Butterflies, Toads and Sunshine

We have had a good Bank Holiday weekend with lovely weather for a change. 

The campers have been so lucky.

On Monday we walked through the woods to the garden, admiring the bluebells as we went. 

Most of the cakes had been sold, I am pleased to say.

The cows were out of the barn....hooray. I`m sure they enjoyed the grass under their feet.

Pinky and Perky were sunbathing.

All the animals were enjoying the warmth.

I spotted a huge ( and I mean HUGE)  pile of chipped bark in the farmyard. I was really hoping it was for the garden. When we saw Anne, she confirmed that yes, it was for us.

Many thanks to Tim for acquiring it.

When we visited today, we took Bruce back. He too, has had a makeover.....articulated arms, some new clothes and a funny hat. He is a happy soul.

We lifted the old plastic from some of the paths, scattering the well-rotted chipped bark on various beds. We replaced the plastic with carpet, narrowed the paths and made the beds quite a bit bigger.

It was hard work and we got very warm.

When we lifted the plastic we found out why the paths have appeared to be so soft.

Moles have been tunnelling underneath!!

I can`t believe that after two years we are still finding a significant amount of baling string.

These paths are now ready for the new chipped bark.

My sister Paula, walked down to see us, and she made a good job of the willow arch 

which looks a lot better.

She spotted this rather raggedy looking Tortoiseshell butterffly on the forgetmenots. 

It looks as if it may have over-wintered somewhere.

(Paula took this photo.)

There were several toads basking in the sunshine round the pond. I am very happy to see them.

If the weather holds out we will be cobbing on Saturday.

We really need to get started. We want to get the roof on before another winter comes round.