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Post by Learner on May 15, 2013 0:14:08 GMT
It started when we discovered an interesting unused shed halfway down the new garden. The little gem sheltered in the lee of a much larger workshop-shed. Perhaps it had been a potting shed? We loved the windows but wondered if it would ever be of any use as potting shed for raising seedlings as it was in deepest, darkest shadow for most of every day. Behind it towered a massive jungle of shrubs and trees entangled with Russian vine and bramble. Were foxes living underneath? The little shed sat in the damp gloom throughout the winter as there were more pressing matters to attend to unti my family decided I needed a hobby close to home. Tending the allotment was difficult as it took me away from caring for my elderly parents so the chance to escape for a break was more than rare. “Budgies! Dad could have a budgie!” Eventually I was whisked off to visit a breeder at the other end of town. An hour later, totally enchanted, I became the proud and excited new owner of four beauties! A couple of weeks later, after the new indoor aviary (big cage) arrived, I was taken back to collect the new budgies. Somehow the four expanded to six. Six beauts that I could not resist! I’m not sure what stopped me rounding their numbers up to 8 or 10 or even a dozen. We enjoyed their company (and I hope they enjoyed ours) through the chill of winter and into Spring. Dreams turned to plans and now we have a use for the dark little potting shed with its leaky roof and rotting floor. The move: From the dark side into the light: I hope the new site will be a good one?
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Post by stace on May 15, 2013 9:28:32 GMT
I like this story.
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Post by samwiseg on May 15, 2013 9:42:33 GMT
Thats lovely! How enchanting! Keep us posted PLEASE!!!! Wanna see pics too
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Post by lousette on May 15, 2013 9:59:32 GMT
Such a cool story ... cant wait for chapter 2. EXCITING!
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Post by Learner on May 15, 2013 10:58:27 GMT
Such a cool story ... cant wait for chapter 2. EXCITING! I was worried that it was too long and wordy with a thought that people would find it boring so thanks for your comments. There’s more to come… with luck Six expectant eager budgies waiting in the wings!
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Post by Learner on May 15, 2013 11:08:06 GMT
What do you think – will this sunny space prove to be a good choice in which to build an aviary?It's close-up to the bungalow and the conservatory where my parents live so they can sit in the warmth and watch. The hydrangea will have to go but the paving seemed an ideal vermin proof base I thought. It’s near enough to add a power supply and, best of all, a warmer spot away from next-door’s jungle with its varied wild-life and day-long chilly shadow. The neighbours on the other side haven’t been seen for over a year as it’s a holiday home at present. I live just one minute's stroll away across the road and can see the site with ease from my bedroom window. I hope we've made the right choice.
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Post by stace on May 15, 2013 11:14:11 GMT
That's a beautiful spot in a lovely garden. Hey, I'd even move in!
The hydrangea is pretty. Can they be transplanted easily enough?
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Post by lousette on May 15, 2013 11:21:03 GMT
Your garden is so nice and big. Looks like a great spot for the aviary. Like Stace says maybe the hydrangea can be transplanted - it is absolutely gorgeous. Would give anything for mine to look as healthy as that.
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Post by Learner on May 15, 2013 11:21:39 GMT
That's a beautiful spot in a lovely garden. Hey, I'd even move in! The hydrangea is pretty. Can they be transplanted easily enough? That one can't... my son got there before me and.... well, I'll get the shredder out later. My mother may not remember it was there but if she does we have three small ones ready to plant around the garden to make up for it. My father is more interested in seeing the aviary built.
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Post by Hezz on May 16, 2013 0:38:21 GMT
Nice one, Learner. Glad to find you are getting there after the long bleak winter. Never worry about the length of your posts - may have noticed I tend to prattle on at times, but hey, nothing worse than only half the story. But in the beginning (a long time ago) we started with four, yes, 4, budgies, but somehow these have morphed into six (6) ?? No cutting corners in the story. I'll be the petulant toddler who knows the story word for word and won't let you cut it short! No matter how much of a hurry you may be in. Love the garden, love what you are doing with your parents. Big thumbs up from me. PS Pity about the hydrangea ........ did you give him a slap???
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Post by BudgiesBuddy on May 16, 2013 7:19:29 GMT
All very interesting and enjoyable read
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Post by Learner on May 16, 2013 9:05:15 GMT
Nice one, Learner. Glad to find you are getting there after the long bleak winter. Never worry about the length of your posts - may have noticed I tend to prattle on at times, but hey, nothing worse than only half the story. But in the beginning (a long time ago) we started with four, yes, 4, budgies, but somehow these have morphed into six (6) ?? No cutting corners in the story. I'll be the petulant toddler who knows the story word for word and won't let you cut it short! No matter how much of a hurry you may be in. Love the garden, love what you are doing with your parents. Big thumbs up from me. PS Pity about the hydrangea ........ did you give him a slap??? 4 budgies = 6
Simple really. I chose 4 new budgies (actualy just 2 but my son chose another 2 for me making 4). These were paid for and left with the breeder while I belted home to find a suitable cage for them. (Talk about doing things the wrong way round).
Before we left I spotted some bubbies still with their parents - they were gorgeous blues. There were so many I wanted them all!!!
By the time the indoor "aviary" had arrived and we had arranged to return to collect the 4 budgies I had already phoned to reserve the blue bubbies so, eventually, the 4 became 6. It could so easily have been more!!!
Hydgrangea = would have kept if we could but its roots were firmly imbedded under the paving and it was a very old woody plant. Sad as it was a nice size plant but they tend to grow reasonably easily here. Three replacements bought for £4 each seemed a reasonable trade off for space for the new aviary.
(Son = rarely needs a "slap" these days.... seems to have turned out alright in the end.... thank heavens!!
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Post by Hezz on May 17, 2013 1:17:18 GMT
LOL Regardless of age all offspring require a slap now and then if only to remind them ....... You just have to pick your moments and make sure they don't think you need one back!!! (Only a little slap, mind.) Hydrangea - oh well, easy come, easy go ....... sounds like it did with a little help from your friend. And baby budgies can be so sweet, who could resist a couple of beautiful blues? ? Not Learner, obviously!
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Post by Learner on May 17, 2013 19:48:02 GMT
Today has been a busy day...
The potting shed is no more... it's gradually taking on the appearance of an aviary thanks to my big lad. He has let Dad (me) help now and then and not raised his eye-brows once. In return I've made coffee and kept my father happy (not too hot or too cold) and he has sat in the conservatory supervising.
Once I've completed my last shift for the day I hope to be wide away enough to show the next phase of Potting Shed to Aviary... it's really quite exciting!!
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Post by mizloco on May 17, 2013 19:58:51 GMT
It's a family affair for sure
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