Autumn Love
Hello! Catriona here. So I thought I would explain how to pronounce my name.. Its a silent i so phonetically (spot the mum of primary school children) its Catrhona. Luckily I have no middle name!
Wow the summer was hot and dry... not ideal planting conditions - especially with hose pipe bans. Lots of people were worrying about their grass and honestly there was nothing you could do but let it go. Its amazing after a month with some rain how quickly it bounces back. From looking at the soil, at home and at clients, the soil is still incredibly dry here in Kent. Folks are becoming more aware of the garden needing to be drought tolerant and the use of rainwater. I think a perfectly manicured lawn is going to become a high maintenance feature.
The area of my garden that did the best without much water was my no dig front garden. Granted it does get shade for half the day but the mulch did it stuff. I have been mulching the rest of my beds as an investment for next year.
For one of the projects I'm working on I'm designing the use of rainwater harvesting and a rainwater garden. As water is such a valuable resource, water that is captured on the roofs will be held and then slowly dissipated through swales to a pond. Can you tell I'm excited by this one.
So now we are coming into Autumn I love the fresh sunny mornings, the change in colour, the opportunity to wear boots and jumpers... Now is the time for bulb planting. I have around 2000 to plant for clients (with some help) so I will report back which method I found the best. Bulb planter, hori knife and spade at the ready!
I really want my emails and social media to be useful to you. My business ethos is to provide garden designs that you can evolve, over time, sustainably. If you would like me to discuss any particular nuances of garden design please let me know at catriona@catrionastiles.co.uk.
I hope you enjoy the Autumn sunshine and allow it to be a welcome distraction
Catriona
Hi, I’m a creator
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