This blog is mostly about Magnon life; the exciting, the banal, and the downright tedious. Today's posting would, for many, come under the 'tedious' heading.
Like so many gardeners before me, I ignored the advice of the wise. Back in about 1980 I planted a Leylandii hedge (I know, I know), and the wretched thing just continues to grow, and spread. I planted it to make the cottage invisible (which it does impeccably).
At this time every year, I trim the sides and cut back any top growth; this takes about two reasonably relaxing days (see top picture). The resulting detritus is then burned on an out-of-the-way, bonfire.
The only plus side to this annual operation is the beautiful aroma of the bonfire. Like the smell of freshly cut grass, it's one of the perks of the gardener's toil. And always being conscious of the anti-social side of bonfires, I only light 2 each year.
It may be JUST an annoying plume of smoke to many, but for me it's also a seasonal marker. Daffs, snowdrops, bonfire; spring must be on its way!
An immaculately cut hedge. How do you get the edges so straight?
ReplyDeleteI stand back with one eye closed, and hope for the best!
ReplyDeleteI miss the occasional bonfire. Here (and on the outskirts) of Bath, they have been outlawed by the city fathers.
ReplyDeleteWe finally ripped out our hedges. They stretched the full depth of the property on both sides and had never been manicured by the previous owners. Consequently they were at least five feet across and over seven feet tall. It required two trims a year working from both sides and took almost a week to accomplish. Finally we paid one of our daughters boyfriends to cut the whole shooting match down and over the course of a summer my husband dug out each and every root. Never again!!
ReplyDeleteYour hedge looks almost architectural, you should be very proud of your handiwork. Such a shame we are not allowed to burn anymore in the city. The smell of leaves burning in the fall was one of my favourite things.
It looks great. One thing you should never plant is mint. I don't know if you've ever made that mistake, but I have and it's not fun. You try to get rid of it and one tiny little piece will sprout into a huge bush that takes over the rest of your garden. No one needs that much mint in their life.
ReplyDeleteall men need a bonfire to play with.....if they have no access to them.....they get a barbecue ...or failing that....a shed
ReplyDeletePreferably, one of each!
ReplyDeleteummm the smell of a nice bonfire. After my Manly Man has burned I'll drink in the aroma in his hair and on his clothes and tell him its my favorite cologne.
ReplyDeleteI love bonfires, one of the pleasures in life, but that little heap doesn't constitute a bonfire! Your hedge, and woodpile and building, on the other hand all look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI thought I smelled smoke.
ReplyDeleteWe planted conifers too when we moved down here. Mainly for privacy but what a rod! They take a lot of keeping in hand!
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