Back Yard :: 2021

It's about a month or so since I purchased these little pots packed with floral potential and brought them home to the Attic. It's always such a thrill for me to do this (on the years when I pull my finger out and make it happen at the appropriate time) and this year was no exception. Oh, the J-O-Y in the choosing, in the imagining of it all! I loved picturing the colour combinations in my mind and anticipating a whole summer full of living, growing colour right outside my back door.

Before I could get stuck into the actual planting, I had some tidying up to do in the yard. For those of you who aren't familiar with my outdoor space, let me tell you it is teeeeeeeeeny. It's a very, very small L-shaped enclosed yard - there is a square of paved space directly outside my kitchen door which measures 2.5 m², that's part of it in the above photo. Then we have another even smaller area which measures approx 2 m x 1.5 m and that bit sits just underneath my equally teeny tiny kitchen window. So yeah, not much room to play with at all. It's west facing which means we get the sun in the afternoon, although there are parts of the yard which are in permanent shade all day. I'll show you some more photos as we chat along so that you can maybe get a better idea of the space, but when folks talk about small gardens, they actually have no idea what small really is until they've seen a Victorian terraced back yard.

Once upon a time I lived in a 2nd floor flat backing onto a high speed railway line, and believe me, a small back yard where I could sit in the sun and sip a mojito surrounded by flowers would have been heaven to me back then. So I try very hard to be thankful for this space, to appreciate it and not feel too envious of those who have grassy gardens with trees and wildlife and abundant borders.

Anyhow - an afternoon was spent shifting our dilapidated furniture about, sweeping and de-weeding the rather ugly concrete slabs and getting rid of an accumulated pile of gardening bits and bobs which were no longer fit for purpose. Then it was time to plant up my pots - these are all many years old but are still mostly intact so I simply changed out the compost and gave them a bit of a clean up.

Ahh....that's looking a bit better, a few colourful crochet blankets always makes everything look better!

We had an old folding hardwood chair down in the cellar so we dragged that up to put in the very small space at the end - this is the spot that gets the sun throughout the whole afternoon and it's very sheltered and warm there. I really wanted a lovely comfy chair to be there as it's one of my favourite places to sit, so I measured the space and started to have a look online for something that might fit.

The warm sunny weather was enticing us all outside, including Little Lady who decided that a spot of sunbathing might help her revision along (I know, teenage logic, don't bother questioning  it). As you can see, sunbathing options in our back yard were very basic - a picnic blanket on the hard concrete floor was pretty much the only option. 

Did you notice that I said "was", as in past tense? Uh-huh, well after I had a few mojitos tucked away I confess I went a little cray-cray with some online shopping......

....and this ↑↑ landed in my basket. Oh boy. Please say hello to the Allibert Jaipur Sun Lounger with Graphite Grey Cushion, and picture my face when a huuuuuge box arrived on the doorstep and I had yet to inform J of my purchase. Luckily all was well, and although J said I was "absolutely mad" for purchasing a giant piece of plastic, I was positively overjoyed with it.

I mean, just look how well it fits, and imagine how warm and comfy this tiny space is now...just perfect for some sunny afternoon idling with a spot of crochet in my lap.

The above photo shows where the lounger sits in relation to the shady table and chairs - you can see we don't have much privacy, actually er, we have zero privacy. I guess I've learnt to accept it as part and parcel of living so closely with our neighbours in a terraced row of houses, but I really would love to add some height to our boundary wall and gate so that we can relax a little bit more in our small outdoor space. 

Despite the lack of privacy, I've been getting on just fine with the business of lounging around in the sunshine. I've been making very good use of my new giant piece of plastic seating and let me tell you I LOVE it. Absolutely love it. It's just a delight to sit with my feet up in this little sunny nook, an escape from the house and a bit of time to be alone with my thoughts for a while. I've had one or two afternoon naps here too, well I did have to try out the lounger in it's fully flat position to see how well it worked....I can confirm it works a treat. The only downside to having this one delightful piece of furniture is that I have to share it with Little Lady. We haven't (yet) had to fight over it but that's not to say that I haven't found myself on occasion waiting impatiently for her to get too hot/bored with sunbathing so that I can have my turn.

During the past month, my flowers have really started to fill out the pots. Most of the flowers are situated on top of the wall as they get full sun that way, and it gives me a smidge of extra privacy from folks walking up and down the cobbled back street just on the other side.

I water with a watering can which is a bit slow and laborious but it does mean I can add a liquid feed to the water once a week to keep the flowers blooming well all summer (I hope).

I'm waiting impatiently for the "prolific cascading" which is supposed to happen with some of these flowers...come on, come on!!

Two weeks ago I realised I had one large empty pot to fill, and I started to ponder what to plant in it. I wanted something tall/climbing as the pot sits in front of an ugly drainpipe, so I decided in the end to try growing something edible. I settled for climbing french beans as the blurb on the packet said that they'd have pretty purple flowers so I thought it was worth a try. I planted a handful in a pot indoors on 11th June....

....and six days later, ta-dah!!! How quick was that?! It was extremely exciting I have to say, the thrill of seeds growing into actual real plants never gets old.

I didn't have any tall sticks to hand, so I made some string supports (tied to the top of the drainpipe) for my beanlets to help them in their journey upwards. I'm hopeful for flowers and beans later in the summer that will cover up the pipe, I'll keep you posted. Also, you can see how fast my sweet peas have grown in the blue pot there - no flowers yet, but we do have buds. Super exciting times in the back yard. Buds!!

I love the ritual of stepping out of the kitchen door every morning to check on my flowers and see how they're doing. By the way, I'm still managing to keep with my morning routine in which I get myself out of the house at 7am each day for a brisk "wake-up walk". I'm pretty sure that I've now set that habit for myself (trying to remember when I first began? Ok, found it, it was 24th March so three months ago - is it a habit now then? I think it must be.)

I have to say it's really lovely coming back down my cobbled street at the end of my morning walk and seeing my pots looking so blooming pretty. I'm really happy with myself for making that happen. Well done me.

I leaned right out of my bedroom window to take the above photo for you, so you could better appreciate the small-scale of my yard. Teeny-tiny indeed. Incidentally, the big black box thing there is a very handy storage box which I purchased alongside my sun lounger. Oh, J had a LOT to say about that I can tell you. But it's such a good thing - it means we can easily store blankets and cushions and other gardeny bits that we want to keep dry. And like I said to J, it's waaaaaaay cheaper than a shed, plus you can sit on it or use it like a table. Versatile and useful.

And I leaned very precariously out of the bathroom window to show you the little bit of my yard where my lounger sits. 

So there you have it, it's all bit a rough and ready but it does make me happy. At some point in the future if we decide that this is going to remain our home for many more years, we'll spend some money making this into a proper courtyard garden I think. I have lots of ideas (of course I do), but for now I'm content to enjoy what we have.

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Comments

[Debbie Harding]

Hi Lucy, I went into menopause after a shock death in my family about 2 years ago. I thought I was losing my mind, I froze over making decisions that I would normally not even think about, and started having panic attacks, where I was convinced I needed the toilet that second, made worse if I was nowhere near a loo. I have found HRT very helpful, and a low dose anti depressant, helps me sleep. I think we are getting better about talking about it here in the UK, and it really helped me to tell my family, so if I suddenly felt wobbly, they didn't think I was being rude or being funny with them...

[hayley]

I was going to write in support of the last two messages but I feel you have probably read all the messages of support and still don't feel strong enough to write a little message. Whatever you are going through, please remember......the majority of us have been through hell and back with various things that have happened over our lives so just know that we are all checking in because we love hearing from you, no matter how brief. x

[Anne Cooke]

Do so agree with a previous comment,that it would not be difficult for Lucy to post a short message on facebook, (or ask someone to post one on her behalf if she is ill) She is receiving so much understanding, reassurance, thanks, praise, promises of prayers etc, from the loyal fans who have bought her kits in the thousands and voted for her in the British Knitting and Crochet awards. One short line of thanks for all our concern would be only polite.

[Maz]

Wouldn’t it be helpful if Lucy just posted a quick line to say she was taking a break for 6 months, or whatever? This would stop the tittle tattle once and for all. I totally agree, everyone needs a break, but it wouldn’t take much effort to post a line to stop everyone checking in every day.

[Becki]

Hi lovely Lucy, I hope you are doing ok and really hope you and your family are enjoying the summer holidays before Little B starts his new adventures at secondary school. Time flies by so quickly doesn’t it and it is a very precious thing to be cherished when you can. I too was a late follower but your blog was a breath of fresh air (I had never followed anybody before, so it was completely new to me!) and you and your wonderful, many photos (thank goodness for them) taught me to crochet. I have made many of your blankets, for myself and other family members and take great joy (and pride) in learning the new skills you so very patiently and clearly show us. I met you at Yarndale too and really treasure the memories of actually meeting you! and just the fabulousness ( 🤣 not sure if that’s a word but I like it!) of it all. I bought many wonderful things there. I look forward to when you are ready to blog again but only when you are ready and can’t wait for the Yuletide blanket CAL, it’s so pretty. Please take care and sending lots of love and hugs to you. Becki xxxx 🥰🤗🌟

[Nicky]

Love the colour block blankets in your little garden, which pack is that from? Would love to make my own

[Jane]

Lucy, everyone needs a break from whatever. You will be back posting when it feel right for you. We all miss you.

[Val]

Hi Lucy,
I couldn't agree more with the sentiment stated by Jude yesterday. I cannot understand anyone wanting to stop following on your blog, and as Jude said, perhaps selfish people. Most of us realise that having a teenage family, and being the school summer holidays will be a busy time for you. I have been following your blog from the beginning, before Little B was born, and I won't be stopping any time soon. Please take care Lucy, and we're happy to see your next post, whenever that will be. Hugs, Val

[Katy S]

Hi Lucy, I just felt compelled to comment. I was recommended your blood for crochet pattern about 6 years ago by a friend when she taught me to crochet. It has been my go to for all things crochet since. Just this year I started following your blog. And just this past month I went back to the archive and started at the very beginning and I'm now up to your 1 year anniversary of the blog. I am annoyed I am so late to the party but honestly it brings me so much joy and has encouraged a lot of positive good habits, flower posies baking and purchase of beautiful ceramic tableware! Thank you so very much. I hope you are all well and take some comfort in the joy you have spread, and will continue to. I still have years to read, so excited! xxx

[Jill Kennedy]

Lucy thank you so much for the joy that you have brought to so many people with your gorgeous crochet projects. For me it colour therapy and my happy place. I am almost half way through your sweet pea blanket and have my next 3 projects lined up .... Coastal, moorland and dahlia blankets. You will keep me smiling for months. I hope you and your family are safe and healthy xx

[julie king]

i hope you and your family are ok xxx

[Jude]

Hi Lucy, hopefully you and your family are all well and enjoying school holidays. Just want to say please totally ignore/delete the very few but particularly nasty people and their selfish comments, who imagine they are loyal followers. It is their loss if they wish to stop following your amazingly generous blog - you don't need people like that. Big hug x

[Nancy]

Hi Lucy, I do hope all is well..will there be a Christmas blanket to look foreword to making ? Im thinking that as your channel has grown it maybe has become a little overwhelming? I lived seeing you flowers in your little jug, what you picked up at the shops, and of course your latest creations.Sometimes for me ,simple is best..Take care.

[Janet Woodward]

Hi Lucy..really miss your posts. I am praying for you and your family. You are such a blessing to many people! May the peace of God cover you. The world is in crisis but we can stand together and overcome evil. I pray wisdom and strength for you and your family.

[Geeha]

Thank you for the comfort you and your patterns have given over the past 18 months. Hoping that you and your family are well and enjoying a rest over the school holidays. They must be your priority, we can wait.

[Carine]

@ Anne

Same here.

Carine

[Anne]

Dear Lucy,
Praying all is well with you and family.
Take care and God bless,
Anne ❤️

[Hazel]

Just hoping that Lucy and family are well. 🌈🌈

[Pat]

I give up. Not following your blog anymore. You could at least let your many thousands of followers know what is happening. Loyal fans just being ignored very disappointed in you.

[Charlotte Pountney]

Hello Lucy, do hope that you and your family are all OK.
There's a donation gone to Paypal for a coffee...maybe you can enjoy it in your lovely courtyard. Charlotte xx

[Pamela]

Your little garden area is absolutely delightful. I am going to have to see if there is anything I can do in my yard to make a cozy corner.

[Tracy Bache]

Hi Lucy,
I was a bit late reading this. Actually it's the 2nd of August.Did you pinch out shoots of your sweet peas? My garden is set over tiers and North facing but I try to include as many flowers as I can. We have salvia's and lavender that are covered in bees.
Thank you for your posts. They always pick me up.xxxx

[Pat]

Do hope everything is alright with you, such a long time since you posted on social media and I miss your posts ☹️

[mamad]

nice

[Ellie Williams]

Hi Lucy,
Hope you and yours are all well.
Just finished another blooming flower cushion, family and friends love them
Thank you for sharing the pattern
Ellie.