From various comments on yesterday’s post I realise that I have been misleading when writing of burial and interment of the iron wheels. In fact they had been buried only to some extent by natural forces, viz their own weight sinking into the edge of the gravel path.
Jackie has now lined them up supported by metal bars, from where they will find their own level.
For comparatively light relief during the three days during which she has worked on this project she has also
cleaned and tidied the decking area where we can take our evening drinks as the sun shines directly into it. This has involved scraping green algae from the platform, giving it a good scrub; scouring pigeon guano from the table and chairs; trimming the jasmine on the bordering trellis; and placing an unoccupied plinth on the edge above the treads to enable each of us to retain our balance as we step up.
The one drawback with this position is that until that gravel path is cleared of the tiny onions we will have to look at them.
We will not be far from the Rose Garden which currently reminds us that forget me nots precede the roses.
Later today the Head Gardener completed her clearance of the
Gazebo Path, and started on a link to the Shady Path, which will eventually take her to the section between the decking and Fiveways where lies the cluster of little onions photographed earlier.
In the recent pictures of the iron wheels readers may have noticed
one or two of the stone tortoises. They are now engaged in mating.
Today’s culling efforts involved deleting from iPhotos all the pictures appearing in
and
This evening we dined on Jackie’s pasta Bolognese sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, with which she drank Casa Maña Chardonnay 2023 and I drank Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.
I have to give Jackie credit. I love the garden but it is far too much work for me to accomplish every year like she does!!
Thank you so much, GP. Me, too, now
I would feel the same as GP, but the result is just amazing, a sort of magic kingdom on your doorsteps.
Thank you so much, Sylvie
“They are now engaged in mating.” Did you slip that in to see who was actually reading?
I think Jackie’s idea of light relief is much different from mine! But what a lovely place to have your drinks.
Well, now I know you have
Thanks very much, Merril
Excellent work, Jackie! The garden is looking fine.
Your garden looks amazing. Does Jackie ever run out of energy? <3
Thanks very much, Donna. She’s having a real burst at the moment
Presumably the stone tortoises will in time produce a chip off the old block.
They probably have a long gestation period, Tootlepedal. Thank you very much
Good one! I was wondering what progeny would come from stone tortoises. Now I know!
Ha! Love the mating turtles! They both seem to be smiling with joy!
I look forward to seeing the hatchlings! 
What really cracked me up was the ever-watching owl! (shocked face) “Hey, owl! Three’s a crowd!” (wink, wink and Ha!!!)
OH! Jackie gives the garden such beautiful tender loving care…which is a lot of hard work. YAY for Jackie!!!
Gosh those little onions sure are persistent!
Love that the sweet forget-me-nots pave the way for the arrival of the regal roses!
(((HUGS)))
Thank you so much, Carolyn XX
The decking area looks so inviting! I don’t think I’ve seen that many forget-me-knots in one place.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
You have a wonderful place to sit, relax and read
I’m in awe at all that Jackie gets done to maintain your beautiful garden and decking area. Love the stone tortoises
Thanks you so much, Rosaliene
Ah! Now the wheels make sense. Those forget-me-nots are lovely, and the tortoises made me smile. It seems they’re smiling, too!
Thank you so much, Linda
WOW! I love your latest work in the garden, Jackie. It’s all gorgeous.
Jackie says thanks, too, Chrissy
It is good to see the wheels in situ and the gravel paths looking clear and inviting.
Thank you very much, Anne
Jackie is such an inspiration, I know how hard yard work can be. I could only work for an hour today clearing out my rhubarb and asparagus garden. Your garden is so beautiful and I love seeing your pictures, even if there is sex in the garden! Lol
Thank you very much, Diane
Good afternoon Derrick, I am unable to post new blogs. Whom do I contact for help ? Thank you, Lakshmi
Go to the help centre to contact a Happiness Engineer – and very good luck – they have never helped me much. Thanks very much, Lakshmi
The yearly spring cleaning
Thanks very much, Bridget
Your garden looks amazing, Derrick. The hard work pays off.
Thank you very much, Eugi
Most welcome, Derrick.
The decking area looks stunning.
Thank you so much, Sue XX
Clearing those paths is hard work, but it’s all coming together and looking good. It will be nice to spend time on your deck. I’m glad you’ve added a plinth for easier and safer access. Jackie must have a strong back and forgiving knees.
Thanks very much, Alys
Oh, that garden! What a beautiful place to have drinks. Or lunch. Or supper. Or anything else.
Thank you very much, Laurie
Ha ha ha – I had to read twice… your garden is amazing, even for stone tortoises
Thank you very much, Ilze
Everything looks great, even with the onions. I love the stone tortoises! I have one who needs a friend.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
The carpet of forget-me-nots is delightful. I have one of grape hyacinths right now that is so much blue loveliness. Jackie works so hard. I hope that it gives her joy. At the very least there must be joy to look and see fewer onions.
Thank you very much, Crystal
The stone tortoises were a nice addition to the spring gardens.
Everything looks lovely, Derrick and Jackie.
Are you hoping for baby tortoises?
Nice one, Sheree. Thank you very much
Wonderful work
Thank you very much, Gary