Spirit chills...
Acer Griseum
Brr... Winter 2025 seems colder than other years, even when I'm sitting in my house in front of the log-burner. Strange. Oh well. Perhaps it's all in the mind...
Tuesday 8th July
Today I went out and did a couple of hours of light trimming of wet brown ferns, dead Astelia leaves, and so on. Was not allowed to use the secateurs because I had to play the piano (including Bach and Haydn) at a dinner gig.
Also wasn't allowed to sit down in the dirt because I was wearing my indoors jeans. Pretty tame, really!
Ferns and Carexes...
Saw a large stretch of water-side Ferns which need to be sliced out, and green Carexes which need a serious trim (forcing them to sprout fresh new growth). In mid-winter the race is full of snow-melt - not exactly the most comfortable time to stand in the water. So I've put a bid on some fishing hip waders in an online auction.
Wednesday 9th July
The Glasshouse Garden's big clean up is about to get bigger. It's another dreary day, almost drizzling. Am home from my morning swim, and off outside to do some serious gardening work. If I work hard I will keep warm. Right? Sounds sensible.
Weeping Maiden Camellia
Two hours later...
Success! Two Phormium tenaxes are out (including the waterside stump, the axe eventually doing the trick). Took me ages, but I am an experienced Phormium Chopper-Outer. I am back inside, warm, and feeling very enlightened. But I will return to clean up the major mess I've made (which is heavy, and muddy). Then just maybe go back in the cold water and trim some more ferns. Depends on how I feel.
A spirit frost...
Have worked out why I've been feeling cold these last weeks. My sprit is a little cold around the edges. Some external 'stuff' has been going on which has been affecting me - like a spirit frost. So I've created a mantra which I whisper out loud to combat the spirit chill. It's all I can do. Winnie pretends to listen intently, head on an angle. Probably thinks I'm batty.
Three hours later...
Yet more success. Plodded back and forth to the dumping place under the hedge twelve times. Had great dog company - threw Winnie's moon ball again and again over the water. Whispered my mantra over and over. Sat back down near the water's edge and sliced out more ferns. Then into the water (brr...) with axe and spade. Got very muddy.
Cleaned Up
Am now doing a load of washing, and have got warm clean clothes on. My feet feel wonderful.