Dead Trees

Saturday 23rd January

Today was another sunny though cold day and tomorrow we are expecting a little snow.

It appears that the trees are dead. I recall tht some years ago some African children visited Cheltenham and were surprised by the dead trees - even more so when they were asked to help plnt more "dead" trees.

If we look closer however, buds and even leaves are already forming on the trees and bushes. 

In Africa it is the ground that becomes lifeless sand. There the transformation is quicker and more dramatic. A day or so after the first rains, green shoots appear and within a couple of weeks the sand is covered with a green carpet, much to the delight of the cattle and other wildlife! A desert is transformed into a tropical delight!

My garden is still largely asleep! A crocus is trying to come out and the cyclamen plants are acquiring more flowers - everything else is in a state of development. 

I had wondered why the birds didn't seem interested in the rosehips and other berries, but listening to Winterwatch I found out that some are far more attractive when they are allowed to become soft. I also learnt that ivy berries provide a lot of energy - mine have just turned a ripe black!

I prepared a special treat for the birds today made of crushed peanuts and various seeds bound in fat and daubed in tree crevices. Last time I did this numerous starlings suddenly appeared in the garden - a species that never usully visits. We will see!

Take care and keep safe.

Chris

Your Servant is Listening

Sunday 17th January 2021

One of today's readings at mass was the story of Samuel being called by God. I believe that prayer is about listening rather than speaking or doing. I had been fortunate in having several opportunities to spend a week or so in silence - a time to observe, reflect and listen, with every sense. We spend our lives deciding what we want and rarely does it turn out as we hope. I have been anticipating the bursting forth of new life in my garden. it will happen, but in God's own time! The snowdrop - or is it a crocus - has become two but still no proper flowers.

In the meantime maybe I should listen! The birds have been in good voice in recent days. A little sunshine seems to encourage them. I am finding cyclamen plants appearing in new places.

I went for a walk on Friday and found snowdrops in a local park the photos are out of focus, but one day the full spledour will shine through.

I passed St. Gregory's church which I haven't entered since March and the heather was in bloom.

I find that pottering in the garden allows me to listen with my eyes, as well as ears and all other senses. For me this is prayer.

Today the sun is shining and the birds are singing - explore , you

never know wants treat is in store - enjoy!

With love and prayers,

Chris

Almost a Snowdrop?

8th January

Yes, we are so close!! There is a new bud. It could be the first snowdrop and will mark the start of the flowering season of 2021. It should be in flower tomorrow. 

 

When I get out into the garden I find my spirits lift. The weather has been very cold during the past week, but I am excited at getting out and tidying the garden a little. I lways find some surprises when I crawl around pulling a weed or two and removing fallen twigs and leaves.

I have pots around the garden, but the plants they contain have not been planted by me. I always seem to have a pot with a buddlia ready to be passed on to friends. as with the grden I am reluctant to pull out weeds in case they turn out to be wild flowers!

Yesterday we took a 96 year old lady for her first dose of the COVID vaccine. Each dose is a step forward and this should be reflected by colour in the garden.

I only have a few photos this week - most I should reject because they are unclear, out of focus or should how messiness of the garden, but I have decided to show them. Perhaps they will encourage you because you are sure to able to do better.

I took some photos at the bird feeder using the trail camera. Even here the variety of birds caught on camera was small. During the week I have had goldfinches, long tailed tits and a wren who took advantage of the fact that the pond was very full to have a drink, but none appeared for their photo call!!

I did have a squirrel visit. He (or maybe she) looks like they have been in a fight because there is a significant gauge taken from her fur. It is unusual for me to be able to identify a particular animal. - Maybe I can observe her over the next few weeks.

The cyclamen is throwing out more flowers and the snapdragon is still in full bloom, despite Gardeners World telling me that it should stop flowering in October! No one has told mine!

Bulbs keep popping up everywhere. It is good to see the development each week and I look forward to the flowers. My front garden is usually full of colour in Spring - I m hoping for a spectcular show this year.

Keep Safe, with love and prayers,

Chris