Nest Building

For some time now, Aaron, our very own Green Man, has been working his way through the removal of the stumps of the old grizelinia hedging that he cut down a year or two back. This morning he completed the task.

We now have several clusters of snake’s head fritillaries;

orange and yellow epimedium, which here blends well a fading daffodil;

the ubiquitous honesty;

a range of hellebores preparing to drop their seeds;

and these wallflowers fronting euphorbia.

Birds such as darting goldfinches in the cypress, and cumbersome pigeons in the copper beech just coming into leaf are busy nesting.

Reminding me of ‘And What Came Next?‘, a Red Admiral butterfly and a fly slumber alongside each other beneath

catkins dangling from the weeping birch.

For a long, leisurely, lunch Mat, Tess, Poppy, Jackie, and I joined Sam, Holly, Malachi, and Orlaith at Hoburne, Bashley, holiday home site. The food, service, and facilities were excellent. I chose a fishcake and salad starter followed by a plentiful roast beef dinner. Others also enjoyed their selections. We shared Prosecco, one glass of which was free for each of the Mothers on their day. None of us could eat a dessert. Afterwards the adults sat in the sunshine while the children played football and generally ran about.

67 comments

  1. It’s always good to see your garden coming out–not to mention your Green Man. Sound like you had some really good family time to top it all off.

    1. Aaron has a client who has an open fire. He will take the stumps to her when he has cut them up further. We may keep one or two for insect hotels. Thanks very much, Andrew.

  2. the bird silhouette (first one) seems like there is a crown on its head.
    we all need a good garden man like “Aaron” and love those snake’s head fritillaries

  3. Oh! Green Man Aaron does good work! and it’s hard work! 🙂

    OH! Your flowers and wildlife bring warmth, joy, and smiles! 🙂

    OH! OH! Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms you know and love! Especially your Mum and Jackie! 🙂 🙂
    HUGS for all!!! 🙂

  4. We can see the benefit of all that constant hard work in your garden.
    Happy Mother’s Day to Jackie and the other mothers. It sounds like a lovely day!

  5. It seems the Reader is not conducive to large size images as it keeps crashing every time I try to open your weblog in it. Nevertheless, I came upon the denizens of your garden including the inalienable Green Man on the proper website. I won’t be shocked if it were to be discovered some day that he resides in a hollow somewhere in there.

  6. Some obligations kept me away from you but I’m fine!!

    “The green eyes of Springtime,
    Charming, as ever,
    Flirting, again.”
    – Michael Garofalo, Cuttings

    Happy April Derrick!!!

  7. Such wonderfully exotic plants in your fine garden Sir, those fritillaries are really ‘growing’ on me! 🙂

    Not able to have dessert???? BUT THAT’S THE BEST PART!!! 😮

    Sending belated Mother’s Day congratulations to Jackie, et al. 🙂 ???

  8. Thanks goodness for your flower photos! And for Aaron. In the age of trump I need all the cheer I can get. And Happy Mothers Day to Jackie and all the other mums in your life.

  9. I’m always impressed with your knowledge of all the flowers’ names! What a beautifully varied garden you have, Derrick. Nice to have some help with it. Looks like a lot of work!

    1. Thanks very much, Jan. It is, indeed, especially as, since my knee replacements, I have been unable to do my bit. I often have to check the names with Jackie, aka The Head Gardener.

  10. Your garden looks delightful right now… I so want some snake’s hard fritillaries. Sounds like you had a pleasant day.

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