Noah's Perspective

The power of the water emerging today through the limestone hills is awe-inspiring.  In May we thought this would be a once in a lifetime event, but the stream of white water coursing though the garden before cascading into the field below, locally known as 'Sabastapol', is different to anything that we have seen during our time as custodians of Valley Garden Paradise.

 Today, in conversation with a local countryman, I learned that during the last few days natural springs have emerged on the hillside daily.  We will have to re-think the landscaping of the garden in the New Year in order to work with our new found resource, the natural springs.  Ideally, we will be able to harness nature's gifts for the benefit of our flora, fauna and of course our precious honey bees...  In the process I pray that our baby Weeping Birch won't drown.  Time to appeal to the nature spirits, in particular the water sprites!

Vulcan Takes it Easy...

Fast, furious, fearless, intrepid - just a few adjectives that describe our tireless little working lab!
Last week, without hesitation, he dived into a holly bush in pursuit of his ball.  Emerging triumphant, just seconds later he proudly presented his trophy, unfortunately he had also aquired a holly thorn in his right eye. He has been calm and unruffled by the uncomfortable inconvenience, and after several unsuccessful visits to the vet to remove the offending thorn he will undergo eye surgery tomorrow.  In preparation he relaxes in his Dad's favorite chair... wrapped in Mum's Hollywood throw...

The Rising...

 

A natural spring has emerged underneath the pond liner!

 

... and ousted the pond water.  How will the newts and plantlife survive living on the surface of the spring water?

Beauty at Dawn

 

It's the stuff of legend when the inky night-sky lightens through shades of grey at break of day, a perfect moment for quiet contemplation.
 This morning we crunched along between skeletal trees on a carpet of fallen leaves; as the darkness vaporised we spied our neighbour, a Shetland pony, on the horizon. A vision of unbridled joy, she cantered along the boundary inviting Isis to join in her morning frolic.  Their interaction was perfectly choreographed.  Sometimes a single moment provides perspective for the day ahead.