ITS GARDEN TIME 🌿

@Appleblossom Thanks.We both love our garden, and spend a lot of time in it.

And yes we have learned to appreciate snakes as well. When we first came to the block i used to walk around with trepidation. And indeed once i did step on a tiger snake, who bit me promptly in my wellington boots, so no drama, but i did get a big fright. (i had not learned yet not to step on big clumps of grass, but to only step on the low growth, when walking through high grass land.)

Nevertheless whenever i bumped into a snake on the block, wich is often, it was the snake who had more of a fright than me, so i soon realised that those scary stories about aggressive tiger snakes seeking us out when we come nearby, were complete fables.

At first, though i hated doing it, i killed a few snakes close around the house. Yet within two years we had a mouse and rat problem. So i stopped killing them but learned to chase the snake away when too close to the house. For i realised that when a snake is asleep nearby the house, and then i throw from afar, so the snake does not see me, something heavy nearby it, it will get such a fright it will never sleep nearby that spot again. This is how i have kept the snakes from being close by the house. At least our mouse and rat problem is back under control, (and i suspect our frogs as well.😁)

Also we found that herbal healing is something really amazing at times. We have some herbs that work so good and quick that we can literally treat symptoms in minutes. And fresh herbs in cooking makes for delicious meals.

@Jynx @Chasingsunsets @Shaz51 @ArraDreaming

Yes, a little understanding of animal behaviour goes a long way. @DownMoreThanUp @It’s interesting you noticed the rodent problem. Guess all those things are more noticeable in the country.

the whole web of life is fascinating

mostly I was a city person, but as a kid I was in a country orphanage for a while. The gardener tried to scare from playing in the long grass, by holding up a red bellied tiger snake and telling us how dangerous they were.

the fear didn’t really register. I liked hiding in the grass, so ignored him. I felt weirdly safe there. I did not mean to be naughty. It was probably just all the stress. I was 7. I can fix some of my memories from the dates and addresses in my ward file. Other kids also played in the grass, teenagers. The home had kids Up to 15. Sometimes, I asked them if they’d seen a snake. They just laughed and carried on with hanky panky. I didn’t have a clue but I must have picked up their vibe. The authorities could also be violent and shaming so maybe I trusted the kids vibe more than the gardener. lol… I have often not seen danger which many might call common sense.

Morning everyone! How is your garden looking today?

@DownMoreThanUp I love all your pics! I am quite blown away you have an amazing set up it looks so beautiful, I agree a little paradise on earth for you guys!! I wonder what snake and what type of lizard that is!! Thanks for sharing it’s been awesome chatting and seeing your garden and projects!! 😊

Oh wow @Appleblossom that sounds cool that you volunteered at the zoo!!

The snake and the tortoise sounds cool I googled them to see what they looked like!
I love animals ☺️

omg @Appleblossom I love that story!! Totally agree with you and @DownMoreThanUp about snakes needing a lil love, and much protection!! And yeah knowing about animal behaviour is sooooo handy!! Makes it easier to avoid danger, and bond with pets!!

@ArraDreaming omg!! that is amazing!! You gotta be so proud of all the work you've put in to help make that space so special for the residents!! Awesome!! 😍 Wish we could see pics, but I'm guessing it would be too recognisable!!

@Chasingsunsets @Appleblossom @Shaz51 @ArraDreaming @Jynx

NEW LIFE!

Two Gosling have hatched! (Although sadly the mum abandon her other eggs after they did.)

Yet so very very cute!

Ohhh my goodnessssss!!! This has absolutely made my morning!! How fantastic!! I am sure it has made your morning too @DownMoreThanUp and your wife’s!!!

incredible!
I wonder if mum knew the other eggs wouldn’t hatch or if she felt pressured to get up with the little goslings so they don’t stray too far?

Do you have names for mum and dad?
I wonder if you will keep the babies? I LOVE your update! And I would also LOVE any further updates any time 🙏. It’s been so nice to wake up to your post @DownMoreThanUp !

Wait do you also have baby swan babies too? (Not sure what you call baby swans) lol. I use to love feeding the swans at the lake with my pop when I was little! Once I nearly fell in standing too close to feed them lucky pop had me and the other time I decided I didn’t like swans any more because they tried eating my fingers with the food we were giving them 😂. I still loved them even if they tried eating my fingers! Some of the best memories with my pop, he’s passed away now. 😇

Are these resident swans in your area, regulars. So awesome!!

Hope you have a great day everyone 💛

@ArraDreaming @Jynx @Appleblossom @Shaz51

@Chasingsunsets Wild swan came swimming past showing off 2 of their young, the day before.

The mother has gone back on the nest so hopefully the other 2 eggs left (2 disappeared) are still going to hatch. We took the 2 goslings in, for they were left with the male, but today it is cold, so we put them under a heating pad, and in easy reach of food. (should have seen the male getting aggro me taking his babies, i do like geese because they are good parents, they are much better parents than ducks.)

Are they not simply adorable?