At the beginning of June we watched a cumbersome pigeon nest building. This morning, as I worked my way through blog comments I noticed the potential parent bird seemingly incubating. The first of these photographs was taken through my window; the second from the garden.
Because of this sighting I was quite hesitant to begin my planned project in the front garden this warm and humid morning, so began by starting the pruning of the Félicité Perpétue rose which is furthest away from the nest. After about 20 minutes I started weeding th gravel path which didn’t seem to upset the wood pigeon. After lunch I returned to the task. The bird was gone and, although we could see it, the nest seemed empty.
The third of these photographs taken by Jackie constitutes “Where’s Derrick?” (4). Despite the obvious clues, enlargement may be necessary. The fourth image is of the footpath through the bed.
This is how far I got before stopping for the afternoon. There is a compost bin beside the trug beneath the overturned chair, but I will clear the footpath to it before I empty the trug.
Jackie has spent much of the last few days weeding and planting the beds around it and manicuring the lawn. She proudly photographed the results of her efforts.
She also focussed on the Pond Bed and a garden view around the Shady Path.
Later, I watched the Women’s Wimbledon tennis matches between Angelique Kerber and Coco Gauff, and between Emma Raducanu and Ajla Tomljanovic.
Dinner, taken on a tray seated in front of the television consisted of two prawn preparations, namely tempura, and hot and spicy served on Jackie’s special fried rice, with which I drank more of the Rioja while the Culinary Queen abstained.
Your yard and garden are so beautiful, love them! ❤️??
Jackie is rightfully proud. You both do so much work in the garden–it’s beautiful.
I wonder if you will see eggs in the nest. It’s kind of exciting.
Thanks very much from us both, Merril.
You’re both very welcome.
A productive day was had by all. (Hopefully including the wood pigeon).
Thanks very much, Pat
Everything is so beautiful, and looks like very professional job by you both! You and Jackie have a bit of paradise there. <3
Congratulations to your pigeon residents on successful nest building, and I hope some young will appear before too long. 🙂
Thank you very much, Lavinia
I was immediately struck by how manicured the lawn looked in the header photo. Props to the Head Gardener!
Thanks a lot from us both, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick and Jackie.
I don’t recall ever seeing your patch of lawn nor the section leading to the driveway. There’s clearing a lot to explore and enjoy in your garden 🙂
Oops… That should read ‘clearly’ and not ‘clearing’.
🙂
Thanks very much, Rosaliene 🙂
Everything looks gorgeous, Derrick. You and Jackie make a great team! I hope we’ll see some eggs.
Thanks very much, Jill.
You blend in behind the greenery very well, Derrick, but you are still visible in the top right corner.
The lawn is impeccable; the Head Gardener is more thorough than a manicurist in a fanciest salon.
Thanks very much, Dolly. You have nailed the manicurist. Well spotted.
You are very welcome, Mr Manicurist.
🙂
A gardener’s work is seemingly never-ending
Yep. Thanks a lot, Sheree
Your garden is a real haven for the two of you — and for the birds! I hope you can enjoy it sometimes without the need to keep working on it!
Thanks very much, Janet. We do have the occasional lull 🙂
Manicured, indeed – you are such a great team.
The very evident harmony of your wonderful plants and the wildlife in your garden is a testament to a huge amount of hard work and your expertise; totally inspirational! 🙂
Thank you so very much, Emma
You are getting everything looking very neat and shipshape.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
It’s a work of beauty that gardening of yours.
Thank you so much, Gary
Beautiful. Looks like a relaxing place to be.
When the work is over for the day, Mrs W 🙂 Thanks very much
Your welcome.
Your manicured lawn area looks magnificent Derrick. I didn’t realise such big piece af lawn area …
Thanks very much, Ivor. Actually it is a tiny patch of manky grass which will need to be returfed eventually 🙂
Tonight I enjoyed sharing your blog with our neighbor/friends – and telling them about what great gardeners you are… and what a great job you do with your camera. Thanks for sharing!
Wow. That is much appreciated, Jan X
I’m impressed with Jackie’s work with so many interesting delights around the curve of the lawn. You might have highlighted it before, but I’m curious about that light colored tree trunk and the ? turtle next to it.
Thank you so much from us both, JoAnna. The tree is the eucalyptus; the stone creature is a tortoise.
Found you! Oh, the garden looks splendid.
Thanks very much, Well spotted, Laurie
The garden looks splendid indeed: a feast of botanical delights set off by the beautifully manicured lawn. You both deserved to have a ‘lap supper’ whilst watching Wimbledon.
Thank you so much from us both, Anne
Such amazing pictures! One could lose oneself for hours in that yard.
Thank you very much AnneMarie
You two have created your own magical place.
Thank you very much from us both, Cindy
Your garden gets prettier every day.
sigh…I really miss my garden. Our neighbour mowed the lawn today and sent some photos.
I look forward to your next post, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
The borders look quite perfect Jackie.
Thanks a lot from us both, Andrew
Everything looks perfect for humans and nature alike!!
hi there .. trug is a new word for me?
It is a container for carrying garden tools, plants etc. traditionally crafted in wickerwork – ours are mostly plastic
There are so many interesting details here – the little red fence, the stone edging etc. My sweetheart uses the term ‘glorious garden gallimaufry’ for his favourite style of gardening and this post brought it to mind.
That is praise indeed, Susan. Thanks very much
Another busy morning. And if I was Jackie I would be snapping every two minutes. So much to be proud of.
🙂 Thanks very much, Sue.
Nothing so cheering as photos of your garden, Derrick!
Thank you very much, Luanne
Every year when I look at the pictures of your garden I hope that you guys will have lots of time to enjoy it without working so hard as well.
Thank you very much, Bridget 🙂
Derrick is very well hidden doing his tasks ?
The Head Gardener can be very proud as the garden is like a piece of heaven! ?
Thank you very much from us both, Ribana. Well spotted 🙂
For a minute I thought you had posted photos of a visit to the Hampton Court Garden Festival. I was just imagining “And the Gold Medal goes to Mrs J Knight for her entry “Cottage Garden with Scarecrow” when I drifted back to reality . . .
🙂 Thanks a lot, Quercus
🙂
Your garden is an invitation. It is beautiful.
The lawn looks suitably manicured. Kudos to the Head Gardener. 🙂
Thanks a lot from us both, Widders.