In the garden today …

… the colours of the acers have changed into glowing luminous oranges, reds and yellows – an agapanthus has decided to flower again – verbena bonariensis is flowering vigorously – beautiful pepper pot seed pods sway atop poppy stems – there are vibrant green shoots on the Christmas tree and the fennel has taken on a spooky appearance.

Potential Jam and a Bee’s Bottom

It’s such a glorious morning out there.  I have just taken a few photos of the plum tree as it’s covered in blossom – potential plum jam!  We had been worried about the bee situation but, they’re there, busily working away and pollinating the flowers for us – I tried to get a decent photo of one but I’m afraid it’s just the rear view.

[edit: Talking of views, this new blog theme displays the photos MUCH bigger ... they look lovely on this widescreen but I'll check  the laptop screen view and make adjustments if necessary - now made them 80% of the original size.]

Shed Life

Last August demolition man removed the old rotting wooden shed which was sandwiched between the garden wall and the house.

Due to my indecision, snowstorms, bad weather and other factors, it took a while to order a new shed. I was always concerned that we had a petrol mower in a wooden shed next to the house (Guy Fawkes Night and all that) so we decided to buy a metal one.  It’s an Aussie-made tin shed so I’m delighted …. I need to find one of those kangaroo warning signs!

After a re-jig, we can now access shed city. The potting shed is sorted and old book cases have been moved into the Aussie one. Due to general house re-organisation we tried to get a single bed in there too but without luck.

So, now there’s a bed in the summerhouse and, as I had a headache,  I had a little sleep in there only yesterday afternoon – it’s a lovely retreat!

Cobwebs and Conkers

Early this morning I ventured out in the garden in my dressing gown.  The air was damp, misty and cool – my mission was to take a photo of this delicate, lacy cobweb.  

Back in the warmth, I remembered the conkers I collected last week .  I’d left them on the shelf and the outer shells have shrunk to reveal the glossy brown chestnuts inside.  The little jug is a 49p bargain from Oxfam. I had intended to get it for the café, but I like it too much, so it might stay here.