Two trips back in June and August have really moved this project on.
The nettles had run out of control and I now have the machinery to keep them better under control.
I have continued some planting using species that are already present in the woods, but there are surprises also as other striking plants have self-seeded - great mullein, field poppies and buddleia.
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| The wood-chip paths are started, and a seating area created |
I can now produce wood chippings to create small paths among the wildflower beds, but the real advance came when the black plastic covers started to be removed from around the fountain and 5 cubic meters of wood chip arrived to create the main paths. These include the walk towards the lake on the west edge of the site, a seating area with a wooden bench and table, and the path around the fountain itself. Suddenly it is possible to see what this area could become - though the job has yet to be completed.
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The fountain August 2017. Compare with the May 2016
photo at the top of this blog |
The fountain itself has now been half filled and appears to hold water well, though evaporation is quite high. I have planted tubs of native water plants on the South side of the fountain - purple loostrife, marsh marigold, water mint and yellow iris. They seem to be flowering well, and attracting wildlife - frogs toads and newts, as well as dragonflies, damselflies and darters which produce larvae which are voracious eaters of mosquito larvae.
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| A view over the site in August 2017 |
There is still more to be done, of course. When I return in the autumn the main paths will be finished and new seating areas created. Over the winter there is the stonework to finish and the creation of meadowgrass borders and a herb area. I hope also to plant spring bulbs to create a show in the spring, before finally seeing if it possible to get the fountain working once more.
I would like once again to thank all those residents who have offered their support and help. I do hope you will come and have a look. Sir Edward has said that he is happy for us to visit the fountain area but remember there is still heavy machinery at work futher towards the lake and please keep dogs under control
