• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

New Look for the Lamp Post Garden

July 13, 2014 @ 22:57 By Gavin Webber 6 Comments

So glad to be back on my feet again after so long recovering.

I put all this healthiness to good use, and helped Kim today spruce up a little looked after part of the garden. We fondly call it our lamp post garden, for reasons that will become obvious as you read further.

It is too dark and shaded to grow vegetables in, although when we first moved in 14 years ago, it did have a very old apricot tree that was on its last legs.  We since cut the tree down as it started to rot.

It is also an area that has lots of ivy growing over it.  We keep the ivy there because it is growing up a west-facing wall, and it acts as shade for this brick wall.  If it wasn’t growing there, our bedroom would be unbearable to sleep in during the summer months.

We have a love/hate relationship with it, and will probably never remove it completely as it does such a good job at keeping the house cool.

Before

Before

So here is a before photo.  You can see that it is the very first thing that people can see as they walk in our main gate.  We wanted to add to that wow factor that people get as they walk in the gate to then see the vast veggie patch before them.

It was overgrown with ivy and started to look quite tatty.  To make matters worse, a couple of weeks ago during a very windy day, a massive branch that Kim was attempting to train over the gate snapped off and we had to remove it.

With some birthday money, we headed off to the nursery and bought some perennial blooms to give the spot some colour.  Kim tells me that this is to attract more bees to the garden, which I am all for.

P7130284

Starting to look a bit brighter

Kim has also been after a bird bath for quite some time, so we found a nice glazed clay bath, and we placed that in the garden as well.  Maybe the birds will stay out of the dogs water bowls now.

Birdbath

Bird bath

We also had quite a bit of white pebble left over from landscaping the pool area, so after we cleared away as much creeping ivy as we could, we laid down bucket after bucket load of pebbles to it brighten up.  This did the trick, although we didn’t get the job finished.  My knee started to swell up, so we stopped work for the day.

Lamp Post Garden - After

After

I still have to put in a wooden edging as the part of the garden is higher than the veggie patch.  It will also help keep the small white pebbles from moving around.

P7130289

The temple was buried under the ivy!

Although it is not quite finished, we are really pleased with the results.  A few more buckets of pebbles and the job will be done.

I will post pictures of the completed project next weekend.

I love being out in the garden, don’t you?

 

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: garden, Gardening

← The Al Gore Effect Cheese Podcast 027 – Kosher Curds →

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Comments

  1. rabidlittlehippy says

    July 14, 2014 at 12:25

    Getting out in the garden and some dirt under the nails is the best therapy I know of. Transforming an area is the best bit about it all. I love the feeling I get after finishing weeding a garden bed or building a structure etc. It’s a real buzz.
    The lamp post garden looks gorgeous! I can’t wait to see it all cleaned up. I bet it’s a lovely corner on a warm spring day or even a nice nook to enjoy on a summer morning before the heat of the day gets too much.

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      July 17, 2014 at 14:22

      More work on the garden this weekend Jessie. Kim has a new found love for ornamental gardening. She is providing flowers to attract the bees for me! x

      Reply
      • rabidlittlehippy says

        July 18, 2014 at 09:15

        Ornamentals have their place in a veggie paradise for sure! I can’t wait to see that little nook all complete and to enjoy a cuppa out there with Kim when the weather warms the wall in Spring. 🙂 Bring on the bees!

      • Gavin Webber says

        July 18, 2014 at 14:14

        Here here!

  2. Lynda D says

    July 14, 2014 at 13:44

    I know some consider it a weed but i love ivy and have admired it when entering your yard. Since it also has a purpose then its doubly lovely. This new seating area looks so cool and inviting. Im picturing a reading nook. Id have to agree with Jess that gardening is the best therapy and usually you can accomplish enough in a day to feel like you have achieved something. Im hating that i get up in the dark and get home in the dark at the moment. Im missing my garden.

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      July 17, 2014 at 14:21

      Mate, I hear you loud and clear. I only get to check the garden on weekends or wednesdays, and keep my fingers crossed that there is not a major pest infestation during the week.

      Reply

Comments build lively communities. Let me know your thoughts, but keep it clean and green! Spam is removed instantly. Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search This Blog

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

The Seven Stages Of Change
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Strawbridge Family Inspiration
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Clay Oven First Layer
Building a VegTrug or Two
Selling Your Own Soap in Australia
Chicken Hygiene
Home Made Camembert
Printer Cartridge Recycling

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2023