Garden Journal 1998

The 1998 journal contains very random writings. These were the days when I tended to scribble lists in notebooks and then promptly lost them. I was definitely in my growth phase as a gardener - not totally sure of things, still trying to do what the sensible gardening books said.

As a writer I'd started to branch out - for example, I'd decided I was allowed to write about the cricket as well as the garden. I was also allowed to be moody and emotional.

I did start to gain confidence, however, as a country gardener. When I read these early words I relive the feelings of the time - I felt so unbelievably lucky to be living with beautiful open spaces, grass, flowers and trees.

The animals I shared the garden with had become good company, too. They were no longer taken for granted, and I started writing more details about them. Luckily many are still here living happily and quietly at Mooseys.

Some of the lists I wrote in 1998 were ridiculous - and repetitive. I was learning that gardening itself was rather repetitive too. Sorry about that!

January - February...
Sat 3rd Jan 1998

Summer holidays mean relaxing in the garden and reading, so garden seats become a priority. We won't talk about the cricket...

August - October...
Sat 29th Aug 1998

Spring arrives, with daffodils and grape hyacinths and tulips. Gourmet potatoes and pots are planted. The garden wakes up.

December...
Tue 15th Dec 1998

I am on holiday!!! I will make every minute of my holidays count. I will not mooch or get bored. I will write up my diary and not lose my cricket radio. I will not get distressed when we lose the cricket. I will even tidy the glass-house...