Tag Archives: Shetland

Da Gairdins Visit

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I spent a lovely, if blowy, morning at Da Gairdins in Sand, 4 miles north of Skeld. A 60 acre site of woodland and gardens open all year round for everyone to visit.

And I had never been before (I have no idea why but I haven’t).

So, apologies for the photo drop but I had the best morning walking around with our visitors enjoying everything.  I only managed the first garden – there are three different areas to discover.

From Lonely Planet – “Four miles north of Skeld, a side road leads to Sand, where you’ll find Da Gairdins i Sand, a brave attempt to create a colourful woodland garden amid the bleak moors of western Shetland. Various environments, including grassland, wildflower meadows, rhododendron walks and wildlife ponds, have been created in the lee of conifer shelter belts. Pick up a leaflet at the entrance for a description of the various walks.”

Well, all I can say is that it was a lot more than “a brave attempt”.  This patronizing review was written by someone who obviously has never actually tried to cultivate, let alone grow, a brussel sprout in Shetland.  This is a true labour of love.

The Shetland weather is unhelpful in the extreme and the love and hard work put into achieving this truly awesome environment is evident at every turn of the peaceful trails.

So here are my photos of the first “gairdin”.

I must go back and explore the other two.  And I know I say this and never go back, but I will. I am determined to explore.  I had the best morning.

From Da Gairdins’ website – “Come and enjoy a variety of garden walks, discover thousands of trees and plants and appreciate open views across the sea. Watch the wildlife in three large ponds teaming with frogs. Take pleasure eating outdoors at one of the many picnic areas. Stroll through woodland, Pampas plantations and Rhododendron beds. And much, much more! Dogs are welcome on a lead.”

                            

Greasy Forelocks and Manes

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When I was in the field this morning, I noticed that the old horses and ponies had greasy clumpy forelocks and thought to myself I must do something about this.  I’ll do it later – Mañana.

Later arrived and, after I had made my statutory hand-felted sheep, I was in desparate need for some fresh air so I went outside armed with my small bucket of grooming tools.  I knew I would probably be in for a long walk to find everyone but, as luck would have it, the horses and ponies had all come down to the paddock for water, or use of the little shed.

So I grabbed my chance.  Some took no time at all to brush out like ↓↓ Haakon ↓↓. I finished him in seconds.

Bibble (aka Iacs) needed a lot more attention.  His mane was forming clumps from old finer winter hair that had matted in and was turning into knots. I diligently brushed them all out and he was instantly transformed into a handsome beast.

Kolka was another who didn’t take long.

Mostly because she left and I hadn’t bothered to bring a headcollar so couldn’t catch her.

 

Still, I got them all done in that field.

Including Fivla and Vitamin who then took to their shed.  I might have a go at the other Shetland ponies.  They have the equine dentist (first check up ever) on Thursday so that might be a good time to do a spot of grooming as well.

Day Changes

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My usual Saturday has had to shift to Sunday, if that makes sense.

Packing vegetables for Transition Turrifield (that I used to do on a Thursday afternoon) is now weekly and on a Saturday morning. My Saturday afternoons used to be set aside for flute duets but I never knew when I would get home after Turriefield, so we changed it to Sunday instead.

It doesn’t really matter when I play the flute as long as it is convenient for the First Flute (I am Second because my top notes are a bit suss and I am too lazy to ever practice!)

Anyway, as today is Sunday, we got the silver flutes out to murder Mozart. We had our usual audience. Obviously Pepper was grounded because of her poorly paw so I gave her “Lamb Chop” to keep her company.

Monster just slouched about and left when it all got a bit much. He just gets in the way anyway.

And that is why my Saturday has become Sunday (and in my head it all makes perfect sense, even if you are left scratching your’s).

The Constant Juggling

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I know no one wants to hear this at the moment, but it was quite cold today in Shetland.

I was forced to wear my coat when I fed everyone.

And again later this afternoon, when I put the haynets out for the little ones.

My latest worry is that the Shetland ponies are secretly putting on weight, even though I feel sorry for them and don’t think they are getting enough to eat.

They get a small handful of beet in the mornings with their vitamins and then share two not-very-full haynets in the afternoon – so barely a mouthful of anything when you add it up.

I guess there must be something to eat on the track, though I can’t see it.

Interestingly, though, Newt doesn’t ever really want hay or it might be a case of no one will let him near the hay – this is his very cross face, by the way.

But he is really rotund vengeful hippo!  Honestly, I am trying, I really am but these ponies live off fresh air.

And the reason it is so cold, apparently and I’ve just read this, is that there is currently 30mph north wind blowing (Pepper and I are now lying under an electric blanket trying to warm up!)

Meanwhile everyone else is very warm.

The Look

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Most of the day I have been on the receiving end of “The Look”.

That’s the one – hard-done-by accompanied with resentment which then pairs nicely with holding the paw up and going along on three legs.

I missed Pepper’s little busybodyness while I gave everyone their breakfasts.  It felt a bit lonely on my own, if I’m honest.

Later on the morning, I put on her (borrowed) boot so she could go for a short three-legged walk on a lead. As I had things to do like clean the water troughs and refill them, I ended up tying her to the fence post so she could at least watch the world go by.

Pepper is learning that she can put her paw down but she is very hesitant to fully weight-bear. The boot is more for keeping her bandage clean.

Ted is being very smug about all of this…..

….. while Pepper is just fed up.

After tea and antibiotics, I decided Pepper would be much happier off the lead (she is not a fan) and I told her that I trusted her to stay around while I put out haynets and fed the ducks/hens.

This was a good decision.

Watching Pepper, I can see that when she is walking (which is rare), she goes on four legs. But if she runs, then it is three legs with hopping. She is not any slower for this and manages to get around.

And now I spend my day saying “no licking”.  Pepper is pretty good, once reminded.