The Garden

 

 

 

 

 

 I have always been interested in gardening since my early years at Barn Close. My grandad Russell had an artificial lower leg and I used to help him with the garden. He loved growing vegetables although in those days it was a neccessity, especially during the war and for several years after.

It was'nt until I moved to Devon that I had the chances to put my own design ideas into practice, firstly at my 2 homes in Bideford, and then at my 2 homes in Exmouth. Greenhouses and water features are always a 'must' for me. When Jean and I married and moved to Haverfordwest the garden there was just a field. We worked hard to make something of it but moved to take over the P.O. Stores at Elveden before we could finish it.

Above: Haverfordwest May 1990

 


Elveden P.O December ,91

 

Again, we worked hard whenever we could in between running the store (7 long days a week job). However some improvement came about before my heart op and our subsequent move back to Devon, although I nearly killed myself when a heavy branch of the apple tree glanced my forehead and nose as I was pruning it. (see photo)

Above: First Cauli. May 1991

 


Elveden P.O May ,93

 

 

 
On moving back to Devon, our first mobile home in Woodlands Park only had a very small garden surrounding it, in fact the bare minimum that park home proprietors must allow. Before moving to Pathfinder we had made it really nice.

Pond and Barbecue in Progress

Above: As it was.

3 years on

Above: How it was July '98

 

Now that we are settled in Pathfinder Village we can devote more time to the garden. I do most of the planning and design whilst Jean does the hard graft. (my heart condition dictates what I can or can't do)

Above: View down the side - July ,98

 

Below: Same shot May 2002


The Garden Party June 2001

 
We are surrounded by grey squirrels and many varieties of birds, some of which will eat out of our hands.


Cyril the Squirrel (with biscuit)

Below: View down the side - March 2002

View from bridge - March 2002