The Stumpery & The Branch Arch Portal c.2026
The enchanting passage to ‘The Little Ponds’ is a bit ‘hobbity looking’ and popped out of Mrs WH’s head without her even realising it. Thus, it had to be erected and this was done mainly by her husband along with his drill and his drills’ bits. That said, she did assist a little, such as holding things steady, having previously gathered up all of the fallen branches. These made for perfect materials; each one carefully chosen for the ultimate rustic effect. She was often seen puffing and panting, lugging her finds behind her, like a disgruntled caveman dragging back his woman, fortunately that never really happened. Long ago, as a small child, I had believed that it must have happened because I had seen a picture or something on the television. So, where you might consider that particular simile a brutal one, my mind would see a lot of sore skin and a weeping bald patch. I feel sorry for those that had to endure that, I really do.
Back on topic, occasionally smaller branches were found such as those dogs would drop by stiles. Picked up and examined, they were often favoured because of the wood worm or spitted teeth marks, it didn’t matter because who wants just another boring branch when you can have one with such detail, one that tells a story or two?
“Arthur, do come away from the window dear, lunch is nearly ready. What are you looking at?”
“It’s that woman from up the road, she’s struggling back with another branch.”
“Ignore her dear, let her get on with it, everyone knows she’s a little odd. Did you want beetroot?”
“She’ll give herself a hernia if she’s not careful.”
We hope you like the images we share. We wanted to create something separate from the rest of the garden, somewhere left a little untamed, a place where the birds and wildlife continue as they always have done when they’re here, much contented.
Mrs WH