Friday 19 June 2009

Home and Garden

We live in a flat in the centre of Edinburgh and until relatively recently we didn't even have a key to the backdoor that leads to the garden. Since getting the key, as some readers of this blog will remember, I have taken responsibility for looking after the path that leads from the small garden we share with other flats in our stair, to the communal area where anyone living in the block can grow fruit and veg.

Today, I was clearing weeds from the path. I have always been quite laid back about this, after all it is only a path, and no-one grows veg on the ground bordering it. As long as it is clear and walkable then I'm happy. The brambles give a small but tasty harvest come the autumn, the nettles are valuable for butterflies, the buttercups are bright when in flower and make a lovely damp and shady hiding place for various insects, which in turn are food for the birds. A strange looking insect with protuberent red eyes reminded me that what right do I have to destroy another creature's home, when all I need is the right of way through there?

13 comments:

The Weaver of Grass said...

Well said, Juliet.
I have just found a bumble bee's nest in the bottom of our loose hay in the barn. They don't see it as our hay any more than rabbits hopping through the hedge know they have gone into aneighbour's field and the birds don't know it is Friday today. We all have to live together in harmony.

Caroline Gill said...

I can see that insect in my mind's eye ... but can't imagine what species it might represent!

All the beautiful blue damselflies seemed to hatch out last Saturday in our neck of the woods. Today ... we have bluebottles.

Word verification: bales (very apt, since the Council has been cutting all the grass verges ...)

Caroline Gill said...

Just visited Matt Merritt's blog, Polyolbion, and found that he is taking part in a poetry reading this w/e in Edinburgh. Matt is a keen and knowledgeable birder - and you can read my review of his book 'Troy Town' here ...

d. moll, l.ac. said...

Tricky, and it hard to explain to the insect that if a defined path is made and maintained humans will only be walking there and not else where.......

poefusion said...

I guess we have to understand insects don't like disturbances either- even if they're walking on human paths for a bit. Great post. :)
Have a great night.

RG said...

One's weed is another's flower!

Annette Tait said...

how very true - I never pull a 'weed' !

What indeed is a weed?
to me all plants are useful and beautiful - especially if they cover the concrete and bricks, and all little beings have a right to a safe, long (insect style) life

Anonymous said...

I was wondering how your secret garden was going.
Everything has a place in the garden. Like you, I am loath to destroy anything that is providing a home for some creature!

haiku-shelf (Angelika Wienert) said...

"...A strange looking insect...reminded me that what right do I have to destroy another creature's home..."

That's a deep thought.

Best wishes,
Angelika

René Wing said...

All of us creatures destroy as we go... the horse tromping his way through the field, the slugs eating "my" lettuce! But to live gently and with awareness is our uniquely human challenge. I enjoyed reading this.

Deb G said...

I found a paper wasp nest along my path. It makes me a little sad, I'm going to have to knock it down before it gets bigger. I like watching them grow when they are far enough away to not worry about stings.

this is my patch said...

I am sure the insect with the protuberent red eyes was just thankful you didn't tread on him! Every so often it is necessary to clear a path. Hopefully any creatures inadvertently disturbed would soon find, and build, another home for themselves in a more suitable patch nearby. x

Crafty Green Poet said...

this is my patch - yes, it is necessary to clear the path cos otherwise I'd never get trhrough the garden, but I don't want to be too extreme about it either...