Well, here it is - my new garden path, just about finished. There's nothing like setting oneself a deadline for concentrating the mind (and body) on finishing a task. Despite miserable weather, I have spent an hour or two each day for the last ten days digging drainage channels, cementing in edges, laying slabs and carting barrow-loads of pea gravel, with help for the heaviest tasks provided by my son Michael.

I'm quietly pleased with the result, which means we can now walk the length of the garden, whatever the weather, without getting our feet wet and muddy.

I'm aware that we haven't had any really heavy rain since I put the drainage in, but I'm reasonably confident it will work.

Jobs for the gardener this week:

  • Give the lawn its first cut before the end of the month, providing conditions are dry enough. Set the blades fairly high and aim for a light topping.
  • Start dahlias and cannas into growth, potting them into trays or boxes and covering them with lightly with moist compost.
  • Sow seeds of herbaceous perennials, alpines and herbs in a cold greenhouse or coldframe.

For full story see the Leisure section in the March 23 edition of The Westmorland Gazette.