Meet Muggle

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; ย 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.

83 comments

  1. 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 ๐Ÿ˜€ I enjoyed seeing the proximity of the owls today.

    1. 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.

  2. 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.

    1. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Now it will be โ€œWhere are Nugget and Muggle?โ€ ? I Hope Nugget isnโ€™t too jealous. Your garden is still so colourful. Jackie is doing a great job and still finds time to cook delicious meals. ??

  5. 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!

  6. 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! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    All of your plants, flowers, trees, stumpery, etc, cheer me! Smiling here! ๐Ÿ™‚

    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. ๐Ÿ˜‰ ๐Ÿ˜€

    Oh, you know I love all the fuchsias! ๐Ÿ™‚
    HUGS!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. 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.

  8. Great work by Jackie on the new bed! ๐Ÿ™‚

    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?

  9. 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. ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. 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 ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. 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!

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