Every winter we lose some plants – mainly because the frosts and winds are so severe in this part of the world. So I am sad to report that the honeysuckle trellis from over the back gate fell foul of a gale force storm not so long ago. HBTW hacked back the winter-resting branches and I am hoping that they will rejuvenate miraculously. We haven’t yet sourced a replacement arch – that will be tomorrow’s job. The birds are kind of used to the bare look, but I’m not sure.
Change is far more disturbing in the Elder Years I find. I shall miss the sight, sound and smell of the densely packed branches. Yes – I did mean sound . . . . . . . . . it was a favourite place for the birds to sit, half-hidden prior to launching themselves onto the feeders.
What a pity. Honeysuckle is lovely but unless it is very severely pruned tends to grow very densely and needs strong support.
I too despite being so far south of you, lose plants every winter. This area is rather exposed and we get very hard frosts and it just isn’t possible to protect everything.
The worst part of bare branches and gaps where other plants should be here, is that the little birds have nowhere to hide from the neighbourhood sparrowhawk. Not my favourite bird.
Can’t say I am overly fond of the sparrowhawks either, though a few years ago one got caught in the fence and we had to release it. What beautiful colourings – shame it is the agent of death for our smaller garden friends.
Change. A hardship as we like things to remain the same and that our expectations are met each morning. But this kind of change can easily be replaced. Just a little time is needed and it will be beautiful once again.
Thanks for the encouragement, Tabor. Now all I need is to find a garden arch that fits and find a willing helper!