Bomb site to top plot

Sep 1 2007

Evening Chronicle

One man’s hard work has transformed his garden from a pile of rubble to a prize-winning haven. ROB BARKER meets our latest Me and My Garden entry PETER Fraser is very proud of his garden, and rightly so. After moving to his house in Longbenton 11 years ago he has transformed the garden from a dumping ground to a colourful prize-winning plot. The 59-year-old used to own an allotment but was forced to give it up due to rising travel costs. But when he first moved into his new house the garden it was like a bomb site. He says: “There was buried glass and all sorts. I think it was used to keep rabbits or chickens. It wasn’t somewhere you could sit and relax.” Story continues ADVERTISEMENT Since then, the garden has undergone dramatic changes and is now home to marigolds, fuchsias, sunflowers and heathers which have even earned him some silverware. Despite a heart condition and painful arthritis, Peter always makes sure he keeps on top of the greenery, with the help of his wife of 22 years, Angela Armstrong, 41. “About three years ago I came first in a Longbenton garden competition and got third place in the North Tyneside in Bloom small garden section. “I always try to do about two hours a day and get rid of all the weeds and things. I like to grow my own vegetables, too, so I know what I’m eating. I grow sweetcorn and beans, cabbage, lettuce. “I'm living on salads at the minute to keep my cholesterol down.” Like many gardeners Peter has had problems with the unpredictable weather this summer. As well as playing havoc with his hanging baskets it has also been bringing some unwanted guests. “When you open the door you’re tripping over frogs, and they get in to the house. You can hear my wife screaming in the other room when they do.” As well as the frogs, Peter’s garden attracts other wildlife, such as wrens, blackbirds, hedge sparrows and blue tits. The biggest advantage of the garden for Peter is the health benefits. “With my health it helps keep me active. “It’s good for me and the wife. She does the hedges and mows the lawn and I deal with the plants. It works well that way,’’ he said.

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