Life and Death in the Garden

Last year I put a large plastic container, filled with rain water, in the garden with the view to attracting wildlife.  I put some large rocks in the bottom and purchased a tiny water lily (frog-bit).  Not much happened apart from the proliferation of water snails. 

Late yesterday afternoon I was delighted to see that a toad was quite happily immersed in the water cooling off in the humidity.  Patience paid off and I think the container pond is here to stay.

Here is a close up of toady.  The water is so clear.  I haven't seen him? today.  He is probably hiding among the shrubs in the garden.

It has been a good early summer for the tayberries. They came free with some fruit trees a few years ago.  I planted them up against the washing line post and the fruit has been a bit hit and miss until this year. 

My 'new' water feature has had a few casualties.  I tried to save this damselfly? when I saw it lying sideways on the water.  Unfortunately it didn't survive. 

A new addition to the garden is this small but perfectly formed argyranthemum.  It is only tiny at the moment but I hope it will spread and fill out.

Toad

This lovely, plump toad was found amongst a pile of rotting wood and leaves at the bottom of the garden. It was probably feasting on the slugs and snails that had accumulated there.  Although I had once dreamt of it, I don't think I am ever destined to have an organised veg patch but it is highly likely that my garden will become a nature reserve with the amount of wildlife that come to visit!

There is a distinctly autumn flavour to the air today.  I can't say that I will be sorry to see summer go as it never really got started for me.  My OH (a teacher) has had whooping cough since the end of June and now with just two weeks to go before the new term starts he is just getting over it.  It has been so distressing to see him choking and gasping for breath knowing that there is nothing I can do.  Hopefully we can move onwards and upwards towards the latter part of the year.  Thank goodness I have had my crafting to keep me sane and help me to hold things together!