I was in the rescue, late one evening, checking on a pair of bonding bunnies. It’s always odd being the only person there. As soon as I walked in all the chicks started shrieking for food so I spent a good half hour just feeding them.
A few curious hedgehogs peeked out from beneath their shredded paper to see what all the fuss was about. We have scores of juvenile hogs at the moment, all suffering from dehydration during this drought.
I also got to stroke this cutie, my what tiny paws she has!
Talking of wildlife, I was in the back garden with Lillt’urchin recently when I came across a frog. Given the dogs were out I immediately turned to take them in, while telling Littl’urchin not to touch it as she’s fond of picking up all sorts of insects. Within a second I heard, “I’ve got it Nana!”
The frog sat calmly for a while then leapt onto Littl’urchins neck, which strangely didn’t phase her one little bit. Eventually, it hopped off her neck and after a short chase, was released to an area of the garden that Buddy can’t access. I then launched into the don’t handle wildlife talk only to be told, “Well, it wasn’t wild or angry and anyway everyone has to hold a frog once in their life!” Struth….who knew?
I came across a fly I’ve never seen before, laying eggs on a dog rose. I’m not sure but think it may be a feather-legged fly or an orange legionnaire. Turns out there are many species of fly in the UK with orange abdomens.
The cans on the old palette have been planted with wildflower seeds and ferns pulled from the brick wall in the front garden. I’m now always on the lookout for drought resistant plants.
This rose on the left was self-sown. Goodness, how pretty she is!
Years ago, I bought this bamboo for the back garden. Having had negative experiences with bamboo in the past I checked and double checked that this one would only grow to six foot. Every week during spring, summer and autumn it throws out these canes….sighs. I’d cut it out but many small birds nest in it, and would you believe, frogs like hiding in it.
Deutzia, in full bloom, a magnet for pollinators, especially bees.
The potato vine that took over this area more or less died back during the cold winter we had, giving this lovely clematis a chance to shine. I’d almost forgot she was there.
And Finally…
We had two thunderstorms a few days apart bringing some of the wet stuff, not an awful lot, but better than nothing. Back to wall to wall sunshine now but we do have a chance of rain next week. Bring it on!
Until next time, stay safe guys.xxx
I was glad to see you back into rescuing mode, I bet the birds were glad to see you! I always love your hedgehogs, (especially since we don’t have any) the little hedgehog looking out through the paper strips is very cute!
Well, Littl’urchin is definitely taking after you, I often think children take after their grandparents just as much as their parents…especially these days when parents are working so hard, and children are having so much time with grandparents. Isn’t it great being a grandparent!
Your garden is looking great.
Thanks Gerrie. Littl’urchin is fast becoming a nature lover! Yes, it’s lovely being a granparent.xxx
It seems your granddaughter is following in your footsteps attracting animals. I do enjoy your posts from the rescue, awww, that little hedgehog, so cute. We’ve hardly had any rain to speak of for weeks now, if we carry on like this there’ll be hosepipe bans.
Thanks Jo. Now you mention it that little hog does look like it’s smiling! Yes, I’m dreading any hosepipe ban! xxx
We had wet stuff too – at last. Seems that an affinity to wildlife runs in the genes.
|Your garden looks lovely.
Thanks Sue, good to hear you got rain too.xxx
I absolutely adore Li’l Urchin’s attitude toward the frog. I’d be more than happy to hold one, but first I have to see one! I know they’re all around, but I’ve yet to find more than my one bullfrog. I did see a very small, less than one inch long toad recently, and was unreasonably excited by that. I’ll keep looking.
It was great to see some photos from the rescue; I’ve missed them. Lucky creatures, to have people to care for them. And how beautiful your clematis is! I have a friend who planted potato vine, but pulled it out after just a couple of years, as it had grown thuggish. I’ve never heard of the Deutzia, but it could come live with me any time!
Thanks Linda, here’s to you getting to hold a frog!!! Oh yes, the potato vine totally takes over!xxx
How lovely to be taken into the rescue with you. Was that a chinchilla I spotted ? I love watching videos of them having a dustbath.
Your garden is looking colourful and I especially like that self seeded rose. Does it have a perfume ?
Your granddaughter is fearless when it comes to wildlife. How gorgeous to see a little frog !
There is enough to keep you busy in the garden OR the rescue. I have np idea how you manage both. Do you have extra hours in your day up there ? 😂
Thanks Keggy, yes that was a chinchilla, and yes, how they love a sand bath! Yes, the self-seeded rose does have a delicate scent but you have to get close given how tiny the flower is. Hope all is well with you.xxx
What a lovely post, beautiful flowers, rose and deutzia, gorgeous little creatures waiting for you and the princess and her frog!, what’s not to love! She is certainly taking after you and will be great with wildlife when she grows up.x
Thanks Pauline! The princess and her frog….loving that!xxx
Squeeeee……. what a little cutie pie (the tiny footed grey fluff ball). Looks like lil’urchin isn’t so little these days. I’ve never held a frog, maybe that explains a few things, lol.
Thanks AnneMarie. Glad you like the chinchilla, they really are beyond cute. Haha, your frog comment has me smiling.xxx
A most enjoyable post and lovely pictures.
It sounds like you’ve had more rain then there’s been here.
Thanks, and for you too. xx
Thanks Flighty. Here’s to you getting some decent rain.xxx
I am astounded with how much you do ! love seeing the little rescues and how they are progressing.
Absolutely adore Li’l Urchin’s attitude with “wild life” I was utterly fascinated with little frogs when I was her age .. I named one Alfred in fact … it is wonderful to see her so interested and so gentle and unsurprised when the frog wanted to hug her on the neck ? LOL ..
Yes .. you are seeing the future with drought resistant plants .. I too work with many natives of that kind .. it is what it is now.
I loved this post ! .. I am so far behind in my garden I am a bit panicky .. thus no posts for a while yet from me ..injuries take so bloody long to get over now .. Big sigh ! LOL
Thanks Joy. Lovely hearing about Alfred!Yes, sadly we’re all having to adjust to climate change now. I do hope you make a good recovery, hang on in there gal.xxx
A great post. Lucky girl, no rain here. I love the look on your little one’s face as she holds the frog and her wonderful remarks. A chip off the old block obviously. And I agree, everyone should hold a frog once in their life. But tell her not to try it with a toad. Yuck, I found out about that when I was her age. Your very own rose is beautiful. Have you named it yet? No sign of hedgehogs, dehydrated or healty here , nd no frogs either. Where have all the frogs gone? But I do have newts. I thought I saw a crested one the other day, so I spend ages gazing into the pond, enjoying the dragon flies.
Thanks Chloris, I’ve never held a toad so am wondering what happened, did it feel awful or secrete something? I must think of a name for that rose, maybe Chloris! I don’t have newts so envy you yours, I saw some in an open garden wildlife pond recently, fascinating creatures. I could spend hours gazing into water too.xxx
We are surely completely all turned around when YOU are hunting up drought-resistant plants and my drought-resistant plants are complaining about the wet stuff! Well, most are appreciative of our rains, but we daren’t get too used to it.
So so lovely to see your roses and clematis and (oh my) that amazing deutzia! I love your cans of wild flowers — such creative and fun use of the space.
Your Lil Urchin is amazing. She’s thought that one through, she did. How did she become so easy with the frogs?
I’d missed your rescue stories, so am glad to hear a bit more of the current residents. Bless you for all your efforts on their behalf.
Thanks Anne, there is no doubt about it now, our climate has completely changed. This is the third or forth year we’ve had a drought in the summer. That is the first frog she’s held, she was utterly thrilled and apparently woke in the night talking about it.xxx
Li’l Urchin does look happy holding that frog 🙂
Your garden is looking very nice and the Deutzia looks wonderful.
We had a little rain last weekend, which was such a blessing … hoping for more soon!
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan. Here’s to you getting more rain!xxx
Nice to have a bit of rain, it is soooo dry. Everything is looking good and so nice to get time with the animals.
Thanks Steph, gosh yes, it’s been so dry hasn’t it. The lawns around here look like the desert!xxx
That hedgehog looks as though it’s smiling! :O) Littl’urchin is obviously a chip off the old block; what exciting times together you have to look forward to. I was only today looking at the bamboo canes in our garden. At least they come in useful as plant supports! Lucky you with 2 thunderstorms – we’ve had one and I’m desperate for another. Apart from the fact that I love them, watering the garden is getting to be a bit of a chore! Love the can pallet, what a clever idea. xx
Thanks Veggiemummy! Yes, that hog does look like it’s smiling! We use the canes as supports too. You just can’t beat a thunderstorm can you, I love listening to torrential rain, so very soothing. xxx
Ah! So many beautiful blooms! Happy you received some rain and hoping more will drench your garden soon.
Happy you can have such merry lessons in the garden with Li’l Urchin. She certainly is wise. 💕
Thank you once again, my friend, for all the beauty and care you offer the Earth. The rescue animals must be so happy when they hear you coming through the door, knowing your special love and treats are coming their way!
Joy to your week’s end. Cannot wait to see your can garden in full blossom!!!
Thanks Kitty. A little rain really livens the garden up doesn’t it? I do hope you got some too, watering the garden is so very time consuming! Love and hugs to all.xxxx