DAFFODIL SHOWS THE WAY Weeding along a hedge down on the plot this afternoon. Lifting roots and wiry underground stems. Teasing away unwanted parts, slinging them into a barrow. For two hours at it, working slow but steady, bent double. Every so often straightening, rubbing cold caked hands free of loose dirt. Wheeling refuse round to [...]
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Posts Tagged ‘december’
30 December 2009 DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman A TRIP OUT GLASTONBURY WAY
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009A TRIP OUT GLASTONBURY WAY Flatlands and levels to the south and east of Glastonbury move me whenever visiting or passing through. It’s the mix of water-filled ditches and streamside willow pollards; the fact that often you have no view beyond the first big hedge. This Somerset landscape, though quite different, none-the-less takes me back [...]
Read More »29 December 2009 DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman I’D RATHER NOT BE ON THE PLOT
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009I’D RATHER NOT BE ON THE PLOT The weather was so grotty, foul and bitter cold wet this morning as we set off at 10am to see my side of the family near Oxford that I turned to Mrs Nails and commented, “I don’t think I’d rather be on the plot today.” She chuckled . “That’s very [...]
Read More »28 December 2009 DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman SOUNDS
Monday, December 28th, 2009SOUNDS 16.09: I don’t like the sounds of those sirens up in town. Their unnatural wailing sounds manic, urgent, like something serious is afoot. At my feet, the warming crackle and spit of golden flames. They seem to follow me wherever I stand and envelop this winter gardener in an aromatic shroud of billowing smoke. [...]
Read More »27 December 2009 DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman HUMPING FAGGOTS
Sunday, December 27th, 2009HUMPING FAGGOTS I planned to stroll out to the Foyle Hill Rabbit Warren and watch the sun go down. As it was, I turned short of the footpath stile and into the sunken world of Breech Lane. The top-side hedge has been managed for many years by the same man, a Shastonian and elder statesman [...]
Read More »26 December 2009 DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman NOT BEING DISTURBED
Saturday, December 26th, 2009NOT BEING DISTURBED Temperature dropped at 2.15pm. It happened at the moment a brief but squally shower arrived. I cut a few more logs, then left Mrs Nails tidying up the flower garden to walk round Breech and fetch my van. An extended family was waiting with good humour for ‘dad’ (who apparently is always late) [...]
Read More »25 December 2009 DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman THE SOIL IS COLD
Friday, December 25th, 2009THE SOIL IS COLD The soil is cold but, because this is where I want to be, it’s not a problem. The cold soil feels ace. So does the weeded edge and bright, squinty-eyed view across open plot, the fresh wash of breeze across my cheeks, chatter of spadger starling et al, drop dead gorgeous [...]
Read More »24 December 2009 DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman LITTLE BROWN JOB
Thursday, December 24th, 2009LITTLE BROWN JOB There’s a little brown bird that sings and flits down on the plot with such modesty and freedom on Xmas Eve, whilst getting in the veg, you’d be forgiven for not noticing. While robins skip amongst the places you’ve turned over and disturbed whilst scratching, this little brown job is just a [...]
Read More »23 December 2009 DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman WEATHER CHECK
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009WEATHER CHECK They’ve had something like ten inch drifts of snow up Holmer Green in the Buckinghamshire Chilterns. My nephew counted sixty-eight abandoned vehicles along the A404 betwixt their place and Amersham. A mate of my brothers left Wycombe for Reading at 4pm and made his final destination at four in the morning. Brother himself [...]
Read More »22 December 2009 DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman HOLLY TREE ON BREECH COMMON
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009HOLLY TREE ON BREECH COMMON Pulled up on the frozen verge where Breech Lane turns into a tunnel before coming out on the top of Foyle Hill. Opposite a footpath sign there’s a tall holly tree which stands handsomely in dark and pale waxy green. This is where I get our festive decorations from, with the [...]
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