The tiny patch of dirt by the fence—no more than 60 centimetres by 130 centimetres (1 foot, 11 inches by 4 feet, 3 inches), after I extended it a bit with a layer of compost over some paving stones, had been overtaken by stinging nettles (and various bits of broken glass and rubble). I did not want to tangle with those nasties after accidentally finding out why they have their name–there was no forgetting for days. Besides, I was busy with bringing the other parts of our gardens to life; it was easy to ignore that bit. Unfortunately, they didn’t go away and as we began to relax on our back patio near the patch of nettles, as much as I dreaded it, I knew it was time for them to go.

I donned long sleeves, gloves, and wellies, armed myself with every tool I owned, from trowel to heavy rake, and tackled the stinging beasts—piles and piles of them. I’m chuffed to say–without getting stung.

Next spring, no nettles came up—victory! In their place, the bed brimmed with intensely yellow, shiny-petalled buttercups (Ranunculus repens). I had to clear the bad (I know nettles can be made into a smelly concoction to feed plants, even to make tea, but no thank you) to make room for the lovely little flowers.

When the buttercups had finished their display, I knew it was time for them to go as well, to finally make room for flowers of my own choosing–flowers with loads of colour. As the bare ground came into view, I discovered the answer to my earlier question of, “Where do all those snails come from?” This rocky little bed was a colony, a breeding ground for those devourers of my garden! The dangerous had been hidden by the pretty. I even counted them at the time, but have forgotten how many got a free ride to the “forest” out back, though I know there were scores.

I’m sure I planted more flowers than the space can hold but who knows how many will germinate, especially as seeds, in this year of pandemic, are hard to find? Monty Don of BBC Gardener’s World has assured us to not be afraid to plant old seeds; I would anyway but it’s nice to have an expert’s reassurance. Hopefully the orange cosmos, yellow orange, and orchid purple zinnias, dahlias, cobalt blue lobelias, and I don’t remember what all, will make beautiful colourful flowers in plenty of time to accompany our evenings on the patio.

I look forward to the day new colour comes to this tiny patch. What colours will you have in your garden and why do you like/love them?