Today dawned with fog, and remained overcast. Yesterday was apparently the warmest November day here since records began, and it wasn’t much cooler today.
Work continued in the front garden. We gravelled the widened side path with the last of the shingle left over from the back drive. My contribution was to transport barrow loads of the material for Jackie to rake smooth. I then brought down the sixteen bricks needed for a third pillar, and handed them to the artist who built it. Just in case anyone thinks these are marvellously cemented creations, they are dry brick pillars. Still marvellous, of course.
Jackie reshaped the green maple near the patio.
I added the branches to the growing heap now lining the back drive. This time, making a change from combustion, we intend to hire what Aaron calls a chipper to mulch them.
This afternoon we made a start on clearing the carpet of beech leaves, and weeds, in the rose garden, in preparation for composting the soil.
Observing how many leaves are still to fall, Jackie gave me the epithet Sisyphus Reincarnate.
Behind the black bag in the bottom left of the picture spreads a pink carpet rose.
Penstemons, such as this delicate pastel pink, planted for variety among the roses, are thriving.
The first Sisyphus was John, who gardened at Minstead.
This evening we dined on roast belly of pork topped with mustard and almonds; crisp cauliflower and cabbage; and boiled potatoes. Jackie drank Hoegaarden, and I drank Funnel Blower, a ‘dark vanilla porter’. This latter tasted of chocolate. Not a good idea.
All your hard work comes to fruition when you see results like those penstemons – lovely. ( BTW – I never heard of them before)
Many thanks, GP. We have quite a few different colours. These are the most delicate I have seen
I like how dressed up you look in the garden, raking leaves. Jackie’s menu sounds delicious, Derrick. I don’t like porter, but enjoy summer shanty, wine and port with dessert. Your cleared path and gardens look “spiffy!” The “penstemons” in pale pink are so delicate looking and pretty. 🙂
** I like your new nickname, very appropos.
Many thanks, Robin
I had my own mini mulched once when I had a larger property. It was one of my favourite things. 🙂 Belly pork; yum.
Thanks, Mary. You were one of two who suggested we got one.
My first cat was called Sisyphus after its futile attempts to climb curtains. And don’t talk about s*****g leaves….
Thanks, Geoff. 🙂
You can’t turn over an old leaf I reckon.
Thanks, Bruce. Witty as ever
I can’t believe how green everything is in your world. Over here everything is tending towards brown, beige, with a few stubborn orange maple leaves hanging on like a bad cold. Just call me envious in Ottawa.
Many thanks, envious. It is very unusual to be so warm now.
The work never stops just as the garden never stops producing its treasures. As your readers from Australia might say, “Good on ya mate! ‘ 🙂
Many thanks, Rob. Good to hear from you. I hope that means you are improving
Ever so slowly this time Derrick but yes, thank you, better than a few weeks ago thankfully! 🙂
Thinking of you
Thank you Derrick. Much appreciated!
So, you are the new breed of dung beetle……… Sisyphus Reincarnate – just pushing leaves uphill………..
Yes, thank you, Pauline. Next comes the dung
I love your writing and pictures and your dinner always sounds wonderful!!! thank you. M.
And thank you, Michelle
What rewarding work, Derrick!
Thank you, Luanne. It is
I love to read about your and Jackie’s gardening, your love for it shows:)
Thank you Mukhamani
I really like the gravel path. Looks beautiful, so much effort you have put in, Derrick. 🙂
Many thanks, Amy
Your rose is still looking very healthy and I love the blush pink edge on the penstemon. Sorry about all the leaves – I hate raking them when they get wet.
Thanks Susan. Too wet today, we thought
Another educational piece…I don’t tire of your description of work, work, work! And a quite good picture of you taking a breather. I feelguilty to not have to toil over a garden.
Many thanks, Cynthia. No need for guilt 🙂
Enjoyable post mate, love to see a garden coming together and being created with team work,
Flowers look great and chipping to mulching is an excellent idea, turn it back into your own soil.
An excellent choice of Pork roast belly, done with a lovely Rosemary gravy and a nice pot of Keens mustard, you can’t go wrong.
Cheers.
Thanks, Ian