Monday 27 October 2008

Digging...............

It rained all day yesterday.........there were water droplets everywhere when I walked the garden this morning.............
But today is cold, bright and sunny.............but we have a cold snap coming........daytime temperatures will drop to 8C ..........and it could last for a while...............

so after taking the parents out to get their weekly groceries, and giving Nella a nice long walk.............time to put my faithful old (very old) welligogs on and start lifting turf and preparing the soil for my trees........they should arrive Nov/Dec..............


While working I caught the fragrance of Mahonia Charity on the breeze......it kept teasing me with its beautiful scent...... coming and going as I worked.............



I noticed that the birds have started to eat the hips............a robin and dunnock kept me company while I beavered away........




This little pansy has just opened........sunny little blooms..........
I could see two other happy faces................I have started to prepare the garden for a little family get together on Saturday........Guy Fawkes........I will not have the traditional bonfire or fireworks.....when you garden for wildlife it is not on your agenda............but there will be a treasure hunt in the dark and lots of games............and of course supper around the table..........and then lots of special treats..............



Well three hours digging is quite enough for one day............shall do some more another time..............I hear the teapot calling...........and a nice piece of farmhouse fruit cake...........







24 comments:

Rose said...

Your garden already looks so inviting, I don't think you have to do much to prepare it for your celebration, Cheryl. Three hours of digging--whew! I have been planting a few bulbs every day, but it has turned cold here, too, and very windy, so I don't know if I'll be brave enough to get out there today.

I know you have so many trees coming and need to prepare a place for each of them, but don't wear yourself out!

Cheryl said...

Dear Rose.......It takes more than that to wear me out.....I am blessed with my fathers strength and endurance....also I love being outside working......its good for the soul.

I work in the garden everyday......except when it is raining........

The trees are going to be used for a native hedgerow in front of the copse.....I have spoken to someone and that is being arranged.......

beckie said...

What beauty in your gardens. I love looking at them. Loved your boots! They look well used and loved. Sounds like your celebration will be lots of fun. Hope the grands are feeling better. Don't work too hard.

Cheryl said...

Dear Beckie.....Mr P came home with the boots many many years ago.....what on earth are they I said.......they are practical said he......and I have to say he has been right, they are warm and still no wear on them......I don't think they will win any fashion award though........

NCmountainwoman said...

I do love your garden in all seasons. I can't wait to see the trees.

Cheryl said...

Thank you ncmountainwoman....I am looking forward to getting the trees....it will be good to see what I actually get.....

SweetAnnee said...

many smiles in your pics today
I had another God visit
I'll be putting on my Nestle blog
thank you for sharing smiles today

Wendy said...

Mmmm - farmhouse fruitcake and tea. I'd love some thank you!
Your spider web looks exquisite! Lucky you to still have panseys and that yellow Mahonia Charity flower. It looks so delicate. Do you make rose hip tea? Or leave it for the birds?

Your weather sounds much like ours. We also are in for a cold snap.

Your weekend sounds delightful. I hope you don't wear yourself out digging.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I would like some tea and cake too. You deserve a treat after all that work. It is surprising to see spider webs when it has been so cold. I think the spiders here have closed up shop for the year. The wind was constant today and it got colder as the day went on. Your trees will be a blessing when planted.

Have fun this weekend. The party sounds like lots of fun.

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
Your scarecrows are charming, the children will enjoy them. Getting your holes ready now for the trees is an excellent idea. Three hours of digging is hard work...you deserve two pieces of the fruit cake! Good protein in all the nuts too.
I love the way the birds and smells kept you company while you worked.
Stay warm and snug, just like the bees. The sun will come out again soon and warm things up a bit.
Your celebration will be fun for your family.
Hugs to your young ones.
Sherry

Cheryl said...

Hi Deena.....I shall pop over.....

Cheryl said...

Hi Wendy.........no I don't make rosehip tea....I leave them for the birds, their need is greater than mine......
the weekend will be fun.....the children will love it.....

stay warm.....

Cheryl said...

Hi Lisa.....the weather here is so unpredictable.....I have seen creatures around that really should not be....it is strange.....
the world is slowly changing I am sure.......
sugar and milk in the Yea??

Cheryl said...

Dear Sherry.......The ground will be getting really hard soon....too hard to dig....by turning the clod now hopefully the trees will be able to go in when there is a reasonable day........

It is nice to have company while digging....the robin took every opportunity to take little mealworms and other grubs.....it will have kept him going thru the cold night.......there is a really heavy frost this morning...brrrrr....

The children send a hug to you.....

naturewitch said...

Hi Cheryl

You really are keen - three hours of digging in the cold! It'll be all worth it when you get your new trees, though.

I agree with you - don't like fireworks. Sure, they are pretty, but apart from the use of resources for such a momentary pleasure, the poor animals suffer so when they go off. Much better to keep the peace and quiet. xx

Bovey Belle said...

What a lovely garden you have. Mine is in mid-tidy at the moment and looking in a proper mess, so I need to get back out there.

What trees have you ordered?

Ruth said...

My garden is looking quite dead as the morning temperatures are consistently below 0C. How nice to see a few blooms.

Cheryl said...

hi naturewitch........it was tiring but worth the effort, still a lot to do though......

hope bees are still with you.......

Cheryl said...

hi bovey belle....i won an award for wildlife and i got 25 trees for entering......i don't know what they are.....will find out in nov/dec........

Cheryl said...

hi ruth.......i try and plant for every season.....wintering flowering shrubs are such a pleasure.......

Libbys Blog said...

Adore your new header pic it is gorgeous. Its amazing how a garden changes with the various weather changes we have, quite exciting though!!!

CIELO said...

Lovely pictures of garden and nature, as usual! I have something for you waiting on my blog... come get it! :)

Hugs to you sweet gardener!

cielo

Cheryl said...

Tks Libby.....I was pleased with the header....a good unexpected photograph.....

Cheryl said...

Cielo....will pop over.....