The Great Outdoors

And it seems to be doing it the way only cliffs know how… :hugs:

True Peter, but this thread has also made me reflect on the nature of nature reserves (I’ve previously published a few things on re-wilding in other contexts). And also some papers on African game reserves and zoos that you might find interesting. You’ll need to scroll down the page to find some of them, but most writings are at:-

https://independent.academia.edu/MarkHaywood

Anyhow, returning to the French strand of this thread, I should add that the unfarmable cliffs of our small stretch of the Lot Valley contain many paths, some of which must be over a thousand years old, but for the most part the local cliffs were never farmed. Nearby, on more gentle slopes there are ancient terraces, but here that isn’t the case and instead we have an unofficial nature reserve.

By contrast on the opposite bank of the Lot, there is an official nature reserve (currently fenced off) whose vegetation is actually post-industrial re-afforestation. The main tree is not our traditional chestnut, but silver birch - which I think was the first arboreal pioneer species in post-Ice Age Europe and of course this adds another dimension to our perception of environmental change (whether that be natural or man-induced).

The above comparison isn’t intended as a comparative judgement, but rather a contrast between a now negelected repository of local history and a planned development for future generations.

However, les sangliers do not make such distinctions and seem equally content (and are hunted equally) on both sides of the valley.

Loads of black cherries this summer

![image|666x500

4 Likes

Flowers 1st year

2 Likes

Hi Perry lovely to see how well the wisteria is doing.

Just a thought for the future… have you planned a stronger/more robust method of support … for when the branches of the “skeleton” get heavier.

the skeleton of our wisteria is quite robust after just 5 years.

1 Like

Thank you, Stella. And I’m hoping my landscaping professionals know what they’re doing as they fixed the support into the wall! I’ll have them reinforce if/when needed.

I couldn’t make out how sturdy the wall fixings are, from your photo…

Many folk make the mistake of under-estimating the weight of the wisteria… and end up with a problem/challenge.

If you’ve used professionals… I would hope they have used what might seem overkill today … but what will be ideal for future enjoyment of this wonderful plant.

1 Like

There is a wistaria in there somewhere, it was immense and the trunk still is (on the left) but it died back about 90% a few years ago and new shoots are only just appearing. The banksia has taken over, before they coexisted.

2 Likes

Just cutting back a hedge in the early morning, you don’t expect to come across tiny perfection…

2 Likes

Geof… no hedge/tree trimming surely at this time of year… in fact it is forbidden in our area to protect nesting birds…

6 Likes

I’m grateful for this reminder Stella I had started on an unruly hedge in our garden but I’ve put the shears away :thinking::frowning: with a remorseful tear in my eye. :cry:

I ‘liked’ Geof’s pretty nest, but snatched my approbation back in a flash before anyone saw it.

Sly old hypocrite that I am. :camera_flash: Gotcha, Pete!

1 Like

Our hedge is about 1½ metres from the house and it’s a great delight to watch the birds flitting in and out of it during the nesting season.
IMG_3561
It’s spoiling our view of the commune from our windows but wouldn’t dream of reducing it to shoulder height until the time is right to do so.

3 Likes

I do understand the desire the make things neat and tidy… whatever… but… the birds need all the help they can get. :slight_smile:

5 Likes

@graham, that white chair: I can see you in my mind’s eye sitting and spotting the in-and-out flitting. Very pretty, and seasonally fitting.

Lovely hedge.

the “white chair” is actually a banque jardin so room enough for me and 'er indoors to sit and contemplate the world at large from our “elevated” position (the hedge is well above street level).
Derby and Joan personified :grin:

1 Like


Taken at lunchtime on my Boris walk

4 Likes

I took a similar view of a river just yesterday, about 2 minutes from my house in rural Lincolnshire. Will have to explore that path by the side of the river in the future, wondering what’s round that corner up ahead.

6 Likes

The thing about my picture was I had to carefully position my iPhone to miss the timber yard at one side and the back of Matalan at the other!

4 Likes

we had a green garden bench … bought in UK just before we made the decision to come over … and the bench had a 40 year guarantee!!

that bench, plus dilapidated garden gate… were stolen about 5 years ago… and the Mairie made me go and report the theft to the gendarmes… it took 2 hours of explanations/signing this and that… just for a garden bench… and when I vaguely mentioned that it was perhaps not worth the effort… the lovely gendarme said (more or less)… “but we must try and get it back for you… it is still under warranty” :hugs: :hugs: :hugs:

3 Likes