4. Philosophies.

Each of my gardens has been crammed with plants and created to be peaceful and relaxing. As yet my new one hasn't a water feature apart from a bird bath which is used by the magpie for soaking it's chunks of bread in and by the sparrows for taking a quick drink from. But gardening is a patience game; at some point I hope there will be different types of birds in there using it, sharing a communal bath.But I'll have to wait and see. I moved to Cardiff 22 years ago and now live here very happily with my lovely Luke who has also developed the gardening bug (as long as it's vegetables and not flowers. He says if you can't eat it then what's the point of growing it. I've a way to go with educating him, haven't I?) I work full time running a busy library. It's a great job, not at all what people imagine – we don't shelve a few books and “Shssh” people any longer. My short drive to work is mainly through winding country lanes and I am so grateful that we live where we do; in a semi rural part of Cardiff with a field behind us and lovely views around. Coming from a housing estate then a terraced street this really feels idyllic.

We share the garden with three little bantam chickens and though people say you can't have a garden and chickens (they ate almost every plant in sight in the last garden) they seem to have enough grass here to keep them out of my flower borders. This may all change as I diminish the lawn (it's inevitable, I just love planting new plants). As I type the oldest hen has absconded into next door's garden whilst the two others are nestled down in a corner under a tree. One of them has just been released from five days in the Broody box so is loving her new found freedom. I'll write more on our three little chickens later but if anybody is thinking of getting any then I'd urge you to take the plunge. As long as you can offer them a secure house and a decent sized run and DON'T get a cockerel you shouldn't have any problems (with early morning crowing) and neither should your neighbours. Contrary to popular belief you do not need a Cockerel for eggs. You only need a Cockerel if you want fertilised eggs and therefore baby chickens. Our girls don't make much noise, produce the most gorgeous rich golden egg yolks and provide us with a massive amount of fun. More on them later..... for now they are having a rest from dust baths and foraging.