What’s that in the pond?

I spent part of today tidying up the flower borders and getting rid of a few plants that are not doing well for one reason or another. I also divided up some hardy geraniums before replanting. While some are hard to keep in my light soil (Geranium pratense) others seed all over the place (Geranium psilostemon). I’m down to about thirty different varieties now and have decided not to buy any more on impulse - just because they are beautiful and I love them is no good reason to buy more. Well I can see that working.

I also removed Lysimachia ciliata “Firecracker” because although the new foliage is an attractive dark purple, it fades quickly once it flowers. The other reason for removal is I don’t like that particular colour combination of yellow flowers and purple foliage. I don’t know why but I could never like the plant - and having not liked it for six years it’s time to say goodbye. It’s odd how some plants inspire a lukewarm response even though you can see their good points.

I had to take a break on two occasions as one of my cats started poking around in the undergrowth, which normally means that some wildlife has been interrupted while going innocently about its business. As the cat was looking rather uncertain I guessed a frog and I was right. The first time camouflage meant I just couldn’t see it but the second time it obligingly took a hop. Cue return of frog to the pond. Cat miffed but relieved as frogs are weird and not fur or feather. As the frog swam away I realised I could have got a good picture of it while it was in the open…but too late. Still there is always the other occupant of the pond which the Digger carried back in his suitcase all the way from the Flower Market in Amsterdam. The frog often sits on top to view its watery realm.