After last week's colourful 'rosie post' I thought I'd take you to some of the shadier parts of our garden. Neglected corners where ferns and brambles thrive.
Let's follow this little path and see where it leads.
We could leave the garden by this little 'secret gate' in the hedge. But we won't, we'll head for the far corner of our patch.
This is my husband's domain. It's where weeds and hedge clippings that aren't suitable for composting are piled high ready for burning. As an ex-Boy Scout my husband really enjoys having bonfires (the bigger the better!) The large logs are from a larch tree he felled and I'm not sure if this arrangement is meant to be an artistic 'log-man sculpture', a chopping block or a seat. It probably serves as all three.
We are surrounded on all sides by woodland. As you can see it is quite dense at this time of year but lovely in all seasons. We enjoy watching roe deer, badger, fox and rabbit in the wood but not in the garden as they can wreak havoc. Deer and rabbit eat anything and everything; badgers dig up the lawn looking for worms and the fox raids the dustbin....complete chaos! Most of the time we manage to keep them out thanks to a high fence.
Back to our garden and this is a safe refuge for small mammals and birds. What a perfect reason for not moving this tangle of fallen branches interlaced with brambles. I guess it could be home to a great many different creatures so we are happy to leave it undisturbed.
But who's this little fellow? He's certainly not one of the creatures I was expecting to see! I wonder where he's going with his bundle of feathers? Let's follow him.
I think he's disappeared up these old stone steps and is hiding in the shadows. We'll creep up very quietly and see if we can find him.
Ssh! Don't make a sound. He's sitting over there. I wonder what he's up to?
He seems to be busy stuffing his soft downy feathers into a cotton bag. I do believe he's making a pillow.
Oh dear! He must have spotted us. His little stone seat is empty and he's left one of his feathers behind. Did you see which way he went?
Perhaps we should leave him in his shady green home and head back into the warm sunlight where the flowers bloom. We'll return again later in the summer and see if the little fellow is anywhere to be seen.
This little hobbity fellow is the same size as my Midsummer fairies and measures just 4 -5 inches (10cm - 12cm)
Until next time,
Eli
Sorry to comment twice again! My girls are burning with curiosity as to how you made your hobbit; is his face made of nylon, if we may be so bold as to ask?
Blessings,
Marqueta
Posted by: Marqueta | 29 June 2009 at 04:13 PM
Dear Eli,
(I just posted another comment that disappeared :) )~How wonderful that you could get a few photos of such an elusive creature as a Hobbit! I know that they don't care much for us "clumsy folk", so you captured something special there! He's so adorable and so huggy-looking!
Love,
Marqueta
Posted by: Marqueta | 29 June 2009 at 04:18 PM
My dear Eli,
Your garden is full of surprises! I can imagine how much joy you and your husband receive from it, and all of the hard work you put into it!
I love this shady area and it is the perfect place for a Hobbit to dwell! I can see why your husband likes this spot so much. I love that you are able to see so much wildlife, but it is good you can keep them out of your garden, too! How wonderful to have left a little pile of branches for your dear bird friends, and all sorts of little creatures.
The Hobbit you made is incredible, just like your fairies!!! It is amazing how small they are, and the fine clothing you make for them. My son and I loved getting a peek at him, and we do hope you will find him again this summer. I am sure he must be taking a nap after stuffing his pillow! No doubt he had quite a large meal that had a soporific effect!
Thank you for sharing your creativity and the beauty that surrounds you! I love the view leaving the shady spot, looking on your lovely home and bright cheerful and beautiful garden.
Love, Paula
Posted by: Paula | 29 June 2009 at 06:37 PM
Hi Miss Eli,
I really like your Hobbit! I think he looks like Bilbo Baggins. I like your garden.
Justin
Posted by: Paula | 29 June 2009 at 06:44 PM
Oh Eli,
Yet another mid-summer delight! Wonderful and so enchanting. Carol :) xox
Posted by: Carol (Wee Cute Treasures) | 01 July 2009 at 07:51 PM
Hi Eli, long time no talk......
the computer is still not right but we are gettin there. I could moan but I won't...
What a lovely walk through your wonderful garden I have just had, I love the wild and natural areas they are delightful and the little man fits in perfectly. I must go back and read your posts to get up to date with things. I will make this a shortish comment as the net still keeps going off.
It is so nice to be able to visit again (fingers crossed)
I'll visit agin soon
Bye for now.... Jan
Posted by: Jan | 01 July 2009 at 10:40 PM
Thanks Eli, at the moment I wouldn,t mind spending the day drinking tea, and yes, eating lots of cake in the wendy instead of packing washing etc. ready to leave in 2 hours!!!!
I will love it once we get going its the getting ready I don't like.
See you soon
Jan
Posted by: Redwood House | 05 July 2009 at 11:12 AM