From A Blank Canvas.......

 From a blank canvas to a thriving sanctuary not only for myself but for the birds who dwell in my secret garden.

Once I had erected a six foot fence around the entire property shortly after moving here I actually did not really know where to begin, the addition of the chicken space changed things and it was once clearly visible from anywhere in the back garden, now however it is shaded and hidden behind the trees and shrubs that have been planted since giving the chickens many places to retreat from the heat of the summer months.

The cottage has slowly transformed too, the hideous so call patio taken down and the task of repainting the cottage has begun.

With not being home as much as I would like some things take much longer than they should, but that is okay I am in no rush.

Given that it is not a manicured garden it has a touch of wildness about it which adds I feel to the inviting natural beauty of the space.

Looking back to what it once was to what it has become I realise how much it has changed, like the front garden it too now has a completely different vibe, plus both gardens are providing so much more shade which helps keep the garden cooler in the sweltering summer months.

Last winter saw a surge in growth particularly in the back garden, everything suddenly thriving.

Western Australia can be a difficult climate for creating a garden as the relentless summer months can prove too much for many young plants, now that the taller trees are now getting taller next winter I can focus on planting grasses and smaller shrubs around them to create even more interest and more homes for the smaller birds who live here. 

A kiss of the sun for pardon

The song of the birds for mirth

Ones nearer God's heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on Earth.

Dorothy Frances Gurney