Bulb planting, big red dogs and lots of rain

The rainfall here has reached Biblical levels recently.  There are only so many times you can say 'well, it's good for the garden' before you run the risk of death by cliche.  However, after getting myself ready to send out a white dove in search of dry ground, the rain ceased yesterday and there was even a cameo appearance by the sun.

This gave me the chance to finish spreading the three cubic metres of compost I had fetched in during the previous deluge (yes, I know, the glamour never ends) but I was also keen the children should experience a bit of the outdoors without actually running the risk of being swept away on a tidal wave.

This was easier said than done.  The TV was on.  It was Clifford the Big Red Dog - not surprisingly, a show about a big red dog called Clifford - kind of the Ronseal of children's TV programmes.  Although one of the most dreadful shows ever commissioned with a theme tune so banal it makes me want to scream, it apparently held more appeal than the garden.

So I went to the shed and found a pot of bulbs.  Taking it over to the playroom doors I shook it to gain their attention and in the manner of the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bank Bang called out "you can plant bulbs if you like".

To my slight surprise, they not only emerged within minutes, wellie-clad and eager, but they then proceeded to spend the next hour happily planting in their gardens.  I think the added interest was partly the randomness of the bulb collection as the pot was filled with those turned up during some summer clearance digging in the garden. 

At first they were running up to me and asking which flowers each bulb would grown into, but I was particularly impressed that quite quickly they were able to identify them without help. They recognised daffodils (stripy jackets), tulips (smooth, dark jackets) and even alliums (the ones that looked like Harry Hill).

Best of all, it was an hour spent without the help of Mister Maker, Finlay the Fire Engine, Nina and her Neurons or even oversized, red mutts.  Then, of course, it started raining...

Still it's good for the garden.

Comments

[TheMadHouse]

Thanks for the reminder, we have bulbs to plant too when it dried off a little bit. I also have to agree my two would rather be outside than with Cbeebies. Although they always want to be out after dirtgirl world, so why oh why is it on it the dark

[Karen - An Artist's Garden]

I think you may have ruined alliums for me for ever - which is OK apart from the fact I planted 100's of them this year - so now in summer I will be reminded of you and your children
:)
K

[Jo]

I haven't had chance to get my bulbs planted yet, so you're way ahead of me.

[Dawn/LittleGreenFingers]

TMH - totally agree on DirtGirlWorld - what are the schedulers up to?

Karen - So sorry. I actually thought their resemblance to Mr Hill would increase their appeal!

Jo - To be 100% truthful, my kids are ahead of you and me - my bulbs are still sitting in their box. Am hoping to get them in this weekend.