This week, I thought I’d take you on a quick tour of my little courtyard. When we moved in this area was utterly barren, and not a single blade of grass dared to grow here. Now, even though it’s a small space, it’s an absolute haven for wildlife and…..it’s becoming a mini museum for all my old and unusual pieces that I seem to be absent-mindedly collecting.
So….this is the view right outside my kitchen door. Here, I have several box plants growing in pots which I hope to shape one day and two of my largest milk urns. The living wall is home to clematis, a rambling rose and lots of ivy which the blackbirds, wrens, robins and thrush love to nest in. For some reason, I seem to be acquiring ship’s wheels as well….
A blackbird nest in the ivy
Turning left we come to a long narrow strip which is home to a plum and a pear tree which I planted three years ago. The fruit from these trees are delicious, but now I really must get around to pruning them. I’ve recently turned this area over and must now decide what to plant in it.
That gate at the end takes you to the back garden.
I also have several hanging baskets in the fruit trees which are a wonderful source of colour come summer. Last year I hardly had a plant left in the courtyard as the dogs had dug everything up, so they must be calming down as I actually have greenery!
Along this wall a collection of ancient and bizarre items are gathering. These milk urns and milk pails are 150 years old and still going strong, I couldn’t imagine items made today lasting so well. I do wish the penny farthing planter was an antique, but no….that’s new, it just wanted a little grand company.
Turning right brings us to the buddleia and honeysuckle area, which when in leaf arch gloriously over the path. These aged plants are complete bee and butterfly magnets and when I walk under them it’s like being in a butterfly house. In the height of summer I’ve counted up to fifty butterflies here alone along with lots of other insects. The scent is lovely too.
I have lots of logs under the shrubs and bushes which I leave to rot down which will eventually become the most fantastic buggy hotels….
And I keep broken pots and pop them under the plants, as they make excellent homes for bumble bees, and small animals like frogs and grounded chicks can hide in them, which keeps them safe from the dogs and Curly cat.
Now, for some reason, the courtyard is prone to plagues….yes, plagues! One year we had a a giant slug invasion. They were EVERYWHERE…I could hardly walk out there at night as carpets of the creatures were moving across the ground. Not liking to kill things I left them alone and within a few days the frogs moved in and devoured the lot! Nature sure knows how to balance the odds!
Another year we had a gigantic wasp’s nest in those stones behind the wheelbarrow. Hundreds of wasps went to and fro about their business in a steady stream and not a one stung me, even though I had to cross their line each day to go in and out of the garage. I expected them to turn nasty and pour into the house when the summer ended, but they merely dispersed.
Last year we had an explosion in the mouse population…I remember my friends shuddering while watching the mice dancing around outside the kitchen door one night….again I let them be, but the owls didn’t! After a few weeks the population returned to normal.
In this little corner I have a collection of old Tilly lamps, sheep shears, an ancient ladle, an antique spade, an old wooden mallet and a few other things that I have no clue about…..one fine day I must find out what they are. And….I hate to admit it but I also have a room full of old items that need de-rusting and painting before I can put them out…..they include old watering cans, more lamps, water sprayers….the list is endless!!!
And finally, my little stone statue, that I like to call Mother Nature guards the planted fountain that doubles as a birdbath!
The mouse invasion sounded the best. I like those little critters. Don’t see many, because I’m usually accompanied by a cat… but on rare occasions, I have had the pleasure to make friends with them. It’s amazing that your courtyard is not torn to bits by your dogs. They must have a very cultured personality. It was good seeing a bit of your personal environment here.
Thanks Shimon, I too am rather fond of mice, fascinating little critters they are. Y’know, in some ways the dogs are beginning to get a little better. They have stopped digging my plants up and ripping them to bits, I just need them to stop digging now. The other problem is them ripping up the grass, still, I wouldn’t wish their youth away, they get old soon enough.xxx
I enjoyed the tour of your courtyard garden and seeing all your garden art and greenery. I especially like the paintings on the fence and was interested in the way you attract creatures into the area.
I’m glad you liked the paintings Linda….you know me, if it stands still eventually it will be painted, especially in the slow winter months. It’s surprising hoe little wildlife need to establish themselves, even in a small space.xxx
Well that has to be the most eclectic looking garden space. I’m sure it must be creatively rewarding and remain inspiring. Kudos. Love the blue feeder but the hand with blue fingernails is a little creepy.
Lol….I’m certainly in to old junk, that’s for sure Patrick! What???? you don’t like my old wooden hand???? lol……xxx
There are so many familiar objects, familiar, because you have introduced them to us as you got them and then, as you have decorated them. Here they all are in their glory!
The dogs are in their elements, too. 🙂
You have a wonderful memory Menhir and it’s lovely that you recognize so many of these items from that crazy auction a few years ago. I really must sort the remaining items out and get the rust of them.
Lol….those dogs enjoy themselves everywhere they go.xxx
You had me chuckling a few times over the way you described population explosions. I could just imagine the nice dancing outside the kitchen door. 50 Butterflies! Now that must be nice. Wherever do you find the ship wheels? I am great at finding odd collectables, but have never come across a ship’s wheel.
Oh you should have seen the look of horror on my friends faces….priceless it was!
I found the large ship’s wheel in an auction that was selling the contents of a country hotel, and the smaller ones in charity shops. Thanks Jennifer.xxx
When roomie and I come for a visit, it will be when your butterfly arch is at its peak and we’ll just stand there in awe!
Enjoyed the tour, Snowbird, and seeing the variety of useful and interesting bits and bobs around your home. You’ve made homes for all the wild things, too. And am so glad the intense invasions of slugs and wasps and mice took care of themselves!
Now I can just picture you here surrounded by butterflies while I organize lunch….and the sun shall be shining of course, and the dogs behaving!!!
Lol….I was rather pleased that my plagues resolved themselves, it’s astonishing when you think how much wildlife can live in such a small space.xxx
Thanks for the grand tour. You are so well organised aren’t you. Fantastic area.
Thanks Peter, I’m not really very organised though.xxx
Who needs flowers when there is such an interesting variety of garden art! Really enjoyed the tour and it will be fun to see how the areas evolve as spring and summer add their delightul presence. Very cheerful, even in the winter 🙂
Thanks Glo, I like to have something to look at in the winter….but roll on spring eh…and an end to the endless wind and rain.xxx
You are obviously a bit of a magpie when it comes to picking up interesting things. And do I see painting on the fence panels?
Lol….I’m a shocking magpie for sure! Yes….that’s me getting carried away with a paintbrush too. xxx
You have such an interesting garden. Always a joy to see.
Thanks Steph….you should have fun designing your new garden.xxx
That was a lovely tour, you have a great collection of interesting objects that really adds fun to your garden. I love that your dogs were following you around to get in the pictures!
Thanks Annie, I do have a love of old items. Lol….it’s hard to take a pic that the dogs aren’t in.xxx
I love that Annie looks like she’s posing for the camera. I still remember when the courtyard was just boring flags, look how beautiful it is now xxx
Lol, I think Annie is posing there, or maybe looking pained because I haven’t let her out in the back! Gosh yes….it was so BORING wasn’t it. Thanks Scarlett,xxx
I love the idea of a courtyard museum full of all your interesting items and it’s wonderful that it’s such a haven for wildlife. It has all the little corners and sheltered areas that birds and other creatures look for. And owls!! I’m so envious that you can sit and watch them! Your butterfly and buddleia area sounds beautiful in summer – I can just imagine the gorgeous scent.
Thanks Wendy, I just can’t resist old interesting items, they have history to them. I always try to make sure the courtyard has lots of places for wildlife to hide as the dogs are out there a lot.
We do well for owls here, I especially enjoy seeing them and hearing theor calls over winter, it’s such an eerie cry….xxx
A most enjoyable post and interesting pictures. Calling it a courtyard museum is a good idea. Flighty. xx
Thanks Flighty….off to get all the other bits down now!!! A museum it shall be.xxx
I always look forward to reading your posts, and as per usual this one did not disappoint.
I love courtyard gardens….more than anything in fact, and I also like courtyard gardens that encourage Mother Nature to do her thing…..which is exactly what you have done here. I love the hand with the blue nails:)
The dogs look like they might have calmed down…..they are maturing, shall we say…although I have definitely matured, and have not calmed down yet!:)
Happy Gardening .xxx
Oh I love courtyards too, I would love it if mine could be cobbled, maybe one day….I do try to always incorporate wildlife into the garden, even if log piles and such can look a little untidy, a hog has to hibernate somewhere.
Lol, I have to agree with you, maybe the dogs are just maturing….very very slooooowly!!! And like you I have NO intention of ever calming down!! Thanks Janet.xxx
What a lovely quirky interesting and fascinating museum and wildlife plant experience… and yes it will be beautiful when all is blooming and burgeoning!
Very creative and bursting with ideas and innovations – it is wonderful! Thank you for sharing! Hope the digdogs leave the greenery to flourish….!!!xxx
Lol….thank you so much Arose….I think quirky appeals to you! And I have so many more bits and pieces to add to it….oh dear!!! I do miss seeing the plants in winter, but spring draws ever close!
I’m keeping my fingers crossed re the diggydogs…..they don’t seem as diggy these days, or maybe I just lurk around after them hollering….NO DIGGING!!! XXX
I also have a painted milk jug but it lives in the house. I’m not sure how it would hold up to our weather. But I completely and totally adore your museum and your attitude towards your garden as just a fun place that is a part of you and not a showroom. It is so real and refreshing. Your tricolored dog is so curious about what you’re doing! Too bad we can’t read his thoughts! Glorious garden and blog!
Why thank you Casa, I think we have to be true to who we are and we are all so individual, no two gardens are ever the same, that’s the wonderful part about it all.
Lol, Annie is always curious about everything, she’s a border collie and never rests….ever!!!xxx
Lol, thanks Mel, I do need to tidy it up a little and re-shuffle some of the items….AND get planting, it’s all a little bare at the moment, but come spring….xxx
My eyes are already green, but I think I’m getting a bit envious of your gorgeous space… definitely feeling inspired – thanks for a lovely post
What a great collection of charming old items, most of which would probably fetch ridiculous prices at an antiques store. By the way, I don’t remember anything from Exodus about slugs or mice, but they do sound like good candidates for plagues of their own.
Thanks Jason. I’m a sucker for old things, especially old gardening items and milk urns, Some of them are rather valuable, but the’re my babies and I couldn’t part with them. I must stop going to auctions and car boot sales! Lol….yes….I am getting creative re my history!!! xxx
Wow! Quite a Collection you have there. A real Museum, indeed! Amazing what catches one’s eye! Even more interesting would be to reflect on the ‘Person behind the ‘Courtyard Museum’….;) Hugs! xx
Lol…I think the person behind it all is either a born collector or….a hoarder!!!! I hate to see things from the past disappearing from the present….and they are so fascinating! Thanks Bushka.xxx
What a wonderful area, so much going on and so many interesting things, not to mention how the wildlife must love it.
Thanks Jo, it’s incredible how much wildlife actually lives in this tiny space. I am going around attempting to tidy it a little though…I DO get carried away!!!xxx
A glorious tour, Dina: Thank you so much. We’re planting a new butterfly garden this year and I’m excited to think about it. You have so many neat items that make this YOUR garden, and with your signature bright colors, too. Exactly what I needed today. Such lovely variety and such a terrific testament to the ways nature balances herself, over and over, to our benefit. Joyful new week!
Oh….a new butterfly garden, how wonderful!!! I have a butterfly trick, I stand still and hold out my arms with my palms upturned and stand still, EVERYTIME a butterfly will land on me, either on my hand or somewhere on my body, you’ll have to give that a go, that is if you haven’t tried it already.
Yes, I think we can jump in far too quickly re eliminating wildlife, we need to pull back a little and share our space and let nature run it’s natural course. I hope your weather improves soon, here’s to spring!!!! Thanks Kitty.xxx
What a fabulous post, and loads of lovely pictures – looking forward to it in full summer. It will a be a treasure trove of beautiful things!
Thanks Gilly, I especially miss the Buddleia in the winter, but it already has buds on as does the Honeysuckle…..roll on spring eh?xxx
How big is this area as you have a lot packed in? Did owls actually come into the courtyard to take the mice?
It’s not that big Sue, as you walk out of the kitchen the area is a square shape about 14×14 ft, and then there’s a long run off that which is about 100x5ft, with another side area about 20×5 ft.
It’s surprising how much you can get into small spaces isn’t it…,
The owls did actually come into the courtyard hunting the mice, we had the pleasure of watching them sitting on the garage, it was wonderful, barn owls and brown owls. It was interesting finding the pellets full of mouse bones and fur.xxx