The Queen's Compost Heap

Whenever my husband and I get back to England, my dad always takes us out in the car and enjoys showing Eric the England that I grew up in.

On a visit a couple of years ago, we went to Windsor Great Park, near the town of Windsor, not far from where my parents live.

I could probably do several posts on the park (and probably will) because it was such a central part of my growing up.  I used to hike there, ride horses there, go for picnics there, there are polo fields, a Deer Park, the Valley Gardens, Savill Gardens and Virginia Water.  It's an absolute paradise for gardeners, which may have contributed to my love of gardening.

 The Long Ride, Windsor Great Park

But today, since this is primarily my gardening blog, I thought I would start by showing you the Queen's Compost Heap and brush pile!

The park covers 2020 hectares with a mix of formal avenues, such as the famous "Long Walk" which stretches from The Copper Horse statue on Snow Hill all the way to Windsor Castle, seen in the distance in the photo above, as well as open grasslands, woodland and gardens.

With all those woods and parkland to take care of, there's sure to be plenty of brush and compost materials.

Don't believe me?  Check out the piles in the photo below! Any gardener would be green with envy!

Words and photographs by Jayne Wilson, Green and Serene, Jayne's Country Garden.

The Birds of Winter - Part Two

I mentioned in yesterday's blog post that I had neglected to get photos of our most colorful and year round  feathered visitors - the Northern Cardinals and the Blue Jays  So this morning, I set seed on the wall and lay in wait, warmly wrapped up on the patio with my camera.

I love the way they watch me from the hedgerow as I set out the seed.  How many birds do you see in this photo? (you can click on it to see a larger version)

They all get along pretty well and will hop around each other on the wall, selecting their seeds of choice.

Can you say "greedy"?  This Blue Jay grabbed not one, but two, peanuts.

Here's another photo of them all in the hedgerow.  Perhaps I should take inventory of the plants there and see what I can add to my own garden to invite the birds to stay.

I'm linking today's post with Camera Critters.

 Here's hoping you had an enjoyable and safe New Year celebration and wishing you happy gardening and birding in 2016!

 




Words and photographs by Jayne Wilson, Green and Serene, Jayne's Country Garden.