The joy a garden holds....

I sat in wonder as I watched the seagull, chase the heron, in the skies above the garden.

It is good to be still, to be at one with mother earth, and to feel the heartbeat of this garden.

I sigh when I discover the abandoned duck eggs in the bog garden. To be truthful, it is not a good place to nest....the ducklings would be vulnerable. I shall think about fencing this area next year. It will give the mallards a chance to breed here. I feel so honoured that they stayed for a while....they left a message.....the garden is a haven for wildlife.

I have located six bumblebee nests, I have marked each one.......they need to be protected. I am thrilled numbers grow here.

I am in my tenth year with the garden. I knew there would be a turning point for me and today it came. Silently, it crept up on me, as I walked through this magical place.

I have read numerous books on wildlife gardening. My collection is vast and fills an oak bookcase, BUT experience is the greatest teacher of all.

I have watched small creatures pass away and seen new life begin.

I have had successes and failures. I have laughed and cried.

This gardens runs through my veins and touches my very soul.

I love every part of it....including the stinging nettles that support the local butterflies, giving them a chance to breed.......

Here they will not be destroyed by the councils tractor that cuts the verges within an inch of their life. Mowing down the wildflowers that the wildlife depends on.

I sold ten plants yesterday......a chalk board at the gate called to a lady as she passed by. She bought nearly all of my 'king size' navy blue sweet peas. They have an amazing scent....I am sure she will be pleased.......