Weather-wise this was a gloomy, but largely dry, day which Jackie began by photographing
her now completed work on preparing the New Bed for winter.
Her lens also produced images of the stumpery;
roses including Super Elfin still scaling the Gothic arch;
Mum in a million,
Absolutely Fabulous,
and Just Joey gracing the Rose Garden;
and Doris Tysterman embellishing the back drive,
the borders of which cheer us still.
The textures of ferns and grasses appeal to hot lips in Margery’s Bed, which displays autumn colour,
while hebes are blooming early – or is it another late flowering?
Camellias have produced buds already,
while the patio planting does not yet appear to be on the way out.
Dahlias still thrive,
as do numerous fuchsias, including Hawksmoor,
Army Nurse,
Chequerboard,
and others.
A blue salvia survives. It is hardy enough not to need a place on
the new shelving that has increased the number of cuttings that can be overwintered in the greenhouse.
One of Jackie’s first tasks was to fix up a nesting box for Nugget’s rival.
Although showing considerable interest in the proceedings this little fellow didn’t keep still long enough for many photographs. He can be seen in the centre of this picture. Our very good blogging friend, Uma, has named him Muggle, on the grounds that Nugget is certainly magical but he must be more earthbound. Therefore, meet Muggle.
Nugget, of course, takes a dim view of this. He made his feelings known when he cocked his head from the top of the Rose Garden fence, muttering “what do you think you are doing”.
“Where’s Nugget?” (40)
This evening we dined on flavoursome pork cutlets; breaded chicken; crisp roast potatoes, including the sweet variety; crunchy carrots and cauliflower; and tender runner beans, with tasty gravy. Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank Fronton 2017.
It all looks so lovely Derrick.
Many thanks, Drew.
Beautiful flowers
Thanks very much, Mrs W.
Your welcome
The ‘Way Out’ sign makes me wonder if you are going to open your garden to the public next year Derrick – I think you know, I’m a huge fan of that thought…….. Muggle is a pretty good name and as long as Nugget is given his full dues as first comer and firm favourite of his mum, I’m sure all will be well 😀 I enjoyed seeing the proximity of the owls today.
Thanks very much, Pauline. The Way Out sign points to stepping stones leading us out of the Dead End Path. I do know you are an advocate of opening the garden. Maybe one day. I also always try to get at least one owl in for you. 91 at last grandchild count.
91? I knew you had a few but not that many! I must pay even closer attention!!
🙂
That’s a great photo and caption! Nugget looks adorable. I love the sign, too!
Thanks very much, Jill.
I’m sure Muggle and Nugget will become good friends and share living in your beautiful gardens!
Thanks very much, Gary. Our little robins will fight to the death to protect their territory from each other.
Thank you for sharing all the lovely colors in your garden–and two robins! It’s a gloomy day here, as well.
That way our sign is funny. 🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, Merril. Jackie makes signs for each bit of the garden.
🙂
I wonder if Nugget will teach Muggle the pleasures of mugging for the camera? They might become fast friends, you know — and begin inviting others to join them in the green and pleasant land you and Jackie have created.
Unfortunately the one bird our robins will not tolerate is another male of their kind. Muggle will only be allowed on the back drive, so he won’t be able to follow Jackie around. Thanks very much, Linda.
Will Muggle and Nugget fly south for the winter? I’m amazed how vibrant your garden is so late in the fall. Cheery indeed.
Thanks very much, Sue. We understand that most robins don’t fly south in the winter.
Those roses are just beautiful! As is the rest!
Thank you very much, M.B.
Lovely flowers Derek and nice that you have two Robins to share your garden with – even if they probably hate each other 😀
I love those stone Owls!
Thanks very much, Stuart.
All your roses are fabulous, not only the one bearing this name.
Nugget is visibly uncomfortable about the intruder being welcomed and named, so he is hiding in plain sight behind some greenery just a tad to the left of the center.
Muggle is just as cute as Nugget.
Thanks very much, Dolly. Well spotted.
Very welcome, Derrick
Found Nugget in a flash! Now—my, oh my!—there’s another one. Muggle!
Thanks very much, Laurie. Well spotted.
Gorgeous blooms still! I wonder if Muggle will be a permanent resident?
Thanks very much, Liz. Muggle has been a determined visitor, but he also occupies a neighbouring garden. The birds have their own boundaries.
I’m getting quite an education in bird behavior from your blog!
🙂
The owls seem to be keeping a close eye on Jackie’s gardening…
Thanks very much, Ivor. 91 at last count.
Wow, really that many owls
Nugget is right there! 😊
🙂 Thanks very much, Leslie.
Thank you for posting photos of the little guy.
🙂
I was baffled by having to search for the re-sited comment button but I found it in the end. This is my comment.
I hadn’t spotted that, Tootlepedal. Apple gave us an update on the update overnight. I have yet to try it. Thanks very much.
Now it will be “Where are Nugget and Muggle?” 😃 I Hope Nugget isn’t too jealous. Your garden is still so colourful. Jackie is doing a great job and still finds time to cook delicious meals. 👏🏻
She does, indeed, Sylvia. Many thanks. We might even have a game of “Which One Is This?”. 🙂
I am thrilled to be a part of the christening of the elusive rival of our Nugget! I am sure Muggle would be grateful to Jackie for the exclusive nest she has placed for him –he is going to need it in the winter. My apologies to Nugget who appears to have expressed his displeasure in no uncertain postures.
Those are breathtaking roses, even if I don’t seem to remember their names with precision. Jackie is already an expert with the camera too!
Thanks very much, Uma. The christening is our pleasure. An exclusive feeder is going up too. Jackie is very artistic.
Wow!
Jackie has done some wonderful work in the garden, and I love the photos. Good to see two robins settling in with you in the gardens. 🙂
Thanks very much, Lavinia. Nugget still sees Muggle off if he strays beyond the larch.
The garden is lovely! And hello to Muggle, and of course to Nugget 🙂
Thanks very much, Takami
I always enjoy the garden tours 🙂
Thanks very much, msw.
Hello, Muggle! Be sure you keep in mind that you are in Nugget’s territory!
Hello, Nugget! Be nice to Muggle!
I’m not sure…in photos…I could tell the two of them apart. But…hmm…Nugget looks a bit muscle-ier! 😉
All of your plants, flowers, trees, stumpery, etc, cheer me! Smiling here! 🙂
Love the sign! Now you just need to set up a “Gift Shop” and you could give tours of the garden, and then people could shop before leaving. 😉 😀
Oh, you know I love all the fuchsias! 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
Many thanks, Carolyn. We can’t tell the two apart, except for their territory 🙂 X
I like the stumpery and so would the woodlice in my garden!
🙂 Thanks a lot, Andrew.
It’s an interesting question whether the two robins are distinguishable. I don’t think they are, unless one of them has the mark of a past injury. If they don’t, then I suspect that they would only differ in terms of their weights. That would be a function of how much food they eat, presumably.
Thanks very much, John. Perhaps their behaviour will differ. Muggle is not yet as tame as Nugget.
Great work by Jackie on the new bed! 🙂
I’m amazed you have so many beautiful flowers still blooming in England at the end of October?
You perfectly caught Nugget’s mood and inquisitorial look at Jackie’s handiwork – very nicely done.
Nugget was not too difficult to spot today, unless that was Muggle hiding under those branches and leaves?? – Is it birdist to say all (male) robins look alike to me?
Thanks very much, Bob. We have a very fortunate microclimate where we are. All male robins do look alike.
Everything is so beautiful.. a credit to you both.
Thanks very much, Albert.
Great pictures, Jackie!!
I imagine word of Nugget’s ‘Garden of Eden’ home has gotten around. I think Muggle might not be the only intruder after a while. 🙂
Thanks very much from us both, GP. There is a third now 🙂
I KNEW it!!
You brought it on 🙂
Who ME?!!
🙂
Wonderful work on your Winter bed and I love winter pansies.. Your garden is full of colour and love the Chrysanthemums ours too in our front garden this year are quite a show.. Though your Dahlia’s are doing better than ours, the frost finished them off and hubby now has dug up to store for winter..
So good to be back seeing the beauty of your garden Derrick Jackie takes some wonderful pictures and you both should be so proud of your lovely garden..
Sending best wishes your way and Happy Halloween 🙂
Thanks very much, Sue. We are so much further south.
🙂 true… and it makes a big difference
Very beautiful
Thanks very much, More
You’re welcome Derrick
How are you today?
I’ve just finished helping my mom with her puppy he is her Birthday gift.
Good for you, More. I’m quite good, thank you.
Your garden is still looking lovely. I love Uma’s name choice for the second robin and his clever reasoning
It’s getting quite cold up here, time for winter coats and gloves!
Thanks very much, Sue. I have reverted to shoes and socks 🙂
I don’t blame you!
Nugget and Muggle – there’s a story waiting to be told. 🙂
There is, indeed, Widders. We’ll see how it pans out. Thanks a lot.
Stumpery – great word.
Thanks very much, Libre