In the water race...
Summer means standing in the water race in my crocs and trimming Carexes, Ferns, and Phormiums. The water refreshes the mind (and the feet), the trickling and burbling noises calm the spirit.
Water Race Plants
Physically it's easy, timeless work, sloshing up and down the water. Today I spent another joyfully warm day shaded from the sunshine, clearing the sloping banks of the race near the back of the garage. And I didn't lose any of my things.
Lucky dog!
Nor did Winnie the dog - luckily. At the end of the day I saw a strange orange shape lurking on the bottom of the water. Aha! I rescued Winnie's small kong. She must have dropped it in the water when she was having a drink. Winnie has a brilliant concept of parabolas (balls etc. in flight), but not much of a clue about flowing water (balls etc. bobbing off downstream).
The Water Race Looking Downstream
The water race always brings a few surprises. Today, clutches of sodden pine cones have been floating by from upstream. No tree branches or plastic rubbish, though. Phew! And no mallard ducks appearing serenely, only to get a huge fright when they see me. My worst water race moment was when a large bloated dead hare floated down and brushed past my legs. Eek! I think I might have screamed! I didn't attempt to remove it.
Welcome, Gunnera seedlings...
Seedlings travel happily, invisibly, down the water - in particular Gunnera, the semi-invasive large leafed perennial. Naughty plant! The roots can quickly damn up waterways if not dealt to in winter, when they're easily sliced through with a spade.
Stones, Water, Leaves
All my large clumps of Gunnera started life as seedlings which floated in, got stuck, rather liked it, and stayed. I love that scratchy, larger-than-life Gunnera!