If I could be a field . . .

. . . it would be this one.

Small and hilly, and just a bit secretive, only ever peeked at through a straggly hedge as I drive past.

Tussocky grass, beloved by rabbits, gets tamed once a year into neat stripes, that hug its gentle curves.

Hugged on two sides by a protective, dark wood , a hint at mystery where the field edge meets the old woodland.

Deep shadows that fall across the grass at sunrise, retreat slowly back to the trees by sunset.

Old grass and old woods that are largely left to themselves, it makes me smile whenever I go past.

Yes, if I was a field, I would like to be this one .

On Common Ground

The hills have been turning purple over Hartlebury Common throughout July and August

An area of mixed heath and woodland, has more recently become a battleground, between locals and the council over its heatland restoration plans

Nothing will stir up the emotions more than the thought of losing our trees, and Hartlebury Common is set to lose upto 90% of its trees

Breathtaking swathes of purple, or our majestic trees. It would seem we can't have them both.

And I always thought it was 'nature knows best'

Nimble Fingers and Hedgerow Posies

A hedgerow abundant in buttercups, cow parsley, vetches and seed heads, makes a perfect combination for an impromptu mini posy

Exquisite little flowers, invite closer inspection

Nimble fingers are required to tie the bunches, using only grass stalks and leaves.

A cheery way to fill a cold, cloudy, country walk.

Unfurling Spring

A lazy blog post, almost no words, just a few snapshots of spring arriving in the garden.

Cherry bark and buds

Cowslip

Willow

Acer buds

Southernwood

                                      
                                         And an old enemy returns.



The cold frame is now emptied of overwintered rooted cuttings, all now potted up. Seedlings can be transfered to the cold frame for hardening off, leaving windowsill space for new seed sowings.

Let the season roll gently on.

What Do You See.

You see a tree, We see a playground

We found, We climbed, We hung from sturdy branches. We even fell, but, We climbed back up again.

                                                    So, how do we get back down ?

Bracing air, challenging exercise, a healthy dose of peril, mixed with a spark of wonder at the brilliance of trees.

You have Outdoor Play.

                                          Sturdy branches for the biggest of bottoms !


And all watched over by the 'Old Man of the Tree'.  Do you see ?