Surprise, Surprise........

Hello everybody...... late this afternoon I took a walk around the garden and found a couple of surprises.

It's been a somewhat chilly weekend here and a busy one to boot.

There's been coffee out with friends, soup making,a BBQ and a bonfire and No. 1's last gig before we head off at the end of the week.

It was nice to have some time to enjoy the beauty that is unfolding daily.

The Kale which I planted quite a few weeks ago, has started to put on some growth.

I thought the frosts may have finished it off, but it has survived..

In the 'plant pot graveyard' there are a few 

Grape Hyacinths bravely putting on a display.

This is the last year..... they're going into the garden by the Daffodils when they finish flowering.

I love the blue......

The Manchurian Pear is now in full flower and the leaves are starting to pop out here and there.......

On a sunny day a hum of bees busy themselves amongst the blossom.

It is a beautiful shape and quite a  size now.

I don't have the heart to chop off the lower branches.....

But it would certainly make mowing around it easier!!

The chooks enjoy scratching amongst the fallen leaves...

plenty of tasty treats to be found.

3 metres away there is another tree of the same variety and it has only just come into bud!

The flowering Quince is quite a tangle of branches and thorns but the beauty of the blossom seems to go on and on and on......

A skeletonized leaf...

delicate and beautiful in it's decaying state

The first surprise I found was this Hellebore.... a birthday gift to hubby.

 It was planted rather late and I didn't expect it to flower this season but it has settled in nicely and obviously quite happy living in the Wild Wood.

The markings are amazing.
 Next season we should get to enjoy quite a display from it....

Surprise number two...

What is this little plant?

From a distance I thought it was a weed but as I got closer I realised that it was actually a Bluebell....yes it certainly is.

 I  bought some bulbs some time ago and they sat on the laundry bench for quite a while.....till one day I managed to drag myself away from the sewing machine and out into the garden.

They were planted in the Wild Wood where I hope in time they will spread and create a carpet of blue.

Tough little plant that's for sure.

There are bunches of Jonquils yet to be picked and enjoyed before I go as they will have finished flowering by my return.

The pale, creaminess of the flowers and their perfume is divine. 

Surprise number three.......at first I thought the chooks had made a rather deep depression as they like to dust bathe in the garden, but on closer inspection I realised that some furry little critter has made itself at home right under our noses.

 I love cute, little, furry bunnies as much as anyone else BUT!! 

Now bunnies are not known for their cleverness.....just look at Peter, prime example....yes?

But this bunny must have  a death wish as this is one puddy tat

who won't put up with wabbits living on his patch...

So be warned bunnies!!

 And tigger lift your game!!

The burrow is to the left of the window

There's a busy week ahead of me and I'm sure the days will   merge into each other.

I'm finally packing up my Janome and all my sewing bits and bobs. The house has never looked so tidy, hehe.........

There are lists being made of things to do before I go and things to pack and take away with me.
Thankyou for all your suggestions of portable, crafty things to do whilst travelling...

I hope you have had a wonderful weekend, I would love to know what you've all been up to.
Any surprises?...

Thanks for visiting and take care,

Claire X