Waiting for the leaves to fall
I have decided to take a leaf out of the dragonflies' book and soak up as much of autumn as possible in the prettiest place I know.
I've been dipping in and out of the pond, clearing of it of brown algae and cutting back some of the more rampant vegetation. I was forced to sit very still for a good while when a ruddy darter dragonfly alighted on my waders. It seemed wrong to move him on, so we both soaked up the sun and enjoyed the view. They're funny things dragonflies, like little machines with their twitching heads and motorised flight. One might imagine they are little alien spacecrafts--if you had nothing better to do.
It's been one of those autumn weeks when you take stock of things, 'So this is where I stand then' Or perhaps it's just being here for another autumn and watching the whole story unfold all over again that's made me stop and stare. Not wanting to wish away time, but I think it would be good if the leaves started falling soon to keep me occupied otherwise I'll sink into an existential fug.
On an entirely different note, so very different it hardly seems my life, I met Alan Titchmarsh for the first time this week. I never, ever thought I say this but Alan T. kinda rocks. He's very droll and way more dapper than you'd imagine. So perhaps it's not the same story unfolding again, because it means one of two things: either I'm getting old or I've got to redefine my dictionary of cool (if you believe in such things).
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~40~RS~)
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the last month has been great. better than summer imo. its great the way the animals become fascinated with what one does in the garden. There used to be a large country ginger cat who would follow me about from long borders to wall garden to potting shed to see what was going on.
anyway here's a joke for you.
where do dogs come from?
Portugal!
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Alys, there is a touch of the melancholic about your post which is a contrast to your usual blogging self.
The autumnal weather has had the opposite effect on me. After a return to work following the summer break, the bright autumn sunshine has been a joy and I've loved spending time in the garden with my family. My son has sabotaged my attempt to leave attractive seedheads by using them to tease our cat, and has also helped out planting the spring bulbs. Autumn can be as wonderful as spring, although sometimes more fleeting, even getting out there in the mist and drizzle for a good old welly walk has its charms.
So chin up and don't wish those autumnal hues away; grab your seed catalogue and a glass of red if all else fails.
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Bessy
You right I've been a blue. It goes well with the burnt umbers and buffs of autumn, don't you think?
Don't get me wrong this autumn is beautiful and the sun wonderful, I'm just not sure I want the year to draw closer yet. I don't know where this one's gone and I'm never at ease with that feeling.
I've just made a lovely raspberry, sweet cecily and pear crumble to cheer myself up. I like Nigelia says' it's always good to go out with something warm about your person'.
Alys
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Hi bookhimdano,
I'm sure your joke is very funny, but I don't get it. Is there something about Portugal I don't know?
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Ah, how could I forget a decent crumble to go with the wine and seed catalogue! Enjoy.
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...Portugal...
paw-tugal
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I've got that limbo feeling too. With so much still in leaf it seems insensitive and premature to heave in and start clearing away and cutting things back. Yet there's a parallel sense that this year is over now and I ought to make a start now or I'll run out of time to get everything done for next year.
In a moment of calm yesterday I decided to leave the garden completely alone for at least a couple of weeks. I've been slowly cleaning out the greenhouse and sheds instead and just wandering through the garden each day watching the colours and light change. It's quite liberating leaving it be and just watching for once. I've not so much as picked up a leaf. I'll catch up in November.
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I think you are a breath of fresh air in GW! as long as you can sit and wonder at the beauty of a dragonfly you will never get old
marg
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Just a note to say how much I have enjoyed GW this year, I have watched the programme for as long as I can remember and am so pleased with the format and content this year, I love real gardening and practical stuff, so please keep up the good work,
Andy
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