The buff orpington hen who  is raising 6 Indian runner and 3 call ducks is still enjoying being a Mum to what has become a very wet and noisy rabble. She walks around clucking protectively and encouragely when they are out in the poultry enclosure and still goes to bed with them at night although I have observed that they are no longer sleeping under her, but all a safe distance apart now – amazing the maternal instincts of the buff orpingtons who obviously do not mind what eggs they hatch (last year we tried turkey eggs under them and they hatched 2 out of the 4)

Also this morning we noticed that a call duck had hatched 2 ducklings – the first time ever that we have ever had one go broody and successfully hatch  eggs, which is why we always put duck eggs under the buff orpingtons rather than expect the ducks to consider raising their own – too busy splashing in water normally!

May and June – probably when our herbaceous borders  are at their finest and the beautiful old fashioned scented climbing rose outside Ring and Thimble which is older than ourselves is looking simply glorious! The cottages have a jug of its fesh blooms indoors and we have the pleasure of seeing it and enjoying its wonderful perfume from outside.

I wish I knew its name……

How ironic that yesterday, when the Gold medals were being handed out at Chelsea Flower Show,  we learnt that we had been again awarded a Five star Gold award after our annual rigorous inspection by Visit Britain for our self catering cottages.

Five star Gold award is the highest in the grading system and we achieved an overall mark of 97% – we are quite delighted! To achieve Gold the overall percentage needs to be between 87% and 100% –  so we are very content!