Pea Soup

It was a real pea souper driving to the Mantle Estate this morning.  To be honest it was a little bit cliched.  I mean we all know Exmoor is a moor and “atmospheric” goes with the territory and all that dramatic Lorna Doone stuff is a given, but really, a little obvious don’t you think?  I have an excellent idea, why don’t we try, just for a change, “sunshine”.  Have a think about it, it could work.

As I dropped down into the valley, dodging escapee ewes and lambs, watching hazy cows dash across the rough fields towards their recently delivered breakfast, past piles of mangle wurzels and wild garlic, the mist cleared.   Although by no means a sunny day, it was dry and eventually coats were removed.

A very productive morning followed, spent undertaking the spring triumvirate of “weed, feed and mulch”.  Moods were buoyant, with only one injury when Lord Mantle was slashed on the forehead by a rose thorn.  Lady M told him he looked ” ‘ard” which I think he considered worth the disfigurement.

“Lady Mantle” I said “Are you standing on the emerging gladioli that I just excitedly pointed out to you?”.  She lifted her size 13 diamante encrusted hobnails and peered at the spear-like shoot which fortunately flicked back into position.  “I was checking it was bouncy enough” she replied.

You can’t argue with that.  Well not and keep your job at the same time.

Like Chocolate

Akebia

Should I take on a new garden?

Pros:

  1. Two lovely owners, eager and accommodating,
  2. An overgrown garden full of delights, some yet to be discovered,
  3. Cheese sandwiches,
  4. Great coffee,
  5. Human friendly cat from next door who likes to hang out with gardeners*,
  6. It is just down the road from Nancy Nightingale’s house,
  7. Easy parking and they don’t laugh at my reversing **
  8. They are planning to employ a SYM***,
  9. Akebia quinata the chocolate vine.

Cons:

  1. I don’t have any time.
  2. It is a sanctuary for ground elder, couch grass, brambles, bamboo, montbretia, ivy and other such monsters.

So what do you think?

Of course I could always do a little bit of client shuffling and the SYM would be useful for the heaviest of the digging and I love a challenge and I think that just possibly I have made my mind up …..

*But not dog friendly.  Full on running attack on any canine that unfortunately comes within 100m.  Quite disturbing, possibly quite disturbed.
** They may do when I am not there, this is fine as I would laugh too if it wasn’t me.
***Strong Young Man

Faith

Euryops

The euryops is euryoping very nicely at the moment, reflecting the mood of the moment.  It has been the most glorious day.  All that gentle sun and soft breezes and incessant bird song stuff.  I am beginning to believe it might actually happen.  How could I ever have lost faith?

Wonder

Today I am going to reflect on the wonder of this world.

On the beauty, the resilience, the joy of this planet.  On the good hearts, the kindness, the strength of our fellows.  On the forgiveness, empathy and tolerance of which we are all capable.

Tonight I am sending love to the victims of the terrorist attack in London.

And I am hoping that this act of hate does not incite the same in others.

And I am going to remember that however long the winter, the flower will bloom again.

Three Trugs and a Poem

Today was Nancy Nightingale day, unfortunately no singing, just gardening.  Actually Nance did do a bit of singing but I couldn’t join in as I didn’t know the song.  On reflection this may have been intentional on NN’s part.  We did a little bit of shopping, dug more of the mega-border then created some veggies planters out of various plastic containers.  Some are new, bought specifically for this purpose, some were emptied of smelly socks in order to fulfil their true potential.  All had holes stabbed in the bottom (very satisfying) before the compost was added. The plan is to have at least eight, if not ten, of these trugs lining the wall, varying in size and colour.  It goes without saying that none will be black.  These pretty maids all in a row are now cradling the seed of a spicy leaf mix, radishes, spring onions, rainbow chard, beetroot and carrots.   Others will hold rocket, courgette, cucumber and tomatoes.   A couple will be saved for cerise sweet peas and bright orange pelargoniums. Bring it on and don’t forget your sunglasses!

It is World Poetry Day today.  As I like to join in with these things whenever I can, since yesterday anyway, here is a poem.  It is by William Blake.  It would appear that they spelt “lily” differently in the olden days.  Who am I to argue with WB?

Lilly

The modest Rose puts forth a thorn,
The humble sheep a threat’ning horn:
While the Lilly white shall in love delight,
Nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.