Hopalong Hollow....

Hopalong Hollow, where the Blueberries grow sweet, and the moss feels soft beneath your feet.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Hopalong Hollowscaping...wattle garden fence

     Our first project in the Hopalong Hollowscaping  Garden series will be a fence that no self-respecting farm lady would pass up, nor goose, nor duck, nor chicken. WHY? Because nothing says rustic cottage charm like a little woven fence reminiscent of colonial gardens, Old English and French gardens and last but not least, Bilbo Baggins front yard garden in THE SHIRE. This will be a VERY short, 12" tall woven wattle fence, just tall enough to enclose a garden border or run along a pathway.

   But before we begin, I must show you two ladies who are hoping someone will tell them Happy Mothers Day very soon. Mathilda and her best friend Alice, are taking turns on the Goose EGGS, which they both laid in the same nest. Sometimes they sit on the eggs at the same time....

          but the majority of the time, it is Tilly sitting while Alice waddles around in the meadow or frolics in the creek.Well, sometimes friendship is like that.
 Because they chose a hot sunny spot to build the nest, we put an umbrella above to provide some shade during the hot afternoon. Mathilda keeps chipping away at the paint on the house... looks like I'll be painting after the hatch.

   For me, it is going to be a toss up as to whose egg hatches first...and very interesting to find out which of the 3 ganders is daddy. I'm putting my money on IVAN, the gentle goose with the proud and noble face.
                                                               Now, let's make a wattle!
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30 comments:

  1. The Joy of Home with Martha EllenMay 9, 2015 at 4:33 PM

    Oh Jeri, now I must make a wattle fence in my garden somewhere! Thank you for the great video of exactly how you made yours. I have plenty of wisteria whips I could use. ♥

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    1. jerilandersMay 10, 2015 at 6:09 PM

      If you make that fence, send me a pic and I will post!

      Delete
  2. Angelsdoor * PennyMay 9, 2015 at 7:14 PM

    Now that was fun! It looks great, Jeri.. Thank you for sharing this ~how it's done~ video..
    I would have attempted this when I was in my 50's, but no longer... I really enjoyed watching the video, and listening to the additional narrators, ( honk honk) they made me smile.
    I love that you put an umbrella for the girls... I can't wait for the eggs to hatch.
    Thank you for coming over to meet Finn.. Yes, I thought I would do something a little different. Big head, tiny body... Thank you for noticing...
    Happy Mother's Day Jeri!
    fondly,
    Penny

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  3. Salty Pumpkin StudioMay 9, 2015 at 8:25 PM

    Thank you for the lovely video.
    I love the wattle fencing. Its has so much charm.
    The ladies are so funny sharing like they are. I hope it all works out, but who will the little ones follow?

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    1. jerilandersMay 10, 2015 at 6:08 PM

      The goslings will follow the first mama they meet. Probably that will be Tilly, as she does most of the sitting.

      Delete
  4. CYNTHIA CRANEMay 10, 2015 at 1:21 AM

    Hello Jeri! I've always wanted to make a wattle fence and never thought to use rebar, what a great idea! Your video is just what I need to get me going- thank you! I've been quite the busy bee lately, but you've been on my mind. It's always such a pleasure to visit and see (and hear!) the wonders of your Hoppalong Hollow!

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  5. jaz@octoberfarmMay 10, 2015 at 4:18 AM

    what a great tutorial! i love this fence. it is perfect for a cottage garden.

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  6. Castles Crowns and CottagesMay 10, 2015 at 4:22 AM

    THAT was a fabulous tour, and I am breathless from the magic twists, the meandering ideas, the song of the geese and sunny bright paths. Jeri, it was so fun to hear your mellow and relaxing voice. You reignite in me the love for nature and animals, green gardens and outdoor living. I've said it before, but I was born, raised and schooled in the big cities, where excitement of another sort has always run through my veins. But down deep, give me a quiet meadow and a barn full of animals, and another side of my soul lights up.

    This fence is so charming, and takes me to a place I've always dreamed of, the medieval gardens of Europe. I love your sensibilities; those metal stakes are the best thing since they won't rot or crack, and the whole look is nothing but natural.

    Now go and give those geese a hug for me, if you can catch one! AND....a Happy Mother's Day to YOU and to all the ladies of the Hollow!

    Much love, Anita

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  7. FrancesMay 10, 2015 at 6:26 AM

    Jeri, your tale of the two mama geese really made me laugh. I don't think I've ever before heard of voluntary nest sharing. Your supplying the shade of an umbrella is very noble and kind.

    The fencing is a beautiful touch for your garden. Similar watting is used in Central Park's Shakespeare Garden, and perhaps you've glimpsed in some of the photographs I've taken there over the years.

    Thank you for sharing all this springtime news with us! xo

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  8. Gwen BuchananMay 10, 2015 at 7:48 AM

    This was lovely Jeri!!!

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  9. CarolMay 10, 2015 at 2:55 PM

    That is so cute! I got a kick out of the 2geese sharing the nest. Mu puppies barked at the honks, meows and all the other sounds. Take care! Carol

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  10. vicMay 10, 2015 at 5:06 PM

    Oh, I love that wattle fence. Wish I had enough wisteria vines to do it but probably don't. Maybe I could do half the height one year and at the rest the next? I even have the perfect place to put it just between a flower border and a swath of ivy. Sounds very doable although time consuming getting rid of all those leaves!

    The nest sharing geese are amazing. How will they sort out which eggs/babies are which? Do you suppose they will share the parenting (such as it is) of them?

    The umbrella is really a parasol (for sun) although those are usually made of paper I believe.

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  11. jerilandersMay 10, 2015 at 6:02 PM

    Vic, You could do half the fence with wisteria and finish it later, or you could do the fence in various types of vine. I didn't really mention rambling rose vines, which work great with wisteria, and the neat thing with rose vines is that sometimes it becomes a living fence, as one of mine did. The geese are wonderful friends and will share the goslings and raise them together.

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  12. CathyMay 11, 2015 at 1:51 AM

    I always love seeing glimpses of your garden. The rustic charm of a wattle fence would not be at home in my garden so I love seeing yours. I look forward to the new shared goslings!

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  13. JimmieMay 11, 2015 at 12:34 PM

    Hi Jeri,

    Thanks much for your tutorial on making a wattle fence. I made one several years ago and didn't use rebar for the posts...but I will this time!! My cat Callie, was sitting beside me as I was watching your video. It was so much fun watching her cock her head whenever she heard the geese and your kitty! She kept looking at my laptop trying to figure out what those noises were. I'm happy to say that she "watched" the complete video right along with me.

    I noticed your steps between the two wattle fences, but I couldn't figure out what they're made of. What did you use? I liked them a lot. I also like your wild violets. I left some along the stream and small fish pond that we put in several years ago and I love how they hold the soil and their pretty green color after the blooms go.

    I love your garden videos. They always give me such energy!

    Love from Diane in North Carolina

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  14. jerilandersMay 11, 2015 at 5:15 PM

    Diane, Thank you so much, so happy you watched! We found those "steps" at an old salvage yard, they were buried under the weeds and such and spread all over the place. We bought all 30 of them. It is concrete, and I think they were actually the foundation of an old building. The base of the steps is stone and rock I prospect from our creek bank by the wheelbarrow full.I use violets everywhere because they are free and reproduce with abandon. In the garden, they make a great groundcover, "petticoat" for the Perennials and keep the soil cool.

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    1. JimmieMay 13, 2015 at 8:39 AM

      Gotta ask...have you ever considered doing a garden book? I would buy it in a heartbeat. Your gardens are the very most beautiful I've ever seen. I'm going to be on the lookout for some concrete "steps". What a great recycle!

      I'm a country girl too, having been raised in Wilkes County, NC. We live on 25 acres outside of Statesville and love it. We literally went to the woods, felled the trees, hewed the logs and stacked our two log pens. We also have an old farmhouse (1890) that we've attached to our log pens and have loved restoring it.

      I'm going down to our creek this afternoon to hunt for more rocks, sweet kindred friend!

      Diane in North Carolina

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    2. jerilandersMay 13, 2015 at 9:42 AM

      Diane, You are my kinda gal! Our house was also built in 1890 and we also felled the trees to build a cedar grape arbor. I have a great surprise for you, I AM working on a garden book, it will be filled with photos, illustrations and how to information for anyone who wants to make a wonderful garden with all the accoutrements. I'm building the book, just like I build my gardens. James and I are making something super today, a birds and bees shelter with a thatched roof!

      Delete
    3. JimmieMay 13, 2015 at 12:14 PM

      Oh my goodness!!!! You've just made my day. I'll have a hard time waiting for for your book.

      You probably don't remember when you were working on your last book that I commented how much the insects in your illustrations. You were so kind to say that you were going to put a few extra insects/bugs in just for me!! I've never forgotten that. I dearly love bugs and insects. Do you know that mountain mint especially, attracts the most beautiful insects? My mountain mint attracts at least a dozen different beetles - most of them gorgeous iridescent ones. Just thought I'd let you know that neat fact about mountain mint.

      I'll be anxious to see your birds and bees shelter with a thatched roof. I know it will be just as special as the rest of your creations. What lucky critters who live in your garden.

      Delete
    4. jerilandersMay 13, 2015 at 3:15 PM

      I absolutely remember your comment about the insects, and that you keep bugs in a matchbox and the book you recommended to me about the "Jewels" in the bug world, which I did purchase. Didn't you come to that Art show in Black Mountain one year?

      Delete
    5. JimmieMay 14, 2015 at 6:06 AM

      Indeed, I did! My goodness, you have a great memory. I'd love to catch up with you again sometime. I'll keep my eye on your schedule. Long distance friends who get to see one another in person occasionally would be a wonderful treat.

      Have a great day...hope the shelter project is going well.

      Delete
    6. JimmieMay 14, 2015 at 6:06 AM

      Indeed, I did! My goodness, you have a great memory. I'd love to catch up with you again sometime. I'll keep my eye on your schedule. Long distance friends who get to see one another in person occasionally would be a wonderful treat.

      Have a great day...hope the shelter project is going well.

      Delete
  15. Diane Shepard Johnson and Sarah E. JohnsonMay 12, 2015 at 6:51 AM

    Dear Cousin Jeri,

    We love wattle fences! They give such old fashioned charm to the garden! How content Mathilda and Alice look under the umbrella! They would look great in one of your illustrations! Best wishes to the setting Mamas for safe and successful hatchlings!

    Your cousins,
    Diane and daughter Sarah, and Tillie Tinkham the seamstress mouse at Corgyncombe

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    1. jerilandersMay 13, 2015 at 3:17 PM

      Cousins, I seem to remember either a wattle gate or a fence around your herb garden.... Not sure.

      Delete
  16. Debbie NolanMay 14, 2015 at 10:56 AM

    Jeri-such a great post. Your Seattle fence is awesome. Thank you for sharing. May just have to do one soon. Your garden and landscaping is so lovely. Hope you have a great day.

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  17. The BUTT'RY and BOOK'RYMay 14, 2015 at 1:05 PM

    Oh Jeri those Goosie goosies just melt my heart!! How sweet they look being Moms together!!
    Oh my that wattle path with the steps and stones and woodeny stumps look so wonderful!!!
    I enjoyed your video soooo much, and it is inspiring me to want to try it after all! There are so many spaces here that would look so nice with wattle boarders!
    Sending warmth, Linnie Lou xx oo
    (Going now to watch the video again) ;-)

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  18. AcornmoonMay 18, 2015 at 1:28 AM

    I love your little woven fence, they always remind me of Medieval tapestries.

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  19. UnknownSeptember 15, 2015 at 8:23 PM

    Hello Precious Jeri, I JUST saw this ~ you are so amazing and I feel SO blessed that Mathilda and Alice are at your magical farm. I forwarded your blog to my Mom, so she could see the girls too :) I must come and see them and you for a visit, it's been waaay toooo long. Do we have baby "gOOses" and did you figure out who the baby daddy is lol? :) How are the boys doing? I Think of you often, :) Tammy

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  20. jhonDecember 22, 2017 at 1:58 AM

    they will return to this outer area. Sometime ago Debbie from my garden group suggested I should grow beans over the wire fence that encloses it. white vinyl fence

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