This was supposed to be a ‘feel good’ story as for weeks I have watched a blue tit feed its young in a nest in the tiny crack near the top of my garage wall. The semi-dry stone wall is a home to many small insects but, this was the first time I had seen a bird build its nest there. Sadly, I found all four chicks dead on the ground the other morning after the strong winds had receded. I have no idea what happened. Did something happen the mother and the chicks tried to leave the nest too soon in her absence? I can’t imagine a predator getting through such a small space or leaving food behind on the ground and the little birds were untouched. The incident has confirmed my belief that I should do all I can to in the garden to help all living things, but close my eyes to the day-to-day events to avoid facing ‘nature red in tooth and claw’ and in order to get a good night’s sleep.
Every couple of years I have to replace this Leptospermum as it gets quite a beating from the winds and does not like heavy frosts. This year it did not flower at Christmas as usual and looked pretty dead (a technical term) for a few months. I did not get around to removing it and a few weeks ago this (see below) happened. I am beginning to think that the only skills needed to garden are hard physical labour and the ability to leave everything (except ferns and brambles) to their own devices.
The Leptospermum blossom in all of its glory
The Sheep’s-Bit (Jasione Montana) and Nipplewort have now taken over from the bluebells on the bank behind the house. Both taking advantage of the fact that half the bank is in full sun and half in deep shade.
The Nipplewort has flourished in the same area as the bluebells and the flowers are much taller and stronger than before. They are excellent for indoor ‘bouquets’ as they are long lasting.
This is an enterprising Nipplewort growing out of the connections on a water butt behind my garage. I have not got the heart to remove it.
I have redefined the term ‘mixed border’ to mean herbaceous and wildflower bed. This is of necessity, as I have not had much luck with the former despite my success in previous gardens. The plants either die or take over the whole space. Smooth Sowthistle is one of the best companion wildflowers. It loves the sunny beds by the house, flowers for lengthy periods and does not mind the odd gale force wind. True, you can never be sure where it will emerge each year but that is no different to some of my herbaceous plants.
Foxgloves are also perfect for a ‘mixed’ border. Here they are combined with quaking grass and Nepeta. The seeds of the former were gifted to me and make perfect posies.
Despite my difficulties in growing some cultivated flowers I do still love them and Peonies are a particulate favourite. They are hard to resist and get special attention to keep them happy.
I am always surprised by the success of my herbs in this windy bed especially Lavender. The only problem is Thyme but this is the case throughout the garden. It is a pity as it is very useful plant but rarely lasts the winter here.
This Ozothamus rosmarinifolius ‘Silver Jubilee’, was a new addition to the garden late last year. It was pushed over slightly by the wind but I decided to leave it alone as it seemed happy and certainly looks it. It is supposed to be very sensitive to excessive moisture but if it could manage last winter I have high hopes for it.
I don’t have either the camera or skills to get a good photograph of these foxes who feed on the hillside opposite the garden at silage time. It is also difficult to tell them apart from the distance but this year there were at least three and all are healthy as far as I could tell.
The American Dogwood, Cornus Kuosa, making its transformation from deep pink to pale pink/white. It does very well here and I would plant as many as would fit. Sadly, like many other plants it is becoming prohibitively expensive and I may have to save for a while for the next one.
The song thrushes arrived in my garden a few years ago and happily serenaded me from the tallest trees in the garden. This year they have decided to use the three trees closest to the house for long periods of time in the early morning and late evening. It is not possible to have a better start or end to the day.