Sunday 14 June 2009

Putting the 'bad' in badger


She looks so sweet and innocent, doesn't she? Huh! Like all the wildlife in the garden, she's determined to misbehave. The squirrels' favourite pastime at the moment is to tear bits off the shed roof and eat it. That's when they're not pinching the fat balls put out for the birds. They carry off the whole thing, still in its little green net.

It's the birds too. I was excited recently when we had a new visitor, a greenfinch. But he decided that the seed in our feeder wasn't up to scratch, and promptly emptied the whole thing out onto the floor, shovelling it all with his beak, and just picking out the odd seed to eat now and then. Not just once, mind you, but practically every day. 'If you're not going to eat it, leave it alone, damn you!' You'd think the other birds would eat it up off the ground, but there was so much there, some of it has germinated, and we now have a very small cornfield growing under a bush.

The blackbirds all keep chasing each other, and Robbie the Robin is forever picking fights with Donald the Dunnock. But worst of all is Bill the Badger. Yes, you all told me how exciting and lovely it was to have a badger in the garden. Well...ye-es...BUT... he dug up all my pots and ate the bulbs. Then he came back the next night and dug up all the tulips in the garden and ate them too! There was also collateral damage to other plants.

Still, I suppose it's worth it. Sitting in the garden and listening to the liquid trill of the blackbird has been a very soothing experience lately.

This large peony is from my mum's garden. It's gorgeous, isn't it? I think it's called 'Bowl of Beauty'. It's lovely to see it and think of her pride in her flowers. I feel a lot calmer this week, and have been fortunate to have had plenty of time to be quiet and think. Many thanks to all of you for your kind and nurturing messages on this blog and elsewhere. I've been so touched and warmed by everyone's sympathetic comments. And this is not just politeness - these kind words have really helped. Thank you.

8 comments:

Evsie said...

Yes badgers can be a pain, they say that more & more badgers are finding there way into gardens etc I wonder if they will, like our fox becoming more urban. just another prompt to us to say our planet is changing perhaps.

Teena Vallerine said...

the squirrel looks like he's about to pounce! I'd dive for cover! t.x

Country Cottage Chic said...

Is it something in the water around here? All our wildlife are such louts!

Glad to read that you are feeling a little more tranquil.

Jayne

Sam said...

CUTENESS!
xx

Camilla said...

I visited my friend at the weekend and was very impressed by her supremely blousy peony. I'd only ever really 'met' the darker red ones and was totally charmed by the pale pink one. Also- never trust a squirrel, I saw one attack a child in the park the other day!
ps- will answer your email soon, i'm just terribly forgetful.

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

I like to think we have badgers nearby.. but goodness knows what would happen if our moggy came face to face with one..
We certainly get foxes in the neighbours garden and I can hear the owl some nights.. and this is all inner city gardens..
Squirrels are pesky little beasties but I do have a fondness for them and we once had a regular visitor we name Cheeky who we would feed toast to..

Glad your heart is more peaceful..
Take care
Michele x

Camilla said...

Just wanted to let you know that I picked one of your pieces to go with the Etsy article about me being an old-timer. It's over here:

http://www.etsy.com/storque/handmade-life/old-school-etsians-madebymilla-4192/

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

I have been catching up with some blogging and am sorry to read about your Mother having died last month. It must be a huge loss for you. Your solid relationship with Mr Kitsch will be of great help and support.
Take care
Isabelle x