Tidying the Garden and the Return of the Stubborn Snail ...

Tidying up the communal garden has become a bit of an ongoing project. Much more than I thought it would be. I start one task and it dominoes into another.

The main task this week has been a large Lonicera bush that was beginning to take over one corner of the garden. Yesterday, I spent about an hour cutting it back, but the sun was too strong and eventually got the better of me, so I had to stop.

Today, I returned to the task when the weather was overcast, with a bit of rain coming and going. I think it looks much tidier now. It's a good job I'm tall, otherwise, I'd have had to get the ladders out... except I don't actually have any!

A few weeks ago I had to stake the firethorn shrub as it had started leaning over, and after the recent rain I had to do it again because it had become quite top heavy. The blossom is looking really pretty at the moment.

I also came across a snail I had previously photographed for the Shadow Hunter's Contest. At the time, I tried to move it because I thought it might get trodden on, but it stubbornly refused to unstick itself from the ground. This morning, I found it safe and sound on top of the wall, having travelled surprisingly far for a snail. It must have covered quite a distance overnight.

Even though I've put garden membrane and slates down around the flats, the bloody weeds are still pushing through. I pulled them up and flattened the membrane again, placing the slates more strategically to try and stop them coming through. Still, I have a feeling nature will probably win in the end.

I've enjoyed spending time in the garden, even when the weather changes, and it's satisfying to see small improvements each day. The garden is still quite wild looking, but a bit more cared for. There always seems to be something that needs doing, so I'm sure I'll be out there again before long.