Lke the others say, work out an overall plan and then focus on getting one little bit right. The psychogical effect of having something good to look at is not to be underestimated and if you spread yourself too thinly you don't get that boost. But there are always big jobs that can't be done all at once.Setting a deadline can be motivational, but don't kill yourself trying to meet it. Self-imposed ones can be re-arranged. The ones you do need to try to meet are the ones dictated by the plants and the season, for sowing, pruning, staking and protecting and so on.
Two things that work for me: 1. pace yourself. Mix a heavy job with a lighter one that uses a different set of muscles. Don't try to do too much at once. You won't get on very fast laid up with a bad back! 2. The 'eat an elephant' approach. Set a target, either time or number of barrowloads or whatever, that is not too punishing and do it every day you garden, before other tasks. Works for things like laying paving, heavy clearance, weeding etc. It's amazing how you do get through things if you just keep pegging away at them!
I've got around an acre of rough stuff too and after 30 years here I'm in the middle of a major overhaul and re-design. It's going slower than I'd like cos I'm 30 years older !
Don't think of the present consider how you will manage it in 20 years time. If you have lawns edge them with something solid to stop grass growing into borders and plants growing out. Put decent paths wherever you walk frequently. Consider the final height and shade of trees before planting. Use power tools such as electric secateurs, hedge cutters etc to save your hands for later use. Use rough grass wild flower meadows in orchard areas. Finally, leave enough time to do other things.
All I can add is win the lottery - good luck, sounds lovely (or will be eventually). You will surprise yourself I am sure, one day seems like getting nowhere & then suddenly a patch looks marvellous & really spurs you on.
“Coffee. Garden. Coffee. Does a good morning need anything else?” —Betsy Cañas Garmon
Thank you all very much - I've been given quite a boost by all your comments and ideas! So much so, that I have just spent the whole day outside clearing my chosen first patch. Real progress today. Also discovered I can have a bonfire without any complaints. And a lovely person who works in one of my favourite shops has given me a greenhouse! Huuuge bonus!
No photos as no camera, but I think it would be a great idea to do a photo-progress-diary-type thing, so I'm arranging a late Christmas pressie to myself.
Posts
Lke the others say, work out an overall plan and then focus on getting one little bit right. The psychogical effect of having something good to look at is not to be underestimated and if you spread yourself too thinly you don't get that boost. But there are always big jobs that can't be done all at once.Setting a deadline can be motivational, but don't kill yourself trying to meet it. Self-imposed ones can be re-arranged. The ones you do need to try to meet are the ones dictated by the plants and the season, for sowing, pruning, staking and protecting and so on.
Two things that work for me: 1. pace yourself. Mix a heavy job with a lighter one that uses a different set of muscles. Don't try to do too much at once. You won't get on very fast laid up with a bad back! 2. The 'eat an elephant' approach. Set a target, either time or number of barrowloads or whatever, that is not too punishing and do it every day you garden, before other tasks. Works for things like laying paving, heavy clearance, weeding etc. It's amazing how you do get through things if you just keep pegging away at them!
I've got around an acre of rough stuff too and after 30 years here I'm in the middle of a major overhaul and re-design. It's going slower than I'd like cos I'm 30 years older !
What a fantastic position to be in! Please please can you post a photo? Would love to see!
sounds like you won't need gym membership going forwards!
Do you have a picture ?
Hello Fieldtamer
Have a look at my allotment its in garden design under work in progress.
It's basically from how it was at the start to what it is now.
The photo's might give you some ideas .
I'm a beginner so all i did was clear a part of the garden at a time ,weeds then rubble also had a bonfire on the go which helps .
Once you have it cleared draw a plan of how you want your garden to look ,stick to your plan and in no time you'll have your perfect garden.
Hope this helps
Baz
Don't think of the present consider how you will manage it in 20 years time. If you have lawns edge them with something solid to stop grass growing into borders and plants growing out. Put decent paths wherever you walk frequently. Consider the final height and shade of trees before planting. Use power tools such as electric secateurs, hedge cutters etc to save your hands for later use. Use rough grass wild flower meadows in orchard areas. Finally, leave enough time to do other things.
All I can add is win the lottery - good luck, sounds lovely (or will be eventually). You will surprise yourself I am sure, one day seems like getting nowhere & then suddenly a patch looks marvellous & really spurs you on.
Thank you all very much - I've been given quite a boost by all your comments and ideas! So much so, that I have just spent the whole day outside clearing my chosen first patch. Real progress today. Also discovered I can have a bonfire without any complaints. And a lovely person who works in one of my favourite shops has given me a greenhouse! Huuuge bonus!
No photos as no camera, but I think it would be a great idea to do a photo-progress-diary-type thing, so I'm arranging a late Christmas pressie to myself.
Thank you again. I'll be in touch...
Oooh, a freebie greenhouse, lucky you. Don't forget to post photos here when you get the camera.