I’m not much of a gardener – well, if the truth be told, I’m a really terrible gardener! However, having decided that the garden couldn’t be neglected for ever, I made a start at clearing away most of the mess and wild plants (what my neighbours tend to call ‘weeds’). During this operation my unexpected garden tenant was discovered sleeping peacefully half covered in soil and undergrowth, and before I replaced the covering I took the above photograph.
This experience, plus the fact that hedgehogs are in decline – as are bees and some birds – and the pleasure that I get seeing the birds and bees using the garden, made me think a bit more deeply about my labour saving plans. The garden is in my ownership for a relatively short time and then it will be passed on to another. However, those who use the garden the most – the wildlife – have no say in how it is ordered. Perhaps I should take their welfare into account; am I not responsible to and for them?