New is easy...
Carex and Fairy Rose
Back in the garden again after three weather-bound days - what do I feel like doing? Starting something new, hee hee. But I've stopped myself, and thought things through.
New is easy...
Starting something new is easy, and mentally light. It takes much more inner strength and character to finish something, especially something as annoying as axing out Phormium roots in the middle of the Island Bed. Ha! So that's what I've been doing today. Or trying to do. How good?
Had a short break, in which I zoomed off to see my doctor (who is pleased with me). Then back into swinging the axe and slicing back and forth with the breadknife. Started to wonder if this was really sensible - surely Non-Gardening Partner and his chainsaw would do a much better job?
Perversely, decided to chop down a third Phormium. Again, left the roots. Argh! Yet more roots to remove! By now my fingers were very achy. Will escort NGP into the Island Bed when he gets home from work and ask his advice. Will use my sweet little voice.
Next day...
Yeay! I took NGP out to evaluate what (if any) help he could provide. Amazing! He sharpened the smaller spade, then completely dug out two of the root balls. The third was given the chainsaw treatment. All done in about fifteen minutes. I was so happy! Went to bed smiling.
Hissing versus growling...
Speckles arrived in the middle of the night for his meal. 'Hello, beautiful cat' I purred. He growled at me (he usually hisses). Is this progress? I asked myself. Humph. I asked A1.
Hello Speckles
Oh dear. A hiss is a defensive, surprised reaction, but a growl is a deeper, more aggressive warning, often indicating high stress, extreme fear, or territorial defense. A growling cat may be concerned about losing access to its food resource.
Well, Mister Speckles, listen to this. Firstly, the cottage is my territory. Get over it! Secondly, I do not want your food - I am the one providing it. And lastly, when I stand up I am naturally much bigger than you and take up more air space. I am not the same size as a cat. Get used to it. That's life.
February Bonfire
Saturday 20th February
So this afternoon I have to cart off all the flax mess, then go down the road to pick up some bags of compost and spread them around. And then - oh joy - my accidental remodelling of the Island Bed will be complete. OK. I can do this.
Four hours later...
Almost done. Lots of plodding back and forth with armfuls of Phormium leaves. Took barrow loads of dead leaves over to the bonfire - also collected dry mess from the fence-line. Whoosh went the bonfire. NGP contributed some more Olearia hedge clippings. I started trimming down the Shasta daisies - their flowering is finished. Threw them on the bonfire. Am pretty tired, but happy.