Unhappy with your garden plot? Try pretending you've just moved in

A garden growing space is revisited with fresh perspective after prior setbacks. The approach shifts from lamenting failures to finding value and beauty in what grows. The perennial area is assessed, and increased sunlight from a removed cherry tree creates an opportunity for a raspberry patch. Weeds are evicted and the area is mulched aggressively, while volunteer raspberry canes are relocated. Tayberries are planted where raspberries previously grew. Infrastructure is repaired by replacing wobbly or rotten fence posts, chicken wire boundaries, and support structures. Seed choices are reviewed to avoid growing beyond available space and to focus on varieties that fit the garden conditions.

"The veg patch had a wanton disregard for my hopes during growing season, which taught me the importance of finding value and beauty in what was growing, instead of lamenting all that was not. This season, I've found myself approaching the veg patch with a more determined attitude. It's been six years since my partner and I cleared the couch grass and nettles from the parcel of earth at the bottom of our garden, moved a ton or so of compost on to it to create vegetable beds, and grew the first crops in our new home."

"First I assessed the perennial area. By taking a step back, I realised that when our new neighbours cut down their massive cherry tree, a previously shady corner became flooded with light and would be a perfect place for a new raspberry patch. After doing the dull but necessary eviction of perennial weeds and then mulching aggressively, I relocated the volunteer raspberry canes that had popped up everywhere. I gave their former home the same treatment and planted tayberries (raspberry/blackberry hybrids) in their place."

"With my partner's woodworking support, we have replaced all the wobbly or rotten infrastructure the fence posts, chickenwire boundary and support structures instead of spending another summer fixing breakages and patching up holes. It's a relief to have everything feeling sturdy again. I also took a critical look at my seed box and checked-in with my annual urge to grow more plants than I have room for, as well as exciting varieties that don't work in my space."

Read at www.theguardian.com