17.5.16

Weedy pots and little toad

  
So the garden continues to be gradually tidied. By the end of the summer, this plot should be cleared for a herb and pot garden. Once we've managed to dig out the remains of a hideous washing line pole, which the previous owner had cemented into the earth with a huge dollop of concrete. 


What remains of the potted plants and herbs I brought to Shropshire four years ago are pruned and potted up and as they've survived the neglect, they are now thriving in their new homes.  
 

There is a courgette in the coal bucket and basil on the windowsill. And a sweet pepper plant, gifted to me by a gardening neighbour.


I now have a cuttings area and two tomato plants, the first I've had for a few years. These may sound like very small things, which most people do all the time, but for me, they are big steps in the right direction. The garden is finally beginning to feel like home.


We also have a resident toad - so small and delightful.

 

It was released into a denser part of the garden, but first it had it's portrait taken with some old fungi.


Since uprooting from the Cotswolds in 2012 and with everything that has ensued, my life has felt a little like these potted auriculas; choked with weeds and  pot bound. They have somehow endured and so have I.


Now my life is getting tidier and I feel more like a freshly potted plant. With regular care and a bit of sunshine, our roots should grow back and we may even flower again.

16 comments:

Gerry Snape said...

well done to keep the auriculas...mine are struggling...a present from the southern grandgirls...so they must live!! garden looking super Gretel. x

Barbara Prime said...

When I used to work as a gardener, my favourite kind of job was to clean up neglected gardens (usually when people had just bought the house). It was so thrilling to see what treasures still survived, and make it beautiful (or at least less messy) again. It makes my heart happy to see you enjoying a little of that in your own home garden.

the veg artist said...

All any plant (or human) needs to thrive, are the right conditions and a little TLC!

Mac n' Janet said...

Glad you life is becoming less weedy and that the garden is coming together. It wouldn't be a garden without a resident toad, they're so hard working.

Frances said...

Oh Gretel, that little toad is adorable. I like his portraits very much. He will surely enjoy watching your garden grow.

It looks like you are off to a very good start this spring. I do envy you that outdoor space and wish you luck with the laundry/May pole extraction. All that green looks so good.

Continued best wishes to you and yours. xo

rossichka said...

I am so glad your life is warmed up by the rays of love and hope for better, happy days!
Your garden promises to turn into a wonderful place - good for you, you've done so much!:)
The toad is very sweet!!
warm hugs, dear Gretel!

Lynda (Granny K) said...

Mr Toad is very handsome! I hope he eats lots of slugs for you. I see you have yellow poppies and bluebells too, delightful flowers! I think you are going to enjoy your gardening. xx

Vintage Jane said...

It's lovely to read this post, full of hope and new life.
M x

tut-tut said...

Sometimes the best thing to do is repot, oneself included.

Deb said...

Your garden is a beautiful testament to spring and new growth :) I adore the toad too, didn't he pose beautifully!

Acornmoon said...

Small steps maybe but tall oaks from little acorns grow. X

Frances Tyrrell said...

What a beautiful toad! May you all flourish in the new garden.

Anonymous said...

It's all looking good. It's lovely to have plants from your last garden - I have a plant that has been in every garden that I have had!

Lootytoot said...

Could you use the old washing line pole as a support to grow a nice climbing plant, save you digging it up!
The toad is lovely, I saw our frog today for the first time this year, I love them so much!!!!

Granny Sue said...

An interesting post, Gretel--change in many forms, survival and hardiness, and even a frog prince :) One question, though--what's a courgette?

Puddock said...

Gorgeous toad Gretel!