There were several lowlights during the week. My phone went on the blink and several heavy frosts finally arrived, followed immediately by Storm Goretti. On a positive note I finished my regular 5k Wexford Parkrun under thirty minutes. The last time I recorded that milestone was way back in 2014. Perhaps I’ll treat myself? A new phone, did I hear you say? 🤔
The garden is my mindful place throughout the ups and down of life. It reminds me to accept what comes and not to be swayed unduly by problems on the one hand and ego celebrations on the other.
I’m joining Jim at Garden Ruminations as we approach mid-January. Pop over to see what’s on display there and in many other gardeners’ gardens. Here’s my selection from SE Ireland this week, helping to keep me grounded…
Campanula
Campanula comes into flower en masse in late spring and sometimes there’s a second flush in September after a severe haircut. This tiny remnant brings joy to my heart. I vow to shine no matter the season.
Wolf Moon
The moon is out of range. It’s moved further west, yet the night sky is lit by reflected sunlight, and the photo was snapped with night mode. Actually, I can’t take credit really because the wonky phone gently suggested night mode would be best. A nice way of saying that it would look very drab if I decided to ignore the suggestion. Imagine the possibilities with a smarter smart phone? No, perhaps not.
Rockery
Skimmia and Camellia side by side. I spent an hour tidying this little rockery area during the week. I call it Joe’s rockery, as it’s against the boundary wall of what was Joe’s garden. In years gone by he was great to leave baskets of grapes and other garden produce on the wall for us. I still think fondly of him.
The Tidy Side
I use the quiet of winter to plot and plan what I’d like for the year ahead. This corner is gently on my mind.
On the sunny west-facing side of the garden, the tidy-up had been mostly completed. It really didn’t need much. I’m turning over some ideas for the raised corner. There’s no rush. Something will emerge. Several years ago I had a seat there. It was a lovely vantage point to enjoy late evening summer sun.
On The Other Hand
Theres another change in the pipeline on the other side.
Untouched since September, this east-facing rockery is drab, but I’ll leave it as it is for another month. There are three fuchsias on top and I think two will be sacrificed.
A Dangerous Yoke
Creeping Jenny is very definitely a dangerous yoke, but I’m up to the challenge of taming her! Why? Because in summer it is a beautiful shade of green. Mostly I keep her prisoner in window boxes, to impede her urge to spread into unwanted places. Now, she does a great job hiding a bare corner. I glance with satisfaction regularly. She will not best me!
To finish, a quote from James Clear. Its not specifically related to gardening, but but it’s worth applying it there too.
There are two ways to grow: by adding or by shedding. Do you need to add something or do you need to shed something?
Over the coming months my garden will change to include adding and shedding. Me too, most likely.
I hope you have a great week.
P.
