Today the word that sums up the week that was is:
We only have a little one, with no lawn and lots of awkward angles. When we bought our house it was a mess of concrete, its potential limited by the hill that it’s built into, but we were willing to sacrifice anything more substantial for the fact that we’re so close to the sea. When I look outside now, although I’m actually quite proud with what we managed to do with it, I do wonder whether in our pre-child mindset we were underestimating the importance of space to run. Certainly if anything would make us consider moving again it would be that.
Fortunately Arthur’s not quite as picky as me. He loves our garden, and would spend every waking hour out there if he had his way. Over the winter it’s got progressively hazardous – rainwater filled pots, detritus from the work we had done on the roof, sludgy piles of rotting leaves, unruly brambles. But when the sun came out last weekend Leigh could hold himself back no longer and blitzed the worst of it. Arthur was delighted, determined to help as much as he could!
Once things were looking a little bit clearer we got the cushions out, and even managed the first barbecue of the season. The intimacy of the space is definitely going to present a challenge with that particular hazard, but Arthur seems to be learning the word (and concept) ‘hot’ – before long he was keeping his distance and blowing whilst waving his hand cautiously, an awareness which seems to have spread to the oven inside too.
We found time to enjoy the garden during the week too, chilling and exploring after lunch. As my eyes become accustomed to the space again I’m becoming increasingly aware of all the jobs that still need doing – cutting back and planting, particularly our little raised veg patch which was fantastic for salads last year. I’m really not all that green fingered. In fact looking after a garden would probably rank somewhere near the bottom of the skills I’ve acquired over the years. But I’m sure that even I can manage to get our little garden looking its best – especially with such an eager little helper by my side.
Sophie is... 
YOu had a nice place in there and your little boy looks so happy to walk in there too! He is such a burst of energy even in photos =) #wotw
He was having a brilliant time – he’s been so hyper this week I’ve had trouble keeping up with him!
I think this looks like a great space to put your mark on x
It is a lovely space – I just need to get myself organised to plant it up… x
I think it looks like plenty of outdoor space to enjoy as a family, especially if you’re not over-keen on gardening. It looks like a lovely little sun trap, and yes, I think you’ve a little helper ready and eager there! Thanks for sharing with #WotW x
It’s the perfect space for me and Leigh – I’m just worried Arthur will outgrow it! But we can certainly enjoy it for now, and it does get lots of sun (when it stops raining of course…) x
looks like you’ve had fun and a cute lil helper too! beautiful pics too #WotW
I couldn’t ask for a more adorable helper that’s for sure!
Its nice to have a big garden, but I also love little intimate courtyard gardens too and they can be made to feel really special with a few features – maybe a little water feature, etc.? #wotw
I do like how intimate it is, and it’s certainly easier to look after! I might look into water features…
Our current garden isn’t the best for the kids, but it is at least an outside space for them, and they would spend all day out there! It looks like Arthur is enjoying getting out and helping 🙂
Yep, I need to remember that to Arthur’s eyes it’s all still so exciting! And we have plenty of bigger spaces nearby for running around 🙂
you can see the potential, it loos like a right little sun trap. Can believe you managed to get a picture of the Mr. in a flowery pinny, my hubbie would kill me for that! 😀
I think Leigh’s secretly quite fond of my flowery pinny… Mind you I’m not sure he’s noticed that the pic’s on the blog yet!