Burning desire

There has been virtually no rain for the past two weeks and the ground is beginning to dry out. So too are the stacks of cleared vegetation from last autumn's field strimming. It was calm again today - the high lingers - conditions seemed ideal for a garden bonfire and so it proved. On a previous occasion a neighbour called the fire brigade! So the bonfire was kept at a modest intensity with as little smoke as possible, so as to minimise any nuisance.

Fortunately, a gentle breeze guided the smoke through a gap between two properties, so there were no complaints this time! In fact, a young 5-year old appeared from across the burn for a chat - he said he liked the smell of the bonfire and called his sister and grandad to confirm it! It was very satisfying to watch the dried stalks of bramble cane crackle as they were devoured by the flames. Three stacks kept the fire going for nearly 5 hours. But another dozen or so have yet to be tackled!

To the left of the stack behind the fire is a small rhododendron, planted yesterday and you can see odd clumps of daffodils - they have popped up all over, hidden for years by the overgrowth. Whether they still flower remains to be seen - there aren't many heads appearing on them.