It’s just a small plot but there is always something new to spot in the garden, especially at this time of year. Today I have seen the lush green leaves of Aquilegia. I love the way these flowers pop up at will around the garden. There are signs of a flower bud & I am left to wonder what colour this one will be. Rarely do the new plants seed true to colour. I have tried to keep the rich deep blues & indigo shades that I prefer.
It’s easy to see how this typical cottage garden plant gained the name Granny’s Bonnets. Although my garden is far away from any cottage, many of the plants that fall into this category appeal to me. Even the leaves of my Granny”s Bonnets are pretty. almost feathery in appearance. Soon the flower stem will rise, to tower above the ground before the flower opens.
Today there was time to walk a short distance alongside green fields. I used to take this walk a few years ago. I had forgotten how refreshing this open space is, the sheer joy of wandering along, close to fields, surrounded by trees. Solitude, peace. It is a very restful place & I should make the time to escape here once again. It is peaceful, but not quiet. Birdsong! Loud & clear. I can identify one or two, but it helps to cheat a little & spot the bird singing clearest! Robins are easy to spot & one is determined that I enjoy his robust song. A loud song, complete with trill indicates a wren. These amazing tiny birds have the loudest of songs. “Teacher teacher!” The sound rings out & reminds me of my mother in law. She taught us that this is the call of the Tit family & is now one of the easiest to name.
But there is a faint song that reminds me of holidays. It is a very simple little song, not really very tuneful. A I always said it sounded like a trainee bird, one that was trying to learn a song. I have since learnt that this is the song of the Chiff Chaff. Listen carefully & it does sound as though these are the words the bird is laboriously singing.
But it’s not just the birds that make this space attractive. It is good for the senses, especially in spring. So close to the countryside gardens have the benefit of primroses. These are peppered around the neighbouring gardens. Well of those that have escaped recent development & a fresh contemporary look, or worse makeover into a driveway. What is interesting is that alongside a newly created drive there is a short row of primroses growing at the edge by a wall. Nature has an amazing way at putting her own mark on man’s designs!
An old cottage is my favourite place to spot. The garden is long & with a lawn that slopes down to fields beyond. Now I remember this garden. The lawn is dotted with pale primroses. It is an amazing sight. I stand & stare, hoping no one will come by. I had forgotten the joys of the walk, the joys of spring. These tiny flowers, not planted by human hand, but appearing each year. Further along the lane I can see more primroses. I hope the reward the homeowners & give them pleasure, that they do not view them as negative or at worse, weeds.