Sunday safari

For generations the robin has earned its place as Britain's best loved bird

It is noted for its tameness and often searches for food around the feet of gardeners who are turning over soil.

I listened to the robin sing and for a moment time stood still.......

The magpie is , without doubt, a stunning bird. I must say, the fact they take eggs from the nests of songbirds, does not put them on my list of favourites.

I watched with fascination as this one carefully groomed itself.

Female blackbirds look all brown at a distance but she has blurred spots on throat and breast.
Dwarf iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' has just come into bloom.

A welcome sight on a cold winters day.......

Happy Sunday safari......

Books, biscuits and birches.........

There was a package waiting at the gate when Poppi and I arrived at the house.

"You have a present Nanna, may I open it for you."

"Of course."

A book for me and homemade dog biscuits for Nella. I am always so overwhelmed by the kindness of fellow bloggers. Thank you Dan, I am so very grateful to you. I cannot wait until bedtime when I can have a quick read before sleeping.
Please note the slightly expanded muzzle........Nella took great delight in carrying her precious biscuit around the house, showing everyone en route. She loved her gift and is looking forward to bedtime ....when she will get another biscuit to eat, before sleeping.


Poppi and I put on our gardening clothes and set about planting the rest of the silver birch.

There is not doubt in my mind.......this little lady will be a gardener. She is a natural.

There is no job too messy. We work as a team...the connection between us grows.

Silver birch are not long lived. 70 years and they have reached maturity. Poppi will see them in old age. I do hope her memory will serve her well and she will remember planting them. I took her back to mummy later in the day. As I drove home I found myself smiling....... I had a lovely warm feeling. Treasured moments with a much treasured grandchild........

Spring?

As I walked the garden today I noticed the first snowdrop. It is said, they are a sure sign of spring. They can be planted en masse.......but for me, a solitary snowdrop is enchanting.

Rabbits have caused so much damage in the garden. For nearly eight years I have struggled. I am tired of the constant battles. The frustration of planting and netting a new addition to the garden, only to find overnight it has disappeared.

They are, without doubt, cute....and Poppi loves them. They are vegetarian....I am a vegetarian. They have such lovely eyes. I am learning acceptance. They are part of the natural world that surrounds the house. I am changing my planting...... We will learn to live together. I have a list of plants that rabbit do not like. I am taking a different path.........

I lost three trees recently due to the rabbits. The snow enabled them to reach above the tree guard and strip the bark . Yesterday a friend appeared at the gate. He is a country boy....he knows much about country ways. He is clearing woodland at the moment. This needs to be done sometimes to bring certain creatures back to the woods. Anyway his wife had told him about the rabbit damage. "I have something for you." he said. He opened the car door and took out a bundle of silver birch saplings (around two metres high). He gave me a hug and with a smile went back to the car and waved goodbye. I was so touched. This man has a big heart and often pops by with his wife.....he never comes empty handed. Vegetables from his garden, kindling for the fire, a birdbox he has made from wood he had lying around. I am blessed with two very good friends........

I planted six of the trees today....so exciting. I love silver birch. There is a poem...I remember the first line 'the silver birch is a dainty lady' So she is........

Sunday safari

During the last few weeks Blue Boy has become very much a part of my gardening life. Whilst tending plants or digging he would never be too far away. Always there to greet me. Last week I became a little concerned about him.....he would sit quietly and fluff himself up, not really interested in anything.

Towards the end of the week he was looking very poorly. My heart wanted to help him but I knew there was nothing I could do. Sadly I have not seen him for two days. I think it is a wonderful thing, when a wild creature, allows you to be part of their day. I never encouraged Blue Boy and yet he seemed happy in my company. I shall really miss the little chap.......

The copse shows signs of spring......our native lords and ladies is just beginning to show itself.......I love this plant and it loves the garden. The damp soil and shade of the small wood suit it so very well. The beautiful red/orange berries in the autumn are a gardener's delight.

Native Elder are budding up very nicely. The first to show her leaves, she is so welcome here. I love the spring flowers and their heady fragrance. Berries in autumn are a joy....Poppi and I always delight in the taking. This autumn she will go to school....life changes.

In the warmth of the copse daffs are budding up and I think I may have a late February show.

Alpines are surviving....they do not like the wet weather. I am surprised they have done so well.

Moss does well here and spreads around the garden with gay abandon. I do love it........especially on logs that frequent the woodland floor. Perfect.

Another love of mine, lichen. So fascinating.

I love the contrasting colours.......and the fact that they only live where there is clean air. Nature is wonderful, don't you think?

Happy Sunday safari.......

Sometimes I wish I wasn't so impulsive........

The rabbits have caused so much damage during this cold snap. Most of my plants are disliked by bunnies, but it would appear that when you are hungry, anything goes. I have read that if Buxus is planted in a border, the horrid smell it exudes keeps rabbits away. So I have decided to try this out in one of the borders. I prepared the soil well by adding lots of manure.

Driving home from the nursery I can understand why rabbits do not like the smell. It is really horrible. I drove home with my window partially down to try and get some fresh air. Back home I placed the plants.......

and soon had them settled in their new home. I bought 50, so it took a while....

When I finished I stood back and wasn't really sure if I liked it. I shall allow the box to grow and form a low hedge. I shall plant Allium Purple Sensation and Echinacea Purp. White Swan behind it.

I did add some Arum italicum....lord's and ladies does well here, so this plant should romp away. I planted three. Now I shall just have to wait and see how this developes and if it is successful at keeping those naughty bunnies away........
I would just like to say a thank you to a certain young lady for helping me with my camera (Liz at Gwirrel's Garden). It is amazing when something is explained in simple terms ...............
I had fun today Liz......and you are so right, I do love my camera......

Sunday safari

It rained all day yesterday. The snow has gone. I have my grass back. My world is green. I like green. The garden is covered in water.......I understand wet, I have gardened here for nearly eight years. Wet is normal.....the land is low lying. The ditches are full.....they lead to the river at the end of the road. It has burst it's banks and has flooded the farmers fields. The sheep have been moved to safer ground.

Wildlife ponds are still frozen......I saw the heron today. It was good to see him. The sun came out ....perhaps the ice will soon disappear and he will be able to take some fish....the pond is overstocked. He will help to keep it healthy.

The sheep thought I was the farmer coming to feed them. They looked quite perplexed as I stood there watching them. The farmers have worked tirelessly to feed their livestock. It has been a tough few weeks for them.

I walked the lanes today with Nella.......the birds seemed to have disappeared.....there was a quietness hanging over the fields.....a silence.......

I like quiet................

Silence

Gardening gives me fun and health and knowledge. It gives me laughter and colour.

It gives me pictures of almost incredible beauty.............

John F. Kenyon
from....My Garden's Good-Night.

Sunday safari

It snowed all day yesterday. I have kept the pump running in the pond to stop it from freezing over. The birds need water, as well as food.

A fieldfare feeds on haws.....he blends so well, it took me a while to find him. Can you see him??

I took this photograph very early this morning.......sorry about the quality. This is a new visitor to the garden. After close examination, I believe it may be a yellowhammer. Can anyone id the little chap for me?

A charm of goldfinch have come to feed on teasel seeds....
The song thrush is with me for most of the year.....she nests in my garden. She eats the snails during the growing season.....she has her own stone to break the shells. I am grateful to her........now it is my turn to help her.........

Blue boy and friends are coping with this cold snap....I am feeding them suet balls....they need to stay warm.....

There are many robins .......at least ten at the last count.....

This little chap is my garden robin.....he comes into the shed to feed.....he is quite happy to let me fill the feeders there and watch him as I work.......
The pied wagtails stays in the garden until it is dark. He quickly fills up, on what the other birds, have left behind.....
The Greater spotted woodpecker is also a regular visitor. I have never been able to capture him with my camera. Sitting on the floor, in the conservatory, for what seemed like a lifetime, I did eventually get the above shot.

There is much wildlife that is suffering during this very cold spell. I have heard of hedgehogs, foxes, owls, and much more being rescued by animal charities.

Please keep a look out in your area and if you see an animal struggling, take it to an animal sanctuary to get help.

and finally I was reading a local gardening magazine the other day and was very surprised when I turned the page and saw a photograph of me. It was a lovely article about 'gardening for wildlife'.....also a promotion for the Kent Wildlife Trust. I am always willing to help wildlife, in any way that I can and I hope that this feature will encourage others to take up this worthwhile hobby.

I do hope that you are all enjoying your weekend.....stay warm....stay well.....