The signs of new beginnings...

I finally did it...I brought my own domain name. Now all I need to do is work out what on earth to do with it!! You may notice that I've changed the layout of my blog. It's nowhere near what I want, still not individual enough, the colours a little too brash, but until I have more idea of the imagery I do like it will do as a start. Let's be honest I haven't got a clue where to go from here, but I'm putting the foundations in place! If anyone has a recommendation for a blog designer who is happy to work with a knowledge-less newbie please feel free to leave a comment!

In other news the absolute best thing about our new house is that...WE HAVE A GARDEN!! A beautiful, blank canvas of a garden. It needs some love and attention, but I can already see areas that we can make a difference too. We are renting this house and while we are limited to what we can do inside the house, the landlord is pretty open to us doing what we want in the garden.

This is what we had on the day we moved in, luckily the fencing is covered by the landlord - as soon as panels are available in Hampshire they will be fixed and replaced.

 

We are planning on turning the area at the top of the steps into a paved area with enough room for a table and chairs. A rhododendron is clinging on to space, fighting the bramble that has taken over the hedge on the left. The bottom section is a little wild with brambles and a thicket, but we are going to clear it enough for little people to use it for an Easter egg hunt!

 

 

This is outside the kitchen door, it's a very shaded area this time of the year, but come May/June time it should get the sun in the morning at least. The mud was really compacted and other than the large bush, nothing was growing in it. There was also no way to get to the top patio, without either walking through the kitchen and conservatory, or walking on the mud...until...

 

 

After a flying visit to the local garden centre on Sunday I was all set, the clock was ticking, people were arriving at our house in 2 hours...

 

 

The bed was dug over, Spirea planted, stepping stones laid...

 

 

Herbs were transferred into their new home on the patio...

 

 

A housewarming gift was given.

 

And then this morning, as I wondered the damp garden in my slippers, tea in hand, I noticed this...

 

 

Little buds of leaves, starting to break free from Winter. About to show what plant you are...I'm going to enjoy the growth of this garden, this garden and me.