Enchanting;
Moving pictures,
Silent movers.
It doesn’t feel like 10 days ago, but the weather has changed as we edge closer to the autumn equinox. The temperature is around 14 °C, and the Atlantic is again throwing another big weather system over these islands. This week, I’ll probably fire up the boiler to warm the house, and outside we’ll start moving the pots into more sheltered parts of the garden.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
Ashley
Describing this pagan Cross Quarter festival, it is probably best that I quote from Glennie Kindred’s book** Sacred Earth Celebrations. She describes this period as “a celebration of the fertility and rampant potency of the life force.” Goodness, how accurate that is! Stepping out into our little garden, I wonder at Mother Earth’s amazing energy during these days.
These photos show the 7ft hedge that is currently fizzing with new growth. It’s an old hedge, as it was here on our northern boundary 20 years ago when we moved in. Somewhere in there, are a couple of old unknown trees that a previous owner of the house must have chopped down, and that has allowed the ivy to flourish. Also, there is privet, holly, beech and some blackthorn. I love it, because it accommodates so much nature as a food source and a place of safety for so many insects like butterflies and bees! The downside is that it is also about 6ft in depth and as someone who cuts the hedge with a pair of shears…..well, it can be a chore. I gave up garden machinery many years ago but if I’m honest, it helps me to keep mobile. Another joy is that garden birds also use the hedge for safety and for nesting. We are currently being entertained by juvenile sparrows, a robin and several species of young tits.
The sky is filled with birdsong,
The trees and hedges, greening;
Mother Earth is bourgeoning.
Happy May Day.
Ashley
** Find out more at: http://www.glenniekindred.co.uk
The latest Kick-About asked that we think about the term “treasure trove”. Below is my artwork and a poem.
There is a world
out there,
that glows and thrives
without my anguish;
if only I could see
without fear of height or hurt.
There is a world
right here,
that glows and thrives,
a home,
a garden,
filled with light and birdsong.
Our home, our garden,
right here!
Our treasure trove.
To see how others have interpreted the prompt, head on over to Phil’s blog at:
The Kick-About #129 ‘Treasure Trove’
Ashley
Steady, soft rain has persisted for most of the day, and whilst the sky is overcast and grey, the increased light of this month enters my eyes to bathe and lift my spirits.
A dull day;
Rain doused, first flowers,
Open.
Ashley
A Different View 