The time had come to finally deal with the five foot high hedge of weeds all along the north side of the farmhouse. I had been looking at those weeds for six weeks, cursing them and their strong roots preventing me from simply pulling them out by hand. We did plan to get the bobcat down here, but then as Autumn progressed the weeds started to brown off and die down. Yesterday I gave it another go at pulling them out by hand, and what do you know – they came out easily! The result is now a bare strip of dirt, weeds, sticks and rocks but I think it’s an improvement on the weed hedge.
I am setting to work clearing the remaining weeds, raking up all the sticks, rubbish and rocks and forming some sort of plan in my mind for this side of the house. As usual I am wrestling with the fact that this not our house, we don’t own it, so how much do you invest in a garden that is not your own? A balancing act for sure. For now I’ve planted some red geraniums in the hanging baskets that were already here and put my bird bath on the veranda as I often see birds on this side of the house out the kitchen window.
Last week something rather exciting happened, although I’m trying not to get too excited about it as it may not eventuate. Some builders were here (replacing the laundry door and fixing some broken windows) and there is talk of replacing the kitchen window with a door instead. This had been on my list of ‘what-I-would-do-if-this-house-were-ours’ so I’d be pretty happy with that development if it goes ahead. And of course as usually my head got away from me and I started imagining all sorts of things on my north veranda off my kitchen…
My thoughts are that herbs out the kitchen door would be a good idea, and I have always loved the idea of a rosemary hedge. Can you see that along the veranda? I’m thinking of making a garden bed there. Perhaps a happy wanderer up the corner post? Our barbeque is currently in no man’s land on the other side of the house but with a door off the kitchen it could go here, as could our timber outdoor table and chairs (currently living on the front veranda, then making way for perhaps some rattan chairs or an old church pew out the front).
So that’s what’s out my kitchen window these days – no more giant weed hedge to look out over, just a view out to the hundreds of rams in that paddock! If nothing else, these photos show you the ‘rustic charm’ of our old limestone farmhouse, in all it’s crumbly glory, cracked concrete, rotting veranda posts and archaic plumbing system and all. Just keeping it real for you.
What’s out your kitchen window?
Rosie says
What a beautiful view! Could you plant some herbs in wine barrels? That way they ‘could’ come with you if you leave? If you line up a few barrels (we have 5, but I’d love about 10!), you will still get the hedge effect, but it’s portable!
Sharon says
love that you finally got rid of those weeds! I reckon get in with the fork, and get some loads of manure/dirt from the old shearing shed, dig it in, makes some little raised beds and go forth. herbs and veges, maybe a strip of bright easy to grow flowers!
I’m wondering if they have poured the concrete verandah in more recent times, over the top of some old brick paving or something? interesting. And hey, no farm house or old building is ever perfect – its charm is in its quirks and nooks and crannies. (although antiquated plumbing – or even not so old but dodgy bros. installed, isn’t so fun when it bails up. Currently having shower drainage issues of my own here…)
Jo @ Countrylifeexperiment says
Our farm house is also dilapidated, though I have big plans (one day). My kitchen window opens on to our enclosed veranda, where we have our dining table. It is beautiful and sunny out there!
Kathy says
That last photo looks like a great view. Maybe if you put forward a little “garden plan and illustration” and a little description of how many plants (drought resistant) that you would envisage and put it forward to the agent/landlord. Even if you got $500 towards plants that would add “value” (use those words, landlords love that) and they might put some money in. Or say do a plan where you think $1,000 worth of plants, dirt, mulch etc. would be fantastic but you would be happy if they could contribute $500. So you ask for more than you think they will give you but you are still comprising. Get your inspiration files and show a picture of what it could look like. It never hurts to ask they can only say yes or no. Also if you do a little diagram, summary, plants you think would add value to their property etc. rather than say I would like $500 for plants. Provide the design and inspiration for them, ask for more and see what happens. Some landlords don’t want to pay for a painter to paint the place but would happily give you $250 for paint if you do it yourself. It’s worth a try and of course while you want to make it your home you don’t want to outlay all the money. Can you go on gumtree or ebay or freecycle for free plants around your town….local notice etc. people who are gardeners are always happy to give cuttings just have to know who to ask. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia