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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2008 12:52:13 GMT
I've mentioned on here before that there's a derelict house a couple of roads down from us the garden of which has generously provided all sorts of cuttings: Penstomon, Cape Fuchsia, Solanum, Ivy. Over the past two years, I've come to regard this overgrown wilderness as my personal garden centre, and used to fantasise that I'd have the money to buy this house and renovate it and its garden. Well, I don't but someone obviously does - and today I saw that massive work is being done on the house, the whole front garden (huge) has been cleared and workmen are in the process of paving it - all of it! When they're finished it'll simply be another hard-surfaced forecourt, and it's so sad - the house probably hasn't been lived in for a decade, but at some point someone cared for that garden, and it must have looked spectacular.  |
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Post by borderbabe on Jan 25, 2008 13:59:44 GMT
Makes you wish in some ways that you had to get planning permission for paving over a whole garden - particlarly with the recent problems with bad drainage etc after all the rain.  |
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Post by Shrubrose on Jan 26, 2008 8:00:36 GMT
It's a shame when any garden gets the boot in favour of hardstanding! Gardens add beauty and interest and life to our days, even if they're not ours, dont they? And as borderbabe says they soak up lots of rain! A very useful quality these days.
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Post by 4pygmies on Jan 26, 2008 8:24:00 GMT
I know we have more than enough rules and regulations these days but I do think people whouldn't be allowed to do this without some sort of permissions..it is not very sensible as, Shrubrose says, in view of all the water table problems, and it's not at all wild life friendly. It's a shame the councils can't appoint some sort of post where the poeple get a friendly visit to advice them of alternatives and suggest ways of making parking on their properties without flattening everything willy nilly. Still, CC, at least you have ensured that some of the plants in the garden continue to flourish and look beautiful to someone who appreciates them. I expect you've notched up several points in your kharma!
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Post by Weeterrier on Jan 26, 2008 9:29:21 GMT
What a pity you didn't get the chance to dig up the plants.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2008 13:38:56 GMT
Actually, the City Council does have rules about hard surfacing, putting in driveways etc., but enforcement is a joke All people have to do is apply for retention permission a few months after they've done the work, and it's generally granted Of course, part of my fury is pure envy - I would love to have a big garden (and these are huge, and back) with room for fruit trees, a vegetable plot, a cutting patch <dreamonsmiley> ... cheers ... |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2008 15:37:26 GMT
Any chance of some rescuing when no one is about in the back? Rescued plants are doubly special.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2008 15:47:49 GMT
I've thought about that, Gertrude, and last night we explored the laneway behind the house - but you'd have to climb a very high wall to get into the garden, which could raise some eyebrows if neighbours saw us. Somehow I don't think the Gardai would look favourably on me saying "ooops, sorry officer, was just looking for a few cuttings" ;D. But I did think of going down on Monday and asking the workmen if they'd let me into the back ;D ... cheers ...
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Post by Shrubrose on Jan 26, 2008 19:09:12 GMT
Ooo a salvage opportunity - get in there CC.
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Post by Ladygardener on Jan 27, 2008 12:23:37 GMT
oh I'd go there CC and ask them, you've nothing to loose ;D
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Post by Chuckles on Jan 27, 2008 18:07:03 GMT
Oh yes CC you must go and ask, think of all the bits and bobs that will be sprouting right now and possibly bulbs too. I'd be in like a shot but then I'm a cheeky so un so when it comes to salvaging things. Go girl go, ask the builders if you can use one of thier wheelbarrows too ;D
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Post by Shrubrose on Jan 27, 2008 18:32:36 GMT
Oh yes CC you must go and ask, think of all the bits and bobs that will be sprouting right now and possibly bulbs too. I'd be in like a shot but then I'm a cheeky so un so when it comes to salvaging things. Go girl go, ask the builders if you can use one of thier wheelbarrows too ;D 'Wheelbarrow'! Lovely touch that Chuckles. Ah, the master's voice! Music to my ears ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 28, 2008 16:42:22 GMT
Well, the foreman was a real dote, let me around the back no problem, but unfortunately it's still a few weeks too early to tell what's what (but I did dig up clumps of Nerines; luckily their remaining foliage is quite distinctive). Anyway, he told me they aren't going to be starting work on the back for a few months yet (this must be one heck of a huge project), so I can pop in again around the beginning of March. They're building an extension, and have been ordered to clear out the entire back - shrubs, trees and all!!!! Unfortunately, a lot of the shrubs are too big for my tiny plot - but even though it's overgrown, you can see how lovely it must have been. About 150 foot long, with a shed and broken down greenhouse at the back, old fruit trees - an absolute dream. The foreman said he wouldn't mind me bringing a friend with me next time, and my One Gardening Friend has a massive garden, so I think I'll inveigl her (+ car and both OHs for muscle) to come along with me next time ... cheers ... |
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Post by Shrubrose on Jan 28, 2008 17:50:26 GMT
Good one CC. Very well played. ;D At least you'll get a better idea of what there is then, wont you? Cant wait for you to regale us with tales of freebies and then progress after! I love a bit of salvaging ;D ;D ;D
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Post by Ladygardener on Jan 29, 2008 11:55:55 GMT
Brilliant CC, looks like you've got a real find there, lucky you. Don't forget to let us all know what you get. ;D
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Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2008 13:33:23 GMT
;DWill keep you posted ;D
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2008 2:49:40 GMT
Oh thinks we should move but im staying put why you might ask well if we go what will happen to my garden. Its awfull to think that like the post someone could move in and devastate years of hard work and care. It goes to show you that something that has taken years to produce can be ripped apart in a matter of hours. POOR GARDEN |
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Post by MamIDdau on Feb 2, 2008 17:46:49 GMT
That foreman sounds like a thoroughly nice chap!
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