My Wildlife Sanctuary

The hunter.......

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:04:00 +0000

She watches, eyes fixed.....she is patient. I stand, fixed to the spot. Nella has seen a rat.

At great speed she runs across the garden..........the rat is too far away for her....it runs into next doors garden.

She peers through the hedgerow.....just stay away, you are not welcome here.......

She checks the garden, just to make sure the rat did not come with friends......

At the end of a chase Nella always dances around the garden. She bounces this way and that, the excitement still very much with her. I have a feeling the rat will not be back for a while.........

Roses and romance......

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:17:00 +0000

My favourite gardening magazine is 'The English Garden'. It speaks of everything I love. During the last year it has inspired me to think differently about my garden. I am by nature a romantic, I intend to carry that forward into the space that surrounds me. I have the perfect soil for roses. Sadly I have never been able to keep them....the reason....rabbits. They seem to have a taste for them.

BUT I will not be defeated. Today I ordered two ramblers.

Rambling Rector......large clusters of scented semi-double, creamy white blooms from July thru September, followed by small hips. A vigorous rambler ideal for covering an unsightly structure. Excellent for shady areas. I intend to plant this at the back of the garden. Hopefully, in time, it will cover some of the awful fence the railway company put there.

Francis E Lester. This beautiful rose bears large trusses of single white blooms with subtle pink edging. With it's strong fragrance it is a welcome sign of spring. Long flexible canes can easily be trained over arches etc. I plan to put this rose along the fence in front of the copse.

I am going to make/buy a willow structure to put around the roses to try and deter the rabbits. Then I shall keep my fingers crossed.

I am also planning a new border. The planting will be simple but beautiful. I intend to fill it with Queen Anne's Lace, Valerian and Angelica. Dotted amongst these lovely white blooms will be purple loosestrife.

The borders around the pond will be extended and will be full of native meadow flowers and grasses.

I am going out tomorrow to see a local plantsman to order some of the above. I must say I am eager. I realise I have much more to give this space and the prospect of spring is just so exciting.

I always value your comments and ideas. As I take this journey, your imput would be so gratefully received. Any suggestions are welcome........

Starlings, hellebores and composting........

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:18:00 +0000

I noticed the starlings as I walked into the garden. The sun's rays had settled on their feathers. They are really stunning birds but how many times do we pass them by. 'It's only a starling.' Personally, I like them. They are noisy, messy and the bully boys of the bird world, but I would miss them if they did not visit my gardens. They are wonderful entertainers, and it is oh so sweet when they chatter quietly to each other. The little birds above were doing just that. Like an old married couple they talked for around ten minutes, I found if quite enchanting. It is good to just stop in your tracks and take in a moment.

Some of the hellebores are in bloom.....but many have yet to appear.

I could see buds hiding amongst the icy snow.......and it was at this point I realised, I have not removed the old leaves on the plants. I always feel a little uneasy when I do this....as though if I remove all the large leaves, the whole plant will disappear. Don't ask me why I feel this way because I truly do not know.

Half an hour later the job was done, and I know the plants will be better for it.

They did not show any signs of black spot. When the blooms appear they will not be hidden by the large leaves.

Do not put hellebore leaves in your composter, they will not break down. Have I ever told you I am very good at making garden compost. I have nine compost bins.....yes nine, and I love each and every one of them. It never ceases to amaze me that I can throw all my kitchen veg and fruit waste.....garden shreddings.......dead annuals, shredded paper etc in and six months later I have rich, sweet smelling soil. It is the best thing you can give your garden plants. Rich in nutrients, wonderful to lighten clay soils.....and I love to give back to nature, that, which she so kindly shared with me. Oh also forget to mention, the rabbits also make a useful donation....their droppings are a wonderful source of nitrogen, so that goes in to!!

It has been cold today and more snow is expected tomorrow. There is talk of the coldest winter for thirty years........

Hope you all have a good week and stay warm.......

Sunday safari.......

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:43:00 +0000

The bullfinch is one of Britain's prettiest birds. The male, with his beautiful deep red breast, is unmistakeable. He is there, amongst the oak branches. Honest. Perhaps if you enlarge the photograph, you will be able to fully appreciate, just how pretty this little bird is.The old oak was in fact full of birds.....greater spotted woodpecker......

and female blackbird, were way up high. Too far away to get a decent photograph.

Watching a squirrel making a nest in an old owl box, was fascinating. She busied herself, for around an hour. Up and down the oak with leaves, straw and any other useful bedding material that she could find.

Daffs are peeping through the soil....a sure sign that spring is not too far away. It does lift my spirit to see plants moving. I walk the garden everyday, regardless of the weather. I have a need to be part of it, as it makes it's journey towards each season.

Regardless of the snow flurries and constant chill....I have found the motivation to work outside. I have been tying living bamboo together to form an arch. I thought it would give a pleasing walk to the greenhouse.

January and February are always the worst months for rabbit damage. Many plants have been taken to the ground. My beautiful specimen Fatsia has been eaten to within an inch of it's life, only three leaves remain. It should regenerate but I do not know if I really want to keep it. I am seriously considering removing many plants this year. A garden needs to move forward, as do I. I have ideas........

The eucalyptus has had the top four metres of growth removed. The wrong time of year to do this.........had we not done it, the tree would have come down in the strong winds, we had a month ago. The tree is of great sentimental value, as Mr P and I planted it the first spring we arrived. I am sure it will be fine, despite it's early haircut.......

Mum and Dad bought me The Ivington Diaries for Christmas. Monty Don is my favourite gardener. I love his style......his organic ways......and his uncomplicated thinking. He has many wonderful ideas, so I am trying to think how I can use them here........roll on warmer weather, when I can put thoughts into action......

and finally....Gail, I loved your Haiku.......

Winter Solitude

in a world of one colour
the sound of the wind

-Basho.

I shall send The Forgotten Garden to you soonest.

A happy and healthy New Year to you all.

Sunday safari.......well not really, it's too cold.......

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:10:00 +0000

My tree is dressed.......I left it late this year. Christmas decorations hold memories for me.

Lots of memories........magical moments......

My Auntie gave me the angels many years ago. They are very beautiful, I never tire of them........

My garden is full of decorations. Mother Nature has been busy........she works her magic far better than I.
There are many feathers in the snow.......

All the teasels have bonnets.......

A mini Christmas tree perhaps?

The robin is my friend. I am feeding him suet sticks. He will not go hungry.

Happy safari Sunday........

Walking in beauty......

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:46:00 +0000

Every picture tells a story.....so they say.......

The birds knew the snow would come.....now they can feast on berries........

The garden is hushed.......not a sound.......the birds are not singing......

I think of Riley and Poppi making snowmen.......I hope their Mummy has some carrots. Poppi says all snowmen have carrot noses.......
Snow is not common in my part of the world.

I shall walk Nella during the day.....walking in the snow is fun.......

What a difference.......

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:19:00 +0000

The bees and butterflies are sleeping.......

The garden is frosted.

I put a coat over my dressing gown and pop on my gloves. I am glad my neighbours are sleeping.......

The air is crisp......my breath is warm......

Silence greets me.

I watch the birds gather.......the night has been harsh. Water has turned to ice. I leave suet balls, seeds and nuts. The birds are hungry.

The cold chills my bones and yet........ There is something quite magical about a frosted garden. I breathe in the cold air, and savour the moment.

Cold days mean log fires.....old houses are hard to heat. Nella loves the warmth of the fire and dreams of chasing rats. I dream of Spring and what is to come.

Winter months.....time to dream.......

Soggy safari Sunday.......

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:43:00 +0000

Icy rain.....a north wind.....and low temperatures .......I am not fond of this particular cocktail.

A cape daisy sings out......her colours taking me back to warmer days.

A Calendula crosses its petals...........hoping for a little warmth.......those days are fading fast.

My much loved garden, all that's new in it.....

and all that is old in it, is barely marking time. I am preparing to steer it forward into another year.......

I see changes in Nella........she is in hunting mode....

Her eyes are sharp and her tail erect. She is restless and unsettled......

I thought so. Ratty you are a fool to enter this garden.......your days are numbered my friend....perhaps it is time to make a swift exit........the grass is not greener on this side of the fence.

Happy safari Sunday....have a good week........

A week in the garden......

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:47:00 +0000

Heavy rainfall over the last week has left the garden looking drab......

Dogwoods add a little colour, but everything just seems a little messy at the moment.

I have to try and resist the urge to go out and get dirty......

As most of you will know I am not a 'fair weather' gardener. I am someone who needs to be outside.

Poppi is an outdoor girl and does not need any encouragement to help me with new projects.....

Riley, on the other hand, would rather be with Grandpop in the garage, helping where he can......

This has been an ongoing project for Poppi and I. The photograph does not really show the size of this border. I roughly paced it out today ....16 metres x 3 metres. We have removed a lot of turf....which is now neatly stacked in the copse and once it turns to loam I shall distribute it around the garden.

Whilst I have many Skimmia's in the garden I never tire of them and they do exceptionally well here. Their buds tease me at the moment....they will not open until early spring.

I also have a soft spot for Viburnum's.....several of these have been added.....
More ferns....I am becoming a little too obsessed with them.......but I do like evergreens.
I cannot wait to see this border next year........what started as just edging the border has turned into a new and exciting project.......

And look, just look, the first hellebore bloom. Don't you just love it. The detail is so exquisite.......

Even soggy blooms look beautiful on a dull day.

My garden drips with berries. The birds are not eating them. Are they telling me something. Is there a cold winter ahead?

Ivy blooms......they sparkle.......

The garden is full of birds........I never realised how pretty the back of a male chaffinch is.

Seagulls fly over frequently.......
Rooks leave me spellbound.....I just love it when they fly over the house, large flocks.......off to their roost.....calling as they go. I love this photograph......

Why would you want to do this on a cold, damp and gloomy day? Each to their own......

Sightings in the garden:

Sparrowhawk chasing a Blue Tit (I hope it was not Blue Boy)

Weasel in the copse hunting.......

But for me the most breathtaking.......I got up at 6.45 am one day last week. I had not slept very well. I went into the kitchen made a coffee. I sat quietly in the conservatory.....no lighting......the garden was still in shadow. Looking out I saw the wings of a huge bird above the trees.......silently it flew across the garden......and landed by the side of the pond. A grey heron ......I could not move.....she had seen me.....we had contact for a few precious moments and she flew away. Beautiful.....this, for me, is what my garden is about.......the wildlife.

Have a good week.......

Sunday safari

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:55:00 +0000

I don't like to leave Nella at home when I go walking. Today I was hoping to photograph the Redwing and Fieldfare that have flown into the area from Northern Europe. Each year they come, I have never been able to capture them on camera.

As I walk along the lane I am surprised to see so many rooks nests......with the gales last week, it is amazing they have survived.

Many branches lie on the verge and in the fields.........some in mid-air, catch my eye......

The ditches are full. Only a month ago they were empty.....bone dry. How swiftly things change.
I arrive at the lane where the birds gather. How different it looks from a month ago. The wind is cold and bites at my face....my eyes water. The wind is always so aggressive along this stretch of road. I can see the birds in the tops of the oaks.
Voices carry on the wind. The birds fly across the fields and the moment is lost. How frustrating....another day perhaps.

In the distance I can see the farmer rounding up his sheep. I like Phil the farmer. His family has worked the land here for four generations.

I turn the corner, the old spaniel glances at me. We know each other well. His body is too weary to chase away a friend.

A rook flies overhead as I go through the gate into the garden.
Sparrows sit amongst the Dogwoods.....

and Gt Tits enjoy the fat balls in the feeder.

I check plants that have been re-located.

They are all looking healthy.

Hmmm something has been munching the Calendula petals.
The next bloom reveals all.....a tiny caterpillar. I think of Spring and what is to come. Happy safari Sunday.......

Let it rain......

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:34:00 +0000

Despite the awful weather, I have been amazed just how many blooms I have in the garden. Torrential rain, high winds and sunshine here and there, obviously suits some plants.

We have not had a killing frost yet. Summer Fuschia still bloom.....but seem to hang silently......perhaps in anticipation......

of colder days.

I have never been very successful with Cyclamen. This year seems to be an exception. They are blooming all around the garden.....

Feverfew blooms in each and every corner, it's pretty little flowers bringing light into the darkness of these very grey days.
This for me is the star of the garden. Calendula 'Art Shades' has been blooming since early May. Their cheerful and happy faces are dotted all through the borders. It has taken me by surprise just how much I like them and I must confess they have captured a little piece of my heart. The rabbits ate many of them in late spring. I did not water them during the drought........they have been saturated this November and Nella chased a rat though the borders the other day, taking some blooms with her. But still they bloom, pretty in their simplicity. This plant is a must for my gardens next year. I have collected the seeds............after all, a little bit of sunshine, on such grey days is always such a welcome sight.....

Sunday safari

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:02:00 +0000

The skies are grey and heavy with rain. Strong winds bring down branches and small trees.

My heart goes out to those living in the Lake District and Scotland....their homes flooded.....some people having to climb into their loft space to escape the water. The RNLI have done a wonderful job rescuing those that needed to be brought to safety.

Seagulls fly into the area......the seas are rough. They have come to feed inland......the farmers fields will serve them well.......

A brief glimpse of the sun brings out a Queen Bee. She finds a solar panel to warm herself.......

She is sleepy.....she stumbles across the Mahonia looking for blooms......

Eventually she finds them.........

Honey bees join her.......the sweet fragrance has drifted on the air and called them to the plant.......

A moth shelters on a window ledge trying to escape the rain and winds.

The weather forecast is much the same for the rest of the week. I do hope the sun is shining for you.........and that you are having a happy Sunday........

My journey with the garden......

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:39:00 +0000

When we moved here nearly eight years ago, I did not have any grand plan for the garden. The only thing I knew for sure, was that I wanted a sanctuary for wildlife. I read books, watched gardening programmes, and thought a lot. In the end I became so confused I decided to garden 'Cheryl's way.' If a plant, tree or shrub had something to offer wildlife, I would buy it. And so my journey began........ I would come home with a car boot full of plants and bareroot trees and then wonder where I would put them.

I love beech and knew I could never let it grow to it's full size. So one of my first plantings was the beech hedge, to guide you into the little copse.

There were a few small trees left, so I planted them in a corner of the garden and clipped them each year. What I never realised is how I would love their changes. From the pale green of Spring.....to the deeper green of summer......and then when autumn came, they would catch me out and stir my emotions with their wonderful hues. In winter, the leaves turn brown, and stay with the tree, reluctant to leave......giving cover and shelter to wildlife.

Rosa rugosa was my next buy and another hedge planted. You must be ruthless with this plant initially cutting it almost to the ground....if you do not you will end up with a weak and spindly shrub. The blooms satisfy the bees and birds feed on the hips during the colder months.

In summer it's sweet perfume would catch me and I could not walk by without taking a deep breath to inhale the heady fragrance. In autumn the leaves turn a beautiful buttery yellow. Each gift offered by nature, teaching me the wonders of each plant.

Thr first time I saw Mahonia Charity I was hooked. The pretty flowers with their sweet lily-of-the-valley fragrance....I could not resist. I bought six plants, and did not feel guilty. During the cold months the blooms would feed the bees that had woken up on a warm winter day.

I did not realise it at the time, I was creating the 'bones of the garden.'

Giving it structure and form.

Grasses feature heavily here. Birds gather in them during autumn and use the feathery heads to line their nests in spring.

I love them when they are frosted......
Ivy climbs fences, trees, obelisks.....you can never have 'too much' , if you love wildlife......

As each year passes I learn a little more........I am growing with the garden.
Mistakes are made, I live with them and learn to love them........

Winter is nearly upon us.........but there is always a little something to surprise and lift the spirit.........a garden is a journey and it never ends....plans wait in the wings, exciting ideas, giving pleasure during winter evenings....... I am planning, ideas fill my mind and excite me. I am happy, my garden makes me happy........

How about you?????

Sunday safari.

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Heavy rain for the last 48 hours has left areas in the garden covered in water....it will drain away slowly.........this is normal for this area.

Strong winds turned oak barrels over, and small branches had fallen from the oak trees. Mr P gave me a helping hand to get the area tidy again..........

Today the sun came out and I must say it was more than welcome.....

Birds waited in the Dogwoods......eager for me to bring out the feeders.

Dunnocks are often mistaken for hedge sparrows. It is in fact a song-bird. It's song resembles that of the wren but lacks the wren's note of aggression.

By chance, a Wren came out of hiding and sat before me. They are busy, energetic, and elusive. As I raised my camera the bird did not fly.......but started to sing.

This tiny little bird singing in full voice is most beautiful. I stood.......just enjoying the moment. I doubt this will happen again. He will go back to the shadows hunting insects and singing amongst the ivy in the garden......

Blue boy (tku Marmee) arrived, he did not seem to like the attention the other birds were getting.

He pecked away at the sunflower seed, happy for me to observe.....
and to take as many photographs as I needed.

Blue boy is a wonderful source of entertainment. He often stops what he is doing, to see what I am doing. So funny...

Happy Sunday safari.........

Falling in love again......

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:34:00 +0000

It has taken a long time for me to love my camera. When Mr P gave it to me last year as a surprise, I was speechless. Not wanting to appear ungrateful, I gave my old camera to someone who really needed it, and started using the new one straight away.

Without doubt, the camera and I had a hate - hate relationship.....

I do not do technical.....I do not read manuals (so boring).......I could not even tell you anything about my camera, except that it is a Canon.......

There were times when I longed for my old camera.......it understood me......I understood it......
Then a few weeks ago something clicked......the camera and I had a relationship, we were in fact in love. It started to see things, the way I see things......we were working together as a team.

I remember Mr P saying to me when he gave me the camera. "Don't worry you will learn to love it...................eventually" He knows me so very well......

If ever there was a bird that liked it's photo being taken it is this one. He/She follows me around the garden....poses on branches....turning it's little head this way and that. For a little bit of fun, I would like to name him/her. Any suggestions?

Sunday safari

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:51:00 +0000

I walk into the garden, and without hesitation head straight back to the house for scarf and gloves........

It is cold.....cold and wet........a get through to your bones sort of cold......

Some blooms survived last nights torrential rain......

pretty in pink they glow in the gloom of the day......

A solitary 'Susan' peeps out from the border and smiles........
One of my favourite shrubs, Mahonia Charity..........winter blooms for the bumbles, if they wake from their winter sleep. Something to cheer when days are gloomy......

Fungi dots the garden......in different shapes and form.....

They fascinate me. Tell me, do you like fungi?

A Dunnock hides in the shadows......I miss her sweet song.........the birds are quiet.

A Blue Tit fluffs up his feathers .....he needs to stay warm........

Sweet Nella surveys the garden......she can sense the changes........no bees, no bugs, no butterflies.........we are walking the path to winter.......my gardens are beginning to sleep........

Happy safari Sunday.......

Hope.....

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:36:00 +0000

I have always liked my own company. I am, I suppose, quite solitary. Nature has always fulfilled my inner needs and my little dog Nella is a very much loved companion. When I started blogging two years ago (thank you dear daughter) I never realised how many doors it would open. I have formed friendships with people near and far. I have shared your joys and laughter.....your sadness and your tears ....I have felt priviledged and humbled to do so.

As I walk into the garden, Canada Geese welcome me. My mind drifts to a lady that walks an unknown path. She walks with grace and beauty....and a heart full of hope. As I watch the geese fly above me, they fill me with hope for her.......

Walking into the copse, I know, there isn't any hope of finding dragonflies........a friend across the pond will walk with many memories today. A heart full of emotion .........

I look up and a sweet Goldfinch takes flight and by chance I get a photograph. It lifts my spirits as it gently reaches for the sky........

Look to each sunset not as the ending of a day, but as a time of renewal before another day dawns.......

Thinking of you my friends.......

Winter colour .........

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:39:00 +0000

Ferns do well here. Despite our drought this summer and autumn, they have all survived with just a little care.

Another reason I plant them, apart from the fact my garden is normally very damp,

is because they add structure and colour to a winter garden.

We have a lovely shop in our village that sells antique and retro garden 'bits and pieces'. When I passed last week I noticed several of the above outside the shop. The lady had cleared a barn but could not tell me what they were used for as the owner had not been there. It is around 200cm (6ft approx) in length.

Getting it home was not easy, it is very heavy. I love the aged wood......

and knew I could put it to good use in the garden......

It is now situated in the woodland walk.......

and planted with mind your own business and ivy.....

and surrounded by native and non native ferns. With time, as the wood becomes damp, I am hoping mosses, lichens, and fungi will take hold. I can imagine the MYOB scrambling over the edges and knitting together with the ivy. It should eventually be a mini habitat. I am pleased with this buy.....the lady let me have it for ten pounds....I felt that was very reasonable.

It is raining today.....just what my new feature needs........

Sunday safari....

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:08:00 +0000

Yesterday was warm. We have been fortunate these last few weeks......

it has been a soft and gentle autumn.

Plenty of bees and so many blooms......

my gardens very much alive.
So many ladybirds........everyone I speak to has an explosion of these lovely garden bugs.

What a difference 24 hours can make. Temperatures have dropped, rain and strong winds hit the area. To my amazement, as I walked into the garden very early this morning, a Kingfisher flew out of the grasses. You will not understand my excitement unless you have ever seen one in the wild. The beautiful flash of blue and red set my heart racing....sadly I could not get a photograph......

The leaves are falling ..........

and despite the foul weather a lone bee worked the plants on the patio. Bumble bees never cease to amaze me......

Little people came to stay.......
and helped Nanna clear leaves........

How fast they grow.......

Beautiful leaves, in a year leaf mould to put back to the soil. It would appear at last our Indian summer is over, and autumn has at last arrived........

Happy safari Sunday........

Little Bee........

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:32:00 +0000

A small bee was caught in a spider's web..........I carefully removed her and placed her on a flower.

I watched her through my camera lens......

as she removed every thread of silk from her little body. Then she flew away...........

Isn't she lovely....

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:03:00 +0000

The weather is still warm.....sunny days....blue skies.......an extended summer. a bonus for wildlife. This lovely little butterfly has been flitting around my garden for the last two weeks. She/he is easily disturbed and very hard to approach. By chance I managed to get two photographs today.......

Clouded yellow or Pale clouded yellow, I am not sure. Please note the tiny blue patch. She is very lovely.......can anyone help me identify her???

Sunday safari

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:16:00 +0000

It rained last night, birds sit in the trees.........

enjoying the early morning sunshine.

A female chaffinch sits snug and cosy amongst the branches of the old Hawthorn tree.

I walk serenity's path to Poppi's patch.......
Is there anything more beautiful than a humble bumble collecting pollen from a pretty pink bloom?

I enjoy the moment.....each visit is a precious gift.....

Here in the stillness, I feel my spirits soar......

There is so much poetry in nature.....

the great mystery of life and growth......

Everything changing before my very eyes.....

taking it's time......
silently....there is no hurry here......

I leave you with the words of Adelaide Proctor.......

Linger O gentle time.....

Linger, O radiant grace of bright today....

Let not the hours' chime

Call thee away,

But linger near me still with fond delay.

Have a happy and peaceful Sunday.......

Just how much can you love a garden.....

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Mr P....."Don't you think you are a little obsessed with the garden."
Cheryl ....."I havn't really thought about it."

Mr P ......" you are always out there. You worry if it rains too much, you worry if it is too dry.......you rabbit count on a regular basis."

Cheryl...."Well yes, I suppose I do......but that is because the garden is part of me.......something I have nurtured and brought to life."

This conversation started me thinking.....do men have a passion for gardening?

My Dad is a gardener and he enjoys it but he is not passionate about it. Is it a woman thing?

I must confess I eat, drink and breathe my garden. I know every plant....every tree......where insects gather ...... which branch the robin sings from.....

I get excited when a 'new to me' plant comes into bloom.....

I love the anticipation........

Chrysanthemum fireworks, has given me much pleasure this week........

So tell me gentle bloggers, is the man you live with passionate about gardening.?

Note: The one time Mr P cut the lawn with the tractor mower, all my wildflowers disappeared....consequently he is not allowed to touch the garden, unless I need some sort of structure made and erected....and then I have to say he is an absolute gem.

Writing......

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:40:00 +0000

I was a shy little girl......and a day dreamer. Happy in my own company.

I did not like crowds, and busy places. My idea of fun was running through the woods with my brother........or climbing a tree in the park.

We grow, we change.....we blossom.........

We choose our own path.....I have led a colourful life.........

Eric who is 97, wrote his memoirs at the age of 93. A record for his family. I am honoured, he has given me a copy.

I have always loved pen and ink. Many years ago I worked for the Territorial Army....an officer noticed my writing and each year I would complete Meritorious Service Certificates, adding the name and unit of the serving soldier. My love of writing continued, and I was priviledged to do some work for our local church.

I have started a book for the grandchildren. A book for them to keep. An insight of their grandmother's life, her thoughts, her dreams, her disappointments....the joys....the sadness......

I shall fill the book with pressed flowers......with little sketches......and doodles.

A project each winter when the days are cold and wet.

Note: I was a constant frustration to most of my teachers.......for one reason and one reason only, my writing would change every week. When I look at my school books now, I can understand why ...........a mish mash of writing styles.......doodles in the corners. Still now I can play to my hearts content.........

Sunday safari

noreply@blogger.com (Cheryl) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:27:00 +0000

It was frosty last night, the first frost of the season. It was not a killing frost........

Summer is reluctant to say goodbye.......

and holds on by a thread......

The days are warm.....the last of the summer workers make the most of the extended summer season. Abelia Grandiflora is much loved by all bees......

I spotted this pretty little bee amongst the foliage.....it looks like some sort of mining bee.........

A painted lady warms herself on the gravel drive. She will not survive our cold and humid winter. She is a second generation butterfly........she is perfect.

A dragonfly finds a cosy corner.

The hoverflies have returned......
I have noticed moths are gathering........

they rest by day near the house lights. When the lights go on tonight, there will be plenty of insects nearby for them to feed on.

A family of Pied Wagtails have arrived. Two adults and three juveniles. This little chap patrols the rooftop of the house......catching insects en route.

A friendly Blue Tit takes breakfast......

A robin sings, he is claiming the garden. This is his territory. We are friends. As I dig the borders he joins me, taking mealworms from the soil.

The patio is warm and full of nectar giving plants. It is calling to the butterflies.
A peacock stops to feed on hardy Plumbago.

Peacock butterflies live for almost a year. This one may hibernate in the garden. They like the warmth of garden sheds. I shall leave the door open during the day.

This has felt like a summer safari. Mid October and the days are beautiful. I have worked in the garden for most of the day and it has been an absolute joy to see so many birds butterflies bees etc in the garden.

Happy autumn safari.......