|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2008 21:08:31 GMT
A perfect garden, or an imperfect one? I only ask because tonight I managed to get outside after work and was generally pleased with how things were going, but there are still a few areas of the garden I'm not happy with. Then I thought 'How boring would it be if we were all totally happy with what we had'. Do you think that's the right attitude? I think so. It's one of things I love most about gardening, the imperfections. I've been to so many show gardens, and they're greta and all that, but I bet you any money the owners still have parts they don't like, or that are a bit messy. How about you?  |
|
|
|
Post by snowowl on Jul 3, 2008 21:16:21 GMT
Hi DG i do like a imperfect garden but a tidy one as you can see from my garden photos. Its by no means all perfect but its tidy and thats how i like things inside my home and outside in the garden  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2008 21:17:10 GMT
Actually, that's a very good point Snowowl. Tidy is good... |
|
|
|
Post by JennyWrenn on Jul 4, 2008 6:04:37 GMT
Tidy for me Please but I would like a grass meadow - but def not an imperfect garden as near perfect as I can
;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuckles on Jul 4, 2008 6:34:54 GMT
I sometimes think it would be lovely to have a perfect garden but unless you are at it 24/7 it's an impossibility and it would be quite boring too I guess.
Mmmmm thinking about it I can't quite imaging going out in the garden and not thinking Ooooh wouldn't one of those look good there with that...mental note must make purchase on next GC visit or buy seeds etc.....or....did I make a booboo planting that next to that. Get the picture ;D
Think I'll stick with imperfect ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by nightowl on Jul 4, 2008 6:47:35 GMT
I'll go for an imperfect garden, filled with perfect flowers  I find it hard to raise much enthusiasm for most of the show gardens at Chelsea etc. cos they seem so soulless  and far too perfect  |
|
|
|
Post by Plocket on Jul 4, 2008 7:05:22 GMT
Is there such a thing as a perfect garden though? I like all sorts of gardens - cottagy ones and neat and tidy ones. I can't be bothered with too much perfection in my garden though, and the patio always needs a sweep |
|
|
|
Post by Ladygardener on Jul 4, 2008 7:25:50 GMT
But what is perfect DG, I think perfect for me would'nt be perfect for others, if you know what I mean. I like the cottage garden style but can really appreciate and enjoy all gardens, even very formal ones. Half the fun of gardening is trying out new ideas and thinking about how I'm going to change things, add things in next year. |
|
|
|
Post by oldmoleskins on Jul 4, 2008 7:43:31 GMT
Difficult, isn't it... so many options to follow, so much in the eye of the beholder... if the mini-trial of reaction to our recent Open Gardens day is anything to go by, 'perfection' can have a variety of styles - what's consistent is appreciation of effort.
If a garden looks like someone's really applied themselves and wrung a little order from the natural chaos, then the odd unfinished corner is just 'work in progress'. Full credit is given (at least, by fellow gardeners who know just what it takes) for juggling work/family/life generally with gardening. What's difficult to be generous about (what I beat myself up about most) is apparent neglect. Then 'work in progress' becomes 'too much time down the pub'... metaphorically, of course - I don't spend that much time down the pub really.
OM.
|
|
|
|
Post by Weeterrier on Jul 4, 2008 8:10:23 GMT
Imperfect for me on the whole, because then I always have something to plan for and think about. Though a day once in a while when everything is perfect would be alright.
As some of you have said though, when it comes to other gardens, I can see beauty in most styles, from the formal bedding and perfectly striped lawn, to the herbaceous chaotic abundance of the cottage style.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2008 11:34:37 GMT
By implication perfect infers finished and complete ... that would be boring  ;D ... my garden will NEVER be finished  there are far too many gorgeous plants to buy and grow!! ;D |
|
|
|
Post by beanie on Jul 4, 2008 14:46:21 GMT
defiately imperfect in mine, I'm already planning what I can move, and what I can do better next year
|
|
|
|
Post by Ruthie on Jul 4, 2008 15:01:51 GMT
Perfect is a dream and, perhaps a state of mind! I would love to think my garden was perfect but I'm sure it would only be for a day, or even part of a day, as it's ever changing. I love my garden despite (or maybe even because of) its imperfections. |
|
|
|
Post by Rosefriend on Jul 4, 2008 15:08:17 GMT
I have been thinking about this...mmmh well I am a perfect garden type that has accepted an imperfection to taste..... in the last few years I have allowed things to seed in places, just taking the ones I don't want, out. I am not soooo bad with weeds these days and will acknowledge their presence without diving in to get rid of them immediately. I also accept the imperfection of my plants but find it difficult to accept the imperfection of my garden at times....I am getting better though.
Whether it is a mellowness in my character or simply laziness and getting older perhaps, I don't know.
RF
|
|
|
|
Post by Biggles on Jul 4, 2008 21:01:42 GMT
By implication perfect infers finished and complete ... that would be boring ;D ... my garden will NEVER be finished there are far too many gorgeous plants to buy and grow!! ;D Ditto-- Flowerlady you have taken the words out of my mouth! ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2008 1:02:12 GMT
I asked because I was reminded of an old episode of GW where Alan Titchmarsh said something like 'A garden is a constant work in progress. But occasionally, just occasionally, you will find that perfect moment, so enjoy it'. I like that attitude. Zen.
|
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on Jul 7, 2008 13:01:46 GMT
I asked because I was reminded of an old episode of GW where Alan Titchmarsh said something like 'A garden is a constant work in progress. But occasionally, just occasionally, you will find that perfect moment, so enjoy it'. I like that attitude. Zen. That's the spirit! I have never achieved anything remotely approaching a 'perfect' garden and never will - what on earth would you do?? But I don't agree that tidy is best either.....a tidy garden isn't a particularly wildlife friendly place but I think there is a balance to try and achieve isn't there? I spend most of my gardening time fruitlessly pulling out miles of nettles and couch grass which can be soul destroying - I think I'd settle for some cultivated areas that are tidy enough for me and the wildlife to enjoy, with some wilder bits that I can appreciate in other ways.  |
|
and far too perfect 
;D
there are far too many gorgeous plants to buy and grow!! ;D
