This morning, after mending the wooden side gate,
Martin continued working his way along the West Bed. He cut back dead plant stems, weeded, and dug up brambles and other such invaders, bagging them for burning when the weather is dry enough.
I wandered around photographing garden views and flowers, each of which is entitled in the tiled gallery.
Perhaps the most pleasing flowers are those fashioned by the lichen clinging to the Nottingham Castle bench. This replica has travelled with me for three decades in various residences from Newark to Downton via London. As a tribute to the clean air of the forest this is the first home in which it has scattered its blooms.
I spent the afternoon on picture recovery of:
I recategorised the second as Garden.
This evening we all dined on Jackie’s wholesome chicken and vegetable stewp and fresh baguettes, with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I finished the Shiraz
Glad Martin is still helping you out.
Thanks very much, GP
A strange coincidence–I recently re-read the post about your friend Wolf because I was thinking about him. You will see in April.
Your flowers, including the lichen, are beautiful. I think you and Jackie are fortunate to have found Martin.
Thank you so much, Merril. A happy coincidence; and you are right about Martin
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Ah, Spring. I like the story of your traveling bench. I think it’s fair to say that it’s found the perfect home.
Thank you so much, Alys
I’m glad that Martin has been so much help for you and Jackie, Derrick! ☺️
Thank you very much, John
It’s funny how sometimes (usually after a rain) lichen can make itself the star rather than an understudy. Wish we could clone Martin. How many days a week does he labor in your garden, which is looking very well?
We normally have him for half day once a fortnight; the patio was a job on top of that, and his half days are weekly until the spring clearance has finished. Thanks very much, Pat
I think we all could use a Martin this time of year. Love seeing your spring blooms. The camellias are stunning.
Thank you so much, Jodie
Always a pleasure to see flourishing lichen. We are waiting for our lamium to show any flowers at all at the moment.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
The garden looks gorgeous, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Jill
I’ve gained a much better appreciation for lichen since following your blog.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
OOH! Beautiful flower-Lichen-art on the well-traveled Nottingham Castle bench! 🙂 (Lichens have always fascinated me!)
Mother Nature is THE original Old Master of the art world. 😉
Martin is such a good industrious worker and his smile brightens the day! 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
This is exactly the kind of garden I love, Derrick.
Beautiful.
Thank you so much, Dale
And another garden season begins 🙂
Yes. Thanks very much, Bridget
The “owl” seems to be enjoying his carpet of camellia blooms, Derrick …
Indeed, Ivor. Cheers
Such beautiful new blooms! The work of maintaining a garden is never done.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
It must be so good to have such a hard-working person to help in your lovely garden. I love to see lichen and it does look so attractive on your bench!
Thank you very much, Clare
I enjoyed the garden photos and flowers, including the lichen flowers. Martin inspires me.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
Beautiful flowers. I could use a Martin in my life.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
We too have a lot of lichen in our garden – an excellent indicator of clear air 🙂
Thanks very much, Anne
Lovely as always.
Thanks very much, Chrissy
Is the bench of the period for Albert Ball or DH Lawrence to have sat on it?
No, John, its a replica from c1990. Thanks very much
Hi Derrick, your comment about the lichen blooming in its current home in the forest speaks volumes.
Thank you do much, Robbie
I wish I had someone capable who was helping me… you get so much done.. looking good,.. waves across the miles.
Thanks very much, Q
I have had a wonderful virtual walk through spring in your gardens, Derrick and Jackie! The lichens on your bench look nice and healthy.
Thank you very much from us both, Lavinia
Martin’s smile is almost contagious!
I love the way the old bench has accompanied you from place to place.
Thank you very much, Sue. He has a very easy smile
A chicken and veggie stew sounds like the perfect meal for these wintery days/nights. God bless Martin for his hard work restoring your garden to its former beauty. Does he ever stay for Jackie’s yummy meal with you?
Thanks very much, Jan. Martin usually has to get home in time to pick up children from school.
Such a lovely and flourishing garden, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Eugi
Most welcome, Derrick.
I, too, like the story of the bench and how it now “blooms” in clean air. Didn’t realize that clean air was a requirement.
Thanks very much, Laurie. That underlined it for me
I love your garden Derrick and the lichen really looks great on the bench.
Thank you very much, Aletta