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IN OUR GARDENS 2025

I wasn't sure where to post this as it is not really the garden but it is outside and wildlife.
Yesterday I parked in ASDA carpark in Shirley. For those who don't know it the carpark is underneath the store. To leave you come up a ramp to traffic lights which filter the cars onto the main road. I had to stop and was first in the queue.
As I was waiting for the lights to change I became aware of a movement to my left - when I looked I was amazed to see a wagtail perched on my wing mirror
wagtail 1.jpg

As I watched he hopped down onto the window trim and seemd to be admiring his reflection. (The red car had pulled up in the lane next to me)
wagtail 2.jpg
He did try to balance on the mirror for a closer look but even with much flapping of wings (which blurred the pic) he couldn't balance. The lights stayed red quite a while and he stayed put until I started to drive off. Then away he flew.
Bit tricky taking pics and watching for lights to change but a fascinating few moments.
 
I wasn't sure where to post this as it is not really the garden but it is outside and wildlife.
Yesterday I parked in ASDA carpark in Shirley. For those who don't know it the carpark is underneath the store. To leave you come up a ramp to traffic lights which filter the cars onto the main road. I had to stop and was first in the queue.
As I was waiting for the lights to change I became aware of a movement to my left - when I looked I was amazed to see a wagtail perched on my wing mirror
View attachment 199124

As I watched he hopped down onto the window trim and seemd to be admiring his reflection. (The red car had pulled up in the lane next to me)
View attachment 199125
He did try to balance on the mirror for a closer look but even with much flapping of wings (which blurred the pic) he couldn't balance. The lights stayed red quite a while and he stayed put until I started to drive off. Then away he flew.
Bit tricky taking pics and watching for lights to change but a fascinating few moments.
Fantastic
 
I wasn't sure where to post this as it is not really the garden but it is outside and wildlife.
Yesterday I parked in ASDA carpark in Shirley. For those who don't know it the carpark is underneath the store. To leave you come up a ramp to traffic lights which filter the cars onto the main road. I had to stop and was first in the queue.
As I was waiting for the lights to change I became aware of a movement to my left - when I looked I was amazed to see a wagtail perched on my wing mirror
View attachment 199124

As I watched he hopped down onto the window trim and seemd to be admiring his reflection. (The red car had pulled up in the lane next to me)
View attachment 199125
He did try to balance on the mirror for a closer look but even with much flapping of wings (which blurred the pic) he couldn't balance. The lights stayed red quite a while and he stayed put until I started to drive off. Then away he flew.
Bit tricky taking pics and watching for lights to change but a fascinating few moments.
how lovely jan what a treat

lyn
 
Sorry, no picture. Julie was trimming some lonicera (honeysuckle) this morning. Holding an off cut bit in her hand when along comes a bee and lands on it. “Hold on a sec”, bee works its way over the flowers she is holding, takes its time to do a proper job while Julie stands there waiting. Then bee flies off, “OK, carry on”. Nature.
Andrew.
 
Thank you. As the garden is so small I try to pack it with colour if I can. It is under the eaves so I have to remember to water it - even when we have rain :D
 
just finished first grass cutting of 2025 it was hard going it was very high and weeds have took over now:weary_face:
 
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Murder in the garden!

As usual put some seed out for birds and squirrels. Within minutes x2 pidgeons, x2 magpies and the inevitable x5 sqirrels. Next minute like a streak of lightning a fox shot down the whole length of the garden and snatched a squirrel in its jaws and took it up the garden - hour later nothing left although the magpies were searching around. Saddened but that's nature for you.
 
its is sad superdad but as you say it is nature and there is not much we can do about that...which reminds me last night a fox came into our back garden breaking the security light beam...he scaled the 5 ft fence but there was also a very brave cat watching him very close by...i believe a fox will go for a cat ?

lyn
 
foxes are a real nightmare this time of year after the lambs one was in my garden the other night but harry saw it off

A typical adult cat is almost the same size as a fox and has a well-deserved reputation for self-defense, so foxes are generally uninterested in taking on cats. Kittens and very small (less than 5 pounds) adult cats, however, could be prey for a fox but foxy has more sense
But beware if they are hungry enough they will have a go
 
Wasn't sure where to post this but is as a result of last year's garden thread so here goes

Last year I referred to some poppies in my garden and over on the fields (different thread https://birminghamhistory.co.uk/forum/threads/windermere-rd-park-ground-saved.47710/).

Notsharp (Steve) kindly posted me some wild poppy seeds he had collected. I decided to try to start some in the house before, hopefully, transferring some to my garden and some to the fields.
This is the result so far
my poppies.jpg

I sowed 2 trays but the other is way behind for some reason. So thanks a lot Steve - I will be potting some on soon and then putting some outside. I still have some left which we might just sow into the meadow we have created.
 
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Wasn't sure where to post this but is as a result of last year's garden thread so here goes

Last year I referred to some poppies in my garden and over on the fields (different thread https://birminghamhistory.co.uk/forum/threads/windermere-rd-park-ground-saved.47710/).

Notsharp (Steve) kindly posted me some wild poppy seeds he had collected. I decided to try to start some in the house before, hopefully, transferring some to my garden and some to the fields.
This is the result so far
View attachment 200142

I sowed 2 trays but the other is way behind for some reason. So thanks a lot Steve - I will be potting some on soon and then putting some outside. I still have some left which we might just sow into the meadow we have created.
Janice the poppy seeds Steve sent me gave a great display. wonder if they will return this year:)
 
I expect that like me, many will be glad that Spring has sprung and we are seeing signs of life on the dead wood. One thing I look forward to are all the contributions folk make on this thread, particularly all the photos. Sadly I am unable to put photos on because of the shakes. We have had a new fence put round earlier this year which I have painted Autumn Gold and is now looking very smart.
I have been looking for ages for a paint suitable for reviving the old, but in good condition, plant pots. At last i have found one specifically for use on plastic furniture, pots etc. and thought I would share details with you.
It's from a firm called PaintNuts, [yes I thought the same] Their main focus is in paints for cars. However they do have a separate web page for paint for garden furniture. There are numerous colours and you can get it in Gloss, Satin, or Matt. Comes in different sizes from 250 Ml to 1 Ltr. We are looking forward now for it to come and smarten up all the old tired pots.
Problem is my wife might want to try it on me as well !!!!!!
 
Wasn't sure where to post this but is as a result of last year's garden thread so here goes

Last year I referred to some poppies in my garden and over on the fields (different thread https://birminghamhistory.co.uk/forum/threads/windermere-rd-park-ground-saved.47710/).

Notsharp (Steve) kindly posted me some wild poppy seeds he had collected. I decided to try to start some in the house before, hopefully, transferring some to my garden and some to the fields.
This is the result so far
View attachment 200142

I sowed 2 trays but the other is way behind for some reason. So thanks a lot Steve - I will be potting some on soon and then putting some outside. I still have some left which we might just sow into the meadow we have created.
Kudos to Steve for sending the seeds and good work Janice, hopefully we can follow their/your progress!
 
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