Diary Of A Wild Country Garden

I love it here in this hidden, not well known garden somewhere near me in rural England.  It is not my garden but one I travel to when I am in need of recharging my batteries, inspiration and a welcome break from the pressures of the world. I always come away feeling a sense of lightness of being and a refreshed way of seeing the world and any challenges I am facing in my life. I have needed this place of quiet and reflection more than ever in recent weeks.... I would love to share this special place to me with you.   “ The poetry of the earth is never dead." John Keats A Place To Retreat I wonder how many of us have somewhere to go when we feel the need to relax, chill out and recharge? Or maybe we don't all need to go away somewhere physically and can do it mentally/emotionally? Do you have a place to go to get away from it all?     Bridge In The Hidden Garden. This is one of my fave views in the garden, so beautiful...makes ...

I went out this morning to fill up the bird feeders and to add a new one. It has been so cold here lately and we have had hard frosts and snow and high winds I am concerned for the birds. It was really cold so I did not intend to stay out long, although I was well wrapped up.  However, I walked back up to the house I was struck by the most beautiful bird song. I saw the robin high up on one of the shrubs clearly and proudly singing his little heart out. No doubt starting to re-establish his territory. I heard other birds, sparrows I think, a blackbird, a coo of a wood pigeon. As I stood still and silent I began to hear more and it was the most wonderful orchestra of birdsong. I thought people would pay to go sit in theatres to hear this most stunning of music and here it is all around me.  As I stood there silent and perfectly still I noticed a large male blackbird nearby. He was intent on kicking up the leaves and searching for food underneath. He looked at me but ...

Taking a break from writing and housework I went out into our garden. I pottered around a bit tidying here and there and noticed the bird feeders were nearly empty so filled them. Then I stood still with the sun on my face and noticed how very quiet it was. Such a delicious, peaceful quietness. The odd quiet short song of a bird, a flapping of wings, a twig snapped, but essentially quiet.  My little robin friend came down to see me. He arrives on the scene usually within five minutes of me going outside these days. He is taking an educated guess that I may be digging!  Not today my little friend. but he hopped over and ate the seeds that had dropped from the feeder instead so I did not disappoint him. Then although the sun was shining beautifully on my face and head I turned and noticed huge dark clouds. Then I felt the first splat of rain on my skin, heavy, slow, can't be bothered type of rain. I looked around and yes there it was a full arc of a gorgeous rainbow! So pret...