 😆 and - TBH my hands are rather painful today, they still need to heal from years of strain from gardening.
We have a morello cherry in the garden which had a good pruning last year. This one was small enough to do ourselves and the bits we cut off were very whippy. I hung onto them all and am using to make some type things in my big pots in the hope that they will stop our fox visitor from digging. I have to say they seem to be doing the job … although they do look a bit amateur but hey … I like the rustic look 😀
ReplyDeleteThe rustic look is definitely the way to go - especially in my garden!
DeleteYour willow fence looks brilliant, not an easy task, and the tree lives on in another use.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marlene :) I have had another look at it this morning and it seems less amateurish than it did yesterday, definitely want to do the other side of the path but may be not today x
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ReplyDeleteI think your hurdle fence looks lovely and is a good thing on lots of levels - reusing, good for wildlife and stopping excitable dogs going where they are not supposed to! Seeing some sunshine is a lovely thing and I am sure your plants will enjoy it too.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Ellie
Thank you Ellie, removing the tree has boosted not just the light levels but my gardening mojo which I was sorely lacking. Really looking forward to gardening this year! 💚
DeleteI must raid the goat willow on the rough ground opposite here..my wattle fencing needs a refresh! Thanks for the reminder
ReplyDeleteOooh I wish I had a goat willow to hand! Envious😄
DeleteI spy a doggie!! X
ReplyDeleteShe was waiting to go into the summer house😄 there is a bed in there for her, I put on the radio and the cat goes in and sleeps on the chair.
DeleteLOVE your hurdle. I might try and do the same myself, but like you I have painful hands - mostly my right thumb. I think in my case it's years of sewing. Good luck with yours - I hope they recover.
ReplyDeleteThank you 😊
DeleteI took it slowly, so I didn't strain my thumb also my right hand. Used my feet! And drank copious amounts of tea😄