The point of Pampas Grass.
It comes from South America and sits like a great big pile of spikey nonsense. It takes up too much space and nothing else grows nearby. But in November it is worth it for these plumes.
It is known as a symbol of Autumn Joy and Hedgehog Protection.*
Hedgehog Protection
In November hedgehogs seek places to hibernate while we are trimming hedges, clipping lawns and tidying away all possible cover. Enter Google with How to Build a Hedgehog House. A hedgehog that survives winter, is one more hog in this world so I made this.
And then I noticed the tunnels into the pampas grass, the ones where the chickens go to hide their eggs. These tunnels are just the right size for hedgehogs.
Research reveals that a pampas is the equivalent of a hedgehog housing estate. There could be several dozen hedgehogs sleeping in there. Snoring even. They are known to snore quite loudly. Maybe they will shatter the lockdown silence when they get going. Nobody moved into my brick house, but hopefully the pampas is full.
Autumn Joy
Autumn begins with bravely admiring the golden leaves, and crispy sunshine, but grey days lurk like Grokes. Beware feeling guilty about not being happy, as it takes up all your time, and then it gets dark. Take a leaf out of the Pampas grass and notice pleasing events. It helps not to be fussy about the level of joy you get from them. Any old joy will do. I found a few.
A good book
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Essential reading if you have a nagging feeling that life would have been better if only you had done it differently.
Bad reality TV
I recommend ‘Cruise Ship Disaster’. Watch that for the joy of knowing that you are not tossing about in the North Sea on the end of a winch. ‘Heathrow, Britain’s Busiest Airport’ also works, if you don’t like queues.
Not getting stung
By a Portuguese Man of War
Kind burglars
The dead washing machine has been waiting for a lift to the tip since September. This week it disappeared!
A quote
Moments of joy are slippery things. Here is a nice quote to hang on to if they elude you.
In the dark times
Will there also be singing?
Yes, there will be singing.
About the dark times.
– Bertolt Brecht, The Svenborg Poems
Maybe one day we will sing about Cummings and his cardboard box.
*That was a lie about the symbolism of pampas grass. Completely made up.
Another glorious read Blossom! I do love pampas grass, and will now forever think of it with snoring hedgehogs tucked in beneath!
always brings Joy into my life and laughter X
Love the ‘made up’ pampas grass fact!!! I always thought they were planted on the front lawns of 1970’s ‘swingers’ as a…. sign…. that is also very probably a ‘made up’ fact!
I am late to your blog but loved reading this about Autumn
Facts,fibs and all
Very inspiring
Thank you