Ducks in the Garden.... or in the studio

DUCKS ...      We think there is something very special about the peace and happiness that comes from the presence of ducks roaming about the garden. It's lovely to find a quite minute to slow down and watch, as they amble between the plants chasing moths and grasshoppers, happily flattening newly planted flower seedings or lying in the parsley or hoping in and out of water bowls that should be for the dog. As soon as the fresh water is in the dish so are they - Oh they make such a mess, but what fun 

Our little Call ducklings joined us at the end of spring a few years ago, so small and dependant on us for warmth and food. Pale yellow, with tiny little beaks and small webbed feet, they were delightful. We kept them inside until they were big enough to explore outside. We kept them in the laundry with dry bedding and a heat lamp at night.

Over the coming months their little yellow life jackets transformed into pure white feathers and their confidence grew, they boldly ventured out onto the lawn under our careful watch. They were easily distracted by anything that moved. Bumbling and tumbling along tripping over there own feet , jumping at bugs and cuddling up with our border collie if he was stretched out on the grass for a rest  Of course we named each one of them and it did'nt take long before they knew to come running when we called and shook the bucket of food. They were still so small, I guess they would always going to be small because of their breed, but we were used to the tall elegant Indian runner ducks, these ducks were like the ones you had as a child in the bath tub, round and cute 

We watched them grow strong and have a active role in our garden, to help us improve the the health of our poor sandy soil with their droppings and we used the bedding straw around the fruit trees .

We wanted them to forage & free range for insects, and perhaps even provide us with eggs. But most of all to have a long and happy life.

Adventures become part of their daily routine as they are free to move between the garden. Needless to say mulching and planting now takes much longer than it used to. The ducks are never far from us or each other while we a working, every spade full of soil dug is closely inspected and discussed between the group, while we wait patiently for them to fossick and quack with happiness.

With a warm straw bed to return to at night they are locked in, safe and out of the wind and torrential summer rain.

We do a head count each night and shut them in for a good night sleep before letting them out again in the morning to return to the garden as the sun come up.

Garden Ducks x