Better times ahead

This time of year, the garden is in a sorry shape, yet the presence of these solar powered butterflies do add a measure of pleasure.

At this time of year, whilst raking leaves from the grass and the drive I always marvel at the sight of daffodil shoots breaking through the soil, and the thought that while we are still in December somewhere on the horizon spring is set to appear.

To me, the sight of daffodils is sure sign that the better times are coming for the garden and when they are in bloom, I always feel I am blossoming myself.

But the shortest day has to come, the forecast of colder days ahead, dismays me, and the thought of a white Christmas . . . brrrr! Not for me.

So here is technology playing its part in the garden, with natural daylight magically powering a tiny solar panel which gives life to my plastic butterflies, and introduces a measure of delight into an otherwise uninspiring garden which at this time of year clearly lacks the TLC it deserves.

But energy from the sun, even when the sun is not shining and we face up to an overcast day bringing a measure of bleakness throughout the day, still gets through to my little butterflies and a string of white fairy lights in a shrub. Maybe, the illumination doesn’t last for long when it gets dark. But it’s sufficient to break the tedium of wintry days.