Warm sunshine was the order of the day.
Jackie spent much time in shade tending to potted plants, many of which have survived the winter but needed shaves and haircuts.
She has suspended some of these from the lopped cypress.
My contribution to the general maintenance was a little watering, weeding, and transporting debris to the compost bin.
Our first peony blooms are appearing
as are those of roses Emily Gray
and Félicité Perpétue, both along the back drive
which also sports splendid hawthorns.
Our Antipodean visitors include the bark-shedding eucalyptus,
several sculptural New Zealand flaxes,
and the Cordyline Australis now sending forth its bud stems.
Small white butterflies flutter everywhere at the moment. This one had the decency to keep still for a moment.
Currently flourishing clematises include the bosomy Marie Boisselot;
the robust Dr Ruppel;
the novel Daniel Deronda:
and this anonymous character.
This radiant rhododendron refreshes the Palm Bed.
Nugget and Lady continue jointly to feed their brood. It is now really only behaviour that enables us to distinguish between them. For example when one drops down onto the wheelbarrow with which Jackie is working, something with wings in his beak, cocks his head on one side; inspects the offerings she has on display, and flies off in disinterest, that is undoubtedly our friend.
I am fairly sure this in Nugget perched on his favourite patio chair.
The pair of them were collecting suet pellets at this point. Unfortunately I only photographed one of them. Nugget, we think.
Later this afternoon a fledgling robin swooped after Jackie as she entered the rose garden and began tipping spent compost onto the beds for mulch. In a flash this baby cocked his head and began the investigations exactly as his father had done a year ago. Soon we really will have an identification problem.
This evening we dined on more of yesterday’s crusty bread with her wholesome soup of chicken and bacon added to the Culinary Queen’s vegetable base.
Very nice narrative about the upcoming “Who’s Nugget and who’s not” conundrum. And the opening portrait of Jackie is a great capture of a great lady.
Thanks very much, Maj.
I love that you have a named resident robin. I find your robins so endearing. 🙂
Your clematis are esp. lovely.
Thank you very much, Eliza
Your observations on the little robin family causes me to muse on whether the new and future generations will also become familiars, following in dad’s footsteps – so to speak……. It’s a lovely thought! Does your cordyline have an extremely strong scent when the flowers open?
The scent of the cordyline is wonderful – the strongest in the garden. Thanks for putting me right on the spelling Pauline. Going to correct it now.
I wondered because we get two flowerings a year here that can be smelt on the air a hundred metres from the tree – it can be overwhelming when half a dozen trees open their flowers at once.
I’ll bet.
Peonies are my second favorite after roses, and yours looks gorgeous.
I was going to ask how you distinguish between Nugget and his Mrs, but you’ve explained that. Their brood, though, might present a challenge if they inherit their father’s habits and stay home, rather than going away to avian college.
Their father will apparently see them off, Dolly. Thanks very much.
My pleasure, Derrick.
I love the thought that you have a robin family to follow you and Jackie around–all cocking their heads. I guess the babies will leave though once they’re grown? I just saw koolkosherkitchen’s comment about avian college. 🤣
The flowers are beautiful.
Thanks very much, Merril. We understand that Dad will drive them away.
What a gorgeous selection of clematis! How many baby Nuggets are there?
We don’t know. Jackie has seen two babies.
How wonderful!
🙂
Love the peony. They don’t grow much (if at all) in Australia.
Thanks very much, Peggy.
How wonderful! The Nugget family! What you said about an identification problem made me laugh! Oh, gosh! You sure will! But, only until the Little Nugget fly the coop. 😉
Dr. Ruppel looks like he’s been eating well! 😉 😛
Your Anonymous Character is so pretty! 🙂
Beautiful photo of beautiful Jackie! Grooming and barbering, too…always something to do! 🙂
Both of you stay safe and stay well!
(((HUGS))) 🙂 <3
Thank you very much, Carolyn. At one time Jackie did cut my hair. She may have to do so again if the lockdown continues. X
You’re welcome!
I’ve been cutting my hubby’s hair for years. He likes to keep it fairly short, so it’s easy to do.
I particularly like the genteel hawthorne.
I’m pleased, Liz. Thank you very much
You’re welcome. It’s a lovely photograph.
What a beautiful photo of Jackie. Gosh, I’m going to have to start thinking up more names for all of these little Nuggets! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous flowers with us, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Jill. Don’t worry too much, because Nugget will send his offspring packing when they are old enough.
“My contribution to the general maintenance was a little watering, weeding, and transporting debris to the compost bin.” – That’s Norm’s job. He’s been well trained. 😉
Us husbands have to stick together 🙂 Thanks very much, Chrissy.
Stunning photos again sir. Your garden brings so much joy to many.
Thank you so much, Gary
I enjoyed “The novel Daniel Deronda.”
Your gardening skills seem strangely familiar for some reason.
A direct parallel that always strikes me, Tootlepedal. Thanks a lot. I told Jackie that I was pleased somebody noticed “The novel…..” When I mentioned who it was, she said “Oh, it would be wouldn’t it!?” 🙂
Beautiful close-ups. I love peony’s. Jackie looks very relaxed when she works in the yard.
She says she is having more time there now she doesn’t have to drive me around for a couple of hours 🙂 Thanks very much, Bridget
Very nice again. I wonder if the anonymous is some kind of dahlia. They come in all shapes but hard to tell from side on.
Thanks a lot, John. It is definitely a clematis, but, as it was here when we arrived we don’t know which.
“Antipodean” – a new word for me, a spectacular bosomy Marie Boisselot, and how how exciting to meet one of Nugget’s offspring!
Thanks very much, JoAnna. We know Australia and New Zealand as the Antipodes.
I enjoy these garden tours, Derrick and Jackie, and the continuing heartwarming story of Nugget and his family! Sounds like he is teaching his children well. 🙂
He is, indeed, Lavinia. It is a shame he will send them off into the world when they are big enough. Thanks very much
Your menus always give me ideas!
That’s good, Barbara. Thanks very much.
Oh, that peony!! I love peonies. Jackie must be so thrilled when it’s spring and she can tend to all the babies in the garden!!!!
Quite so, Luanne. Thank you very much.
Would love some chicken and bacon soup right now – please tell Jackie to save me a small bowl (virtual of course)
–
And bacon has doubled in price at some stores here in Virginia – crazy!
–
Love how you said the white butterfly had the decency to hold still – hahaha
Love when they cooperate
Virtual soup on its way 🙂 You would understand about the butterflies. Thanks very much, Yvette.
☀️have a great day
What a delightful tour of your garden!
Thank you very much, Anne.
Nature is flourishing in many forms in your garden. Those are priceless photographs of its many hues, many shaped manifestations.
Thank you very much, Uma. I’m pleased you mentioned manifestations.
Another lovely floral presentation!
Thank you very much, Sue
Fantastic tour and commentary Derrick.
Thank you very much, Rupali
I think when Nugget’s children can support themselves, they will be asked politely to leave the area. This sounds cruel, perhaps, but it guarantees a continual turnover in the gene pool.
Understood, John. Thanks very much.
Like the eucalyptus.
How did you know the Robin was a male?
We don’t know – I just guessed. 🙂 Thanks a lot, Andrew.
A frost here this morning. Good job I took precautions late yesterday.
Indeed
I read once that both male and female have red breasts but the male has a darker band of grey/blue surrounding it but I might be dreaming and making that up!
I especially liked “novel Daniel Deronda.” Tee-hee. Also fun reading about Nugget Jr.
So pleased you spotted that one, Laurie. I was lucky it was only planted last autumn. Thanks very much.
Huge fan of George Elliot.
Lovely pictures. Jackie makes your yard a paradise.
She does, indeed, Mrs W. Thank you very much
Your welcome.
I love the idea of hanging baskets from the trees! 🌿
In normal years Jackie has more than 100. 🙂 Thanks very much, Tiny.
He learned very well from his dad 🐦 😉 Too cute! Wonderful flowers as usual! That peony 🌸
Thank you so much, Ribana
An embarrassment of rich … erm … Robins! 😀
🙂 Thanks a lot, Widders
I’ve chosen a perfect day to drop into your glorious garden! How lovely to hear such news of this new generation of Nuggets!
Thanks very much, Sandra. I’m pleased you chose this day 🙂
🙂
What I wouldn’t give for a luxe bouquet of peonies right now! And love the last two photos, especially.
Thanks very much, Cynthia