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.