Our garden is one of the many reasons we bought our house and it continues to give us tremendous joy. Whilst the dank, dark winter months challenge the most positive mind, there are many things to enjoy from the ever changing landscape and the promise of brighter days to come. It is Spring. The winter has given way to warmer days and lighter evenings and the promise of Summer that seemed so far away just a few short weeks ago. There are signs of new life everywhere, from the noisy, hungry chatter of Jackdaw chicks, delighting us from the top of the living room chimney, to the suddenly vigorous grass and optimistic buds on long dormant plants. It really is wonderful.
Whilst all this frantic activity is underway it’s time to reenergise the fruit and vegetable garden. I operated a raised bed system for many years. Mainly as a response to a damaged knee and although that knee is long gone and it’s successor needs little protection, it seems sensible to carry on with the plan. So renovation and renewal are the name of the game. As carpenters go I am a pretty decent retired accountant, so it isn’t pretty but I am pleased with how it’s turning out. Accusations of too much wasted space levelled by my brother are being addressed and it has become clear that I actually don’t need as much overall space. Once the vegetable beds are complete I will be relocating the fruit bushes, designing a new composting area and returning the newly free space to lawn. Very satisfying indeed.
The final challenge is to distance myself from the legacy of my father, for whom massive crops were a sign of achievement and the desire to feed the ever growing family paramount. There’s only the two of us and whilst grateful colleagues were always keen to receive our endless surpluses the boss is quite right, as always, when she says we should grow less and then only what we actually need and will enjoy.
So, signs of life again. The circle turns and we immerse ourselves in the joys of nature. As we get older there are more and greater joys to be found in the simple things and for that I am extremely grateful!
Sheppy'S World 