Debi,

I have wanted a small wildlife pond for ages, the safest space is here in my veg section, but it was limited, most of the plants in this corner are evergreen, hubby found out this old black container, it is very clean, the size and shape was perfect for my needs, a nice depth and made from durable thick plastic. Once I had placed the container, I realised I had more room, it has a run off spout, so I have purchased some heavy duty pond liner, once it arrives I can create a lower level. I will replant the bulbs in the container and move a few more small plants.

My daughter did not know what to get me for my birthday, so I chose this Hellebore, I have a very dark red one (a previous gift from same daughter) and two pink/creamy ones, it's planted in front of the pot I will use to grow cucumbers, in the bed in front of the greenhouse. I got an early rhubarb crown, which we both love, I've planted it in the same bed, between the blueberries and the cucumber pots, plenty of room to grow. 

Storm Debi blew through on Monday, not so much rain in the day, sadly she blew most of the leaves off my Acer, they are not wasted, I brushed them up and added them to my leaf mulch, which I make in these two black dustbins. Behind the garage out of sight, a perfect place for them to break down, and no problems with rats, I made leaf mulch this way for the past two years and it works for me. 

The back section of our garden is looking really green, I am still a bit worried about the broad beans growing so high, will the winter weather kill them off, if that happens it's a lesson learnt, The potatoes are doing well, hubby has been chatting about making nice looking cages for both beds, which are needed because of all the cats here where we live. He would also like a gate, which I think would get in our way and catch our clothes as we walk by, I have a temporary barrier I can use when the little ones are here. 

The pond is now on hold until next spring, I will need some smaller grit to fill in the gaps in the sunk pebbles, and plants to ensure it looks good. I found enough plants to use around the pond and soften the look. It's in safe position, the grandchildren will not be allowed in the back section without me, I hope Will can have fun looking for bugs, not sure about George he would want to get into the water. I did start with just the container, but then my ambition grew.

Another tick off my list of things I would like, my list is tiny these days, we have been here almost 15 years, so most is done, once the hard landscaping is sorted closer to the house, it should mean nothing more big to do. How many times have I said that, the veg beds will keep my green fingers happy. 

I am less in the garden these days, I still manage to walk around most dry mornings, I don't have anything to do in the greenhouse, I mainly pick up the leaves blown around, they are too precious to leave rotting on the ground, our Magnolia tree still has leaves, these big ones need to be shredded before adding to dustbins.