New Fence and Snail Rail

We think that the garden fence we have just had to replace had been there for 50 years.

The new fence with concrete posts should last much longer and not be defeated by the ivy with stems of 2 inches diameter should it dare to come back.

Even if hidden by the equally new garden shed.

A recent thunderstorm has changed the character of a different fence alongside a wood which I pass every day.

It has now become 

The snail rail

Scores of snails about the size of my thumbnail  occupy the top rail.

Each snail train possesses different livery - 

Some have even found the way to change rail lines to avoid congestion.

I shall have to check it out again tomorrow as more storms are forecast for tonight.

Meanwhile, all aboard the 'Snail Rail' for Good Fences.

A-Z Challenge 2013 - 'S' -Snowdrops

My A-Z posts this year are based on my garden – flowers, animals, the birds and the bees, butterflies - with a bit of poetry thrown in. For some letters I am expecting to cheat somewhat – wishing they were here.

S – Snowdrops, Shed, Spider, Sweet Pea, Snails

For Snowdrops are the harbingers of Spring,

A sort of link between dumb life and light

Freshness preserved amid all withering

Bloom in the midst of grey and frosts blight.

Pale Stars that gladden Nature’s night!

Snowdrops

When I was young, Dad’s garden shed

Had lots of things to turn one’s head.

Chisels, mallets, pots of nails,

Windscreen wipers, cricket bails.

\

Now I’m old, my garden shed

Is merely functional instead.

Garden Shed

 But one thing in there is just the same, even if of a younger generation

Shed Spider

 Thus I, gone forth as spiders do
In spider's web a truth discerning,
Attach one silken thread to you
For my returning.

That verse was written by the author of Charlotte’s Web but Charlotte would not have woven this:

 

Spider's Web

Some say that it was John Keats who gave this flower its name.

 

Sweet Pea

Here are sweet peas, on tip-toe for a flight:

With wings of gentle flush o’er delicate white,

And taper fingers catching at all things,

To bind them all about with tiny rings

This is not the time of year to find a one of these inhabited:

 

Snail Shells

The frugal snail, with forecast of repose,

Carries his house with him where’er he goes;

Peeps out,, - and if there comes a shower of rain.

Retreats to his small domicile again.

This one on the nettles in warmer times is much more decorative.

Snail on nettle leaves

 Meanwhile Sam was quite prepared to stay outdoors and contemplate the snow

Sam (1997 - 2010)

  Poems:

• Harbingers of Spring – Caroline Elizabeth Norton
• Dad’s Garden Shed - Pete Golding
• The Spider’s Web – E B White
• I stood on tip-toe upon a little hill – John Keats
• The Housekeeper - Charles Lamb - snail

Escargots anyone? - Thematic Photography

Carmi's photographic theme this week is 'edible' so I thought I would go out on a limb and offer you the choice of snails.

Snail ( and one blackberry for desert)

If you don't fancy the pattern on the shell perhaps the morsel inside will tempt you.

Snail (no blackberry this time)

The next offering is larger (well a bit) - but could you look it in the eye before consigning it to the pot?

Another snail that likes blackberries

The observant amongst you will recognise another type of leaf on the right of this shot. You could always collect a few and try a drink of nettle tea.

If drinks are not allowed with edible things I wonder what happened to those in my final picture this week.

Mince pies, sweets, and sherry for a tipple

Just a few things prepared for and despatched at an earlier Christmas time.

Still feeling hungry? Then visit other edible treats at Carmia at thematic photographic 167