The start of a new year is always filled with promise and excitement, and this year, I have even more reasons to feel that way. We’re moving to a new home, which means a brand-new garden to shape and a whole list of projects to dive into. With our move-in date just around the corner at the end of February, the anticipation is building—though I’ll admit, as a gardener, my desire to get my hands in the soil is strong, and unpacking will have to wait!
But nothing quite matches the joy of a child. For long-time readers, you may remember that we planted a crab apple tree to celebrate the birth of our daughter, Isla. She’s now four and has caught the gardening bug herself—she’s requested a special garden space of her own, and we’re more than happy to nurture her new passion.
A Garden to Shape
The new garden has a lot of potential. Currently, it’s mostly lawn with some mature shrubs and a few fruit trees, including plum and apple, creating a peaceful retreat. The space is on a slope, but the current owners have cleverly terraced parts of it to create level areas for relaxation and family activities.
There’s already a small vegetable garden, but I think it could be better utilized. I’m planning to add one or two more beds while ensuring there’s enough space for comfortable walking paths between them. One of the existing beds is overshadowed by a large, unidentified shrub that will need pruning to allow more light to reach the plants.
Planning a New Vegetable Garden
Next to the vegetable area is a dream come true: a solid, glass-glazed greenhouse! Measuring about 12 feet long by 8 feet wide, this space will allow me to indulge in growing heirloom tomatoes and chili peppers, which thrive in the warmth. I also plan to add a simple wooden cold frame for hardening off seedlings, ensuring a steady stream of young plants for continuous planting throughout the season.
The previous owners have graciously allowed us to visit a few times to map out the garden and assess the space. One of the challenges we’ve identified is the presence of pheasants—these birds are notorious for scratching up seedlings and dust bathing in bare soil. I suspect I’ll need to use netting to protect the vegetable garden from these feathered pests.
Creating a Garden for Isla
To ensure Isla has a positive gardening experience, her plot will be in a sunny spot—this will give her the best chance for success. She’s already chosen the seeds she wants to grow, including her favorites like carrots, cucumbers, and strawberries, along with a few surprises. Unfortunately, I had to gently inform her that banana plants aren’t suitable for our cool, temperate climate! But I’m sure there will be plenty of fun projects, like growing potatoes in sacks, alongside her permanent garden.
The Power of Garden Planning
With all these exciting plans in mind, it’s the perfect time to use a Garden Planner to map everything out. Just like perusing seed catalogs, planning is half the fun! By marking the garden’s boundaries and key features, I can experiment with various combinations of raised beds, growing areas, and even a polythene tunnel for year-round greens. The Garden Planner lets me resize, move, and rotate elements to optimize the garden’s layout and ensure it’s oriented to make the most of the sunlight.
In addition to essential items like netting and compost bins, the Garden Planner includes a wide variety of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and fruits to add to the plan. I’m a fan of integrating flowers with crops, as they attract pollinators and pest predators. This time, I’d like to create a floral border around the vegetable garden, not only for beauty but to provide cut flowers for my wife, too. The Planner’s Companion Planting and Succession Planting features will help ensure the garden is well-balanced, with crops and flowers growing harmoniously.
Looking Forward to the Journey
Planning a new garden is always an exciting challenge! My mind is buzzing with ideas, and while there’s much to consider, careful planning will help bring everything together. If you’re a new garden owner or have experience to share, I’d love to hear your tips and advice—please feel free to leave a comment below!