Taking stock

It's that time of the year again; time to see what has worked and what hasn't in the summer garden. It's also a good idea to see what jobs need doing come the autumn.

First off the deck. It's so in need of being replaced as the whole thing is rotting - the sound of the wood splintering under foot is unnerving.

The pond has been a great success. A frog has taken up residence and the plants in and around are doing well.

The first part of the long border is overwhelmed with large herbaceous plants and a fuchsia

The mid section isn't too bad but the dark leafed fuchsia was attacked by aphids. It didn't seem to stop the plant taking over completely, despite being pruned hard. I'm going to move it in the autumn...not sure where to yet though.

The last part of the long border is so far just a dumping ground where I temporarily planted what was left of the plants that moved with us, with not much thought going into the outcome. Another area that needs attention.

The bed in front of the bottom shed is pretty much how I like it although the Japanese Anemone has taken over and will need dividing in the autumn.

The dwarf hedge is in need of a trim. I do plan on growing it taller however, to hide the shed wall.

The bed below is lacking in wow factor now the foxgloves have finished. There is a very small Japanese Anemone and another small fuchsia but there's a clear space that needs filling for next year.

Another gap has become apparent, again left by the foxgloves...a space just right for an overexcited fuchsia perhaps?

The dry border below has done very well. The electric blue of the sea holly is cracking beside the bright pink of the Penstemon. We have another two sea holly varieties hiding among the foliage somewhere, but I don't think we'll see them anytime this year...if ever!

Lilies either side of the arch are very poor quality. I'm going to give them one more chance but in another area of the garden to see if moving them would be their saving grace.

I am also considering removing the honeysuckles. The scented yellow variety by this time of year has produced bright red shiny berries and is losing leaves. The other, an evergreen, simply takes over. The flowers are pretty and alongside the purple clematis looks great...even better on the other side, but maybe a hard prune might change my mind.

There are so many berries on the sorbus this year. The blackbirds are already showing an interest, but keeping the fallen berries swept up and away from the dogs is a challenge as they give them a poorly tum!

They are a perfect match for the crocosmia 'Lucifer'

The evergreen clematis is looking neglected. I'm hoping it is just due to us having been on holiday.

I'm not sure the new pink bed is properly designed yet for summer. It looks amazing in spring, but so tired and dull now.  Plenty of time to put that right; move things about a bit.

The hydrangea my colleagues bought me is very much in the wrong place - it's blue! This means the acid ph needs adjusting for the rest of the border, but perhaps swap this one for the larger pink one that is still in a container from when we revamped the front garden.

Either side of the secret door we planted clematis. One has died back and the other is spindly and weak looking. I'm hoping it's again due to our being away and that next year, with some tlc and a good prune things will turnaround.

Bumblebee's plot is pretty much beyond repair. All the flowers have run to seed so a good clearing is the best course of action.

The birds have had every single strawberry. He's planning on making a net/cage for next year.

And finally the apples are ripening well.  A garden is never finished. There is always something either failing, outgrowing its allotted space or needing to be moved. It's a living being that gives as good as it gets. It's all part of the joy of gardening and using a blog or a journal is a great way to keep an eye on how a garden evolves.