Happily Ever After
Life in The Rural Retreat with a beautiful wife, three cats, garden wildlife, a camera, a computer – and increasing amounts about running
Earlier posts can be found on Adventures of a Lone Bass Player, where this blog began life. Recent entries can be found here.
Green Fingers and Blackcurrants
by admin - 20:48 on 21 August 2012
The final barrowload of weeds was removed from amongst the more favoured plants beneath the willow tree this morning, although the scene of horticultural perfection is marred by the huge fallen branch. If Mr Gardener and his chainsaw don't appear soon it may have to become a feature.
The lawn was next on the agenda but I was spared the work thanks to the thunderstorm which struck shortly afterwards and returned at intervals during the rest of the day. Maybe tomorrow.
Dull skies meant there was no chance of snappery when I caught sight of marten activity at the unexpectedly early time of eight o'clock. Nutella had not yet been served so the visitor gave her attention to the blackcurrant bush; I don't know if this is a regular snack stop – I've never before seen it examined by a marten.
If martens want fruit, the apple tree could be worth a climb. There's no need for them to rush, for the tree – three years ago cut back to no more than a trunk – now bears flourishing untrimmed branches mostly far too lofty for us to reach, even with our rickety ladder. A nimble marten would have no problem, however.
Another glimpsed predator, seen this afternoon, was a sparrowhawk on the garden gate. He'd failed to make a kill so didn't hang around long enough to have his picture taken. Bad news for me but good news for voles and small birds. It's an ill wind...
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