Fences

and free seedlings

I open the gate weighed down with bags filled with various summer fruits - cherries, apricots, peaches along with veggies and things from the butchers. I pause for a moment looking at the fence and gate we added to the property since we have brought it. The fence is brick with the addition of some trellis. The trellis was added to keep senior Airedale, when he was a pup, from lazily stretching across it to make his opinions known to whoever walked past. At the time he could easily have jumped over and gone on various adventures but for the most part he, like me, likes home base. For all the mischief he has caused over the years, running away (apart from the odd escape or two) has never been something he does. I am thankful that. Once inside I unpack the food, filling bowls with fruit that I know won’t last the day. Courgettes, beetroot and fennel are stored in the fridge. I fill a cup with water to hold the basil. I potter about with the satisfaction of modern day hunting and gathering. It’s just after 10. What shall I do with the rest of the day? I want to garden but perhaps after lunch.

The washing needs to be put out which I do and as I do, I see the scattering of pots, formally filled with flowering ranunculus which needing some TLC. Near where I stand is another fence and gate. This fence and gate hide many things. The washing line. Abandoned pots, when their use has past. The worm farm and compost cake (she is still going) live here as well. Looking at the pots I see they needs tidying. The ranunculus corns need retrieving from their hiding place beneath the soil. Another thing to add, I say to myself, to the forever growing to do list. What I notice as I count up the number of pots that need tending, is the presence of various seedlings. There are weeds of course but at a quick glance I see foxgloves, nasturtium and even fig wort. Little things that have found home somewhere else. I like seeing them growing so stubbornly strong here. I make plans to move them to more secure homes in the garden.

Whenever we arrive home and descend from the car, it is a well orchestrated event. Two humans, three dogs, one gate. After we park on the street, I am first out and hold the gate open while the other shepherds the dogs into the property one at a time. Each of course has a different approach to exiting the car. Helios, the youngest needs much guidance and we have learnt, the lead remains on until he is safely inside. He is at an age where his focus is minimal which means he gets distracted and veers easily, usually to chase a leave or something that neither of us have noticed. Next it is Atlas, who as senior is often lifted out of the car and placed on to the footpath, then guided in through the gate, hand firmly on the collar. 99% of the time he would wander in of his own accord but he has done the 1% and belted off down the street today and so as most Airedale owners know - you never trust that 99%. Eos, a women of her own mind, is usually out the open door and in the gate before you realised. At the gate where I am standing there is a negotiation. Helios takes it on himself to greet each dog in what can simply be put as one the rudest ways possible. I am sure he thinks he is cute and fun, jumping growling, and leaping on to his siblings. None of us agree. So once out of the car both Atlas and Eos have to navigate the unwelcoming, welcoming of Helios. I off course try and manage this and most times fail miserable.

Often when I am standing waiting for the various exits and entries of my dogs I look around. Of late I have notice seedlings emerging and taking hold in the various cracks and crevice that are a footpath. My eyes spy more seedlings. Again the foxgloves, sometimes a poppy, always buddleia. In the middle of our footpath is a very cherry looking fleabane which I am more than happy to invite in, it is most welcome to jump the fence and become part of the garden. Later as I collect up the errant seedlings and which I plant in more secure homes I realise that I have gained a number of free plants and they have done most of the work for me. They are established seedlings and I know that they are strong and like the conditions of my garden. Once again gardening is often about the noticing of details.