The little toad eyed me warily as I worked. The spade had sliced the tranquility of its home, and it feared for the worst. Apologizing to the toad, I continued digging up roots from the Forsythia we cut down in August. Digging roots and disturbing toads wasn't part of the plan for today.
It started with my attention being drawn to a Calycanthus floridus 'Athens' sucker that was encroaching on the Aquilegias. The cloudy, cool weather was perfect for liberating that sucker from the mothership and replanting it elsewhere. When the new shrublet was pulled from the earth, a large clump of congested Narcissus 'Ice Follies' came with it. The daffodils needed to be divided anyway, so instead of just replanting them, I decided to add some to the area across from their current location, the former home of the recently removed forsythia.
After nestling the Calycanthus shrublet in its new home, I began to trowel holes for the daffodils. It quickly became apparent that the forsythia was not dead yet, and root removal was necessary before the bulbs could be installed. The job called for major spade work. The toad understood none of this.
14 comments:
I'm so sorry about your injury - wishing you speedy healing! Glad I'm not the only one apologizing to critters inadvertently disturbed. The worst is the worms sliced in two - too late by half :)
Oh he is wonderful, MMD! I love the look he is giving the camera lens. Bless his heart. You did the right thing, the bulbs can wait. :-)
Frances
I have a hate/like relationship with forsythia! A bit of spring color is not enough to turn over the garden to its marauding ways! Mr. Toad is wonderful and will surely move back in and remodel his home. gail
Don't you just love happening upon toads? They are so ugly, they are almost cute! I took one for a ride in my trunk last week and tried to pawn him off on Pam when I was giving her some passalong plants!
MMD, you need a mattock, not a spade, for that kind of root grubbing. And a hired strong back to do the mattocking. Or how about a reciprocating saw?
He is definitely 'standing his ground' and with an attitude. These heavy chores often need to be done in stages don't they? Rest easy. It will be there when the toad moves on.
It is just a day in the garden to us, but serious business to the toad. Nice post.
That guy was expertly camouflaged!
A very handsome toad, indeed. I think he's a prince!
What a nice person you are. I am sure Mr Toad was pleased with your remodeling his area. Nothing like a clean sweep to get the house rearranged.
I had to look hard to see your toad, he's well camouflaged. Toad in the garden is always a great sign.
A very patient being there!
Esther
Ah, you're such a kind soul, MMD. Looks like Mr. Toad didn't appreciate the remodeling of his home. The bulbs can wait...
Now I'm a little worried--I just bought my first forsythia to plant--am I going to regret it?? It's supposed to be a dwarf variety, however.
Kathy - I need a mattock, I have the muscle.
Rose - Don't worry about the Forsythia. I have another one that is okay. This one was old, overgrown and had been so when I bought the house.
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