Sunday 13 April 2008

Tree Planting







There is a railway line that runs along the back of our garden. Some people may think that it is an intrusion on ones privacy, I am someone who actually enjoys it. It is wonderful for wildlife, as most of the time they are undisturbed, apart from the odd commuter train. We do also get the odd steam train which is wonderful, I always run to the bottom of the garden and give them a wave. Six months ago the tree surgeons came and felled a lot of the old oaks that run along the line, I was devastated. We managed to talk them into leaving two old girls and all the hawthorns. One of my qualities is that I will not be defeated, so for the last six months I have been planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Also clematis, honeysuckle, and the passionflower twenty in all have been planted under the larger trees, to grow through them and cover them with flowers.




I have planted at least 25 trees, hawthorns, holly, rowan, maples, silver birch, and the lovely salix, known for its beautiful orange and red stems in the winter. Most of these will be a gift to wildlife and for me they will fill me with hope everytime they burst into bud.

16 comments:

fiona said...

I'm not going to call you Cheryl anymore, I'm going to call you

WONDERWOMAN!!

You're amazing :-)

Cheryl said...

That really made me laugh hedgewitch, thanks for that, a chuckle on a Sunday is good. Must go tell hubby he is married to wonderwoman. That should cheer him up!!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my Cheryl..you have been busy!!!I always love popping over to your blog I never know what is going to "Spring" up next...beautifil piccies always:)
"Hope you are all well"x

Cheryl said...

Hi Terrie....It has been hard work but love the end results. I am determined this will be as the header says a wildlife sanctuary.
So sorry to hear about your Uncle.

Rose said...

You have been a very busy woman, Cheryl! We are fortunate to have many trees on our farm (though there is room for more). Unfortunately, so many of the original large trees, like the oaks and hackberries, eventually fell to disease or lightning. You just can't replace those.

Mark said...

Hi Cheryl,
Ahh someone with something good to say about the railway.It is a very underused green corridor that has so much potential. They do seem to have a fondness for cutting down trees,(wrong type of leaves)but this in itself is not all bad as it opens it up for the ground cover plants.
As you know I have a wildlife garden by my signalbox and the next thing I have to worry about is the weed spraying train. Most of the drivers know about my patch and turn the spray off, but it is always a nervous time.

Cheers Mark

Cheryl said...

No you are right Rose you can never replace the old oaks etc. We can only do our best by replacing them with natives to help the environment. I have planted acorns though!!!

Cheryl said...

Hi Mark, Of course you are quite right about letting in light for the ground cover plants. You are talking to the person that started tree hugging. Wildlife for me benefits more from the trees, of course, the flowers are important to.

Thanks re weed spraying train. I have never noticed that here, perhaps they don't spray where there are houses. I throw wildflower seed and sedge seed over the fence. There are now lots of fox gloves, pendulous sedge etc growing along the bank.

Always interesting to talk to you Mark, tks for dropping by.

beckie said...

Cheryl, I am constantly amazed at what you do! You must have the energy of three people! Good for you on planting trees. The world can always benefit from more trees.

Cheryl said...

Hi Beckie....Don't be amazed, I am blessed with a lot of stamina. Also I just can't sit still. Been like it ever since I was a child. Used to drive my parents crazy!! You are right we can always do with more trees.

Mary said...

Cheryl, you don't give up in a big way! I can picture your rebuilding and replacing singlehandedly! LOL!

You have the big heart, lady. Keep on digging and planting.

You asked how I gave up coffee. Look at my blog dated yesterday, 4/13 and click on the link "coffee" in the post (red font). It's a funny story - you might like it.

Mary

beckie said...

Cheryl, I have awarded you the "E" for excellent. See my post for instructions.

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
Planting trees is a joyful experience! Whenever my husband and I put in a hedge row or add shrubs as understorey I am so filled with hope.
Doing all the digging and lifting by yourself is amazing. Trim and fit I bet you are!
The wildlife surely loves you. I also think it is important to keep some grasses for the bugs!
I am looking forward to getting my bushes for my annual spring planting!
Your sanctuary already sounds beautiful and is safe haven for all sorts of creatures. Including you!
Sherry

Cheryl said...

Hi Sherry....I like doing the work myself, how long I will be able to do it I don't know.
The body aches a little more than it used to, and I must say I sleep very well!!!

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

What fun to have the odd steam train passing by Cheryl! I would have been devasted too about losing those oak trees. But good for you that you have planted so many new trees and shrubs; the wildlife will be very grateful and within a few years time everything will look lovely.

Cheryl said...

Yes Yolanda, it will take time but with age comes patience, and in my minds eye I can see what I am aiming for.

I to love the steam train, it takes me back to a bygone age when travel was more genteel. I was born at the wrong time.
Tku so much for dropping by.