18.4.21

Beneath the apple tree

 


This weekend I have been working in the garden during the warm afternoons. It has become rather a jungle and I cannot remember the last time I sat out in it; Joe didn’t like sitting outside, or gardening (which should have told me something) and subsequently, I too became discouraged. I’m still adjusting to the complete freedom to do what I want, when I want, and that can be a difficult thing when you’ve spent most of your life living with one person or another.



As it was so nice, I fetched my three beloved old bears from the bedroom so that they could enjoy the sunshine too. We had a cup of tea and some chocolate buttons that a friend had given me. I needle felted little pears for my book, while the birds fluttered in and out of the willow tree, singing their Spring tunes. Bumble bees droned heavily over the dandelions and as we were sat under the apple tree, there was a faintly acidic smell of cider from last year’s old fruit which are still clinging to the branches. 


The pear tree is coming into full blossom and despite my many imaginary and unaffordable dreams for the garden, I was very content simply to gaze upon my scruffy kingdom, which has become so dear to me. 

 

9 comments:

Granny Sue said...

I really like that last line, the scruffy little kingdom that has become so dear. For most of us, I think that describes our homes quite well. We try, we dream, we see fabulous gardens in magazines, but our own will never come up to that level. Still we love our own spaces.

Shrimpton and Perfect said...

Your little teds look a perfect picture under that tree. And with the weather picking up we can thankfully all get out so much more. Jean

Linda said...

It sounds and looks perfect!:-)

BumbleVee said...

Oooooh....I so want to get out and reef out some weeds.... it snowed the other day... then, got warmer.again.. today it is up to +18C... but the wind will blow later ..it will drop like the proverbial stone... and, tomorrow... lo and behold...more snow!! .. and, only -1C .... great. Then, 3 or 4 more days or so of crappy weather and snow and ... well,....I'll be glad when dear old Mother Nature gets on with spring... before it has to jump straight into the heat of summer!

Frances Tyrrell said...

I love this. The Teddies look happy to be outside for a picnic with you. The thing about being on one's own is doing the things you really like to do.

Twiglet said...

The wildlife will love your little garden Gretel - think of all the happy little minibeasts thriving there. It looks like the bears are quite content to work along side you too. xx Jo

Saffa Barkhordar said...

Your garden looks like paradise Gretel ❤️ sounds so lovely 🌿 we have a very small courtyard which I hang all the washing in and I have dreams one day I could get a place with a proper garden with head in it but I'm grateful to have some outside space. So glad your doing what you want to do and enjoying your beautiful garden ✨ xxxxx

Saffa Barkhordar said...

They was meant to say grass in it! 😂

Puddock said...

I've only just spotted this post - so glad I found it. I agree completely about the joy of being free to do what you want, when you want, of not feeling you have to conform and compromise all the time. I wish you lots of sunny days in your 'scruffy kingdom', Gretel (my garden definitely qualifies for that title too, and I'll try not to be so self-critical about it from now on.