Zombie Ponds, Pergolas & the end of Pointing!

Hils B
Dec 15
3 min read

I can't believe it's been well over 18 months since my last post, and I'm not sure how brief I can be in my summary of all that has happened, but I promise to have a jolly good go and add comprehensive slide shows as we go - Stand by for good news, some sad news and a muddy wild swim!

We have progressed well over this past year, focusing mainly on the outdoor space. I'll go into garden developments in a mo, but firstly need to tell you about the exciting restoration of our once lifeless 'zombie' pond! Only possible because of the dry summer, this has been a huge success and we can't wait to see it evolve in the spring. I think the pictures do the talking (here's the wild swim bit - brrrr!).

After talking about the terrace being laid in my last post, we have been spurred on to try and develop the garden, which has been challenging in what was really a wasteland. By the middle of this year's scorching dry summer, we realised what we really needed was some shade, having no mature trees and such an open south and westerly aspect. So, Andrew and Tom (under my direction of course!) set to putting a willow screen over the newly erected pergola. The planting and landscaping will hopefully mature over the coming seasons to make a sheltered and shady spot to chill with a glass of something delicious!

Realising that I need a pragmatic approach to this garden of dream it, plant it and if it dies, forget it! We developed a fruit and veg area, lounging spots and of course space for dogs to play. Using no chemicals, we have seen a great variety of butterflies, bees and other pollinators arrive, and in turn all those that depend on them such as our friends the swallows who seem to turn up like clockwork late afternoon on 17th April every year! One pair of inexperienced yearlings decided to nest on the wind chimes - this home might need some adaptation before their arrival next spring!

Sadly this year we said goodbye to two of our fur-family, Ron-Cat and Poppy-Dog. Both a very good age, but it's always so sad to loose our loyal and ever giving companions. They both rest in our garden each under a carefully chosen tree. Digory-Dog misses them both, but the addition of Charlotte's little Nacho to the family has been a very welcome distraction!

So yes, the pointing - At last the house is done! What a marathon it has been. We did have a few months break at the end of last year, after I was pretty much out of action following a riding accident at the end of last summer. But, with renewed vigour we resumed this spring, only to have to slow down again during this very hot summer. We finally got back to it, enabling us to finish this November. The house looks super smart and actually feels so solid and air tight at last!

So after autumn walks, a bonfire party, and various other indoor 'little jobs', we arrive at Christmas and another year gone. We count our blessings everyday.

We wish you a very Happy Christmas and pray for a peaceful New Year for all.