I decided to work on a small bit of shade garden after realizing that ferns and hostas had been busy colonizing in my absence. I set about weeding, rearranging and mulching.

Suddenly I was surprised by sudden movement near my foot. The many years of country living have perfected my response – scream first – and then identify the intruder.

This time it was only toad, usually the unseen gardening partner. I finished and left him to his work.

I walked away feeling rather bad about screaming, it seemed to make him a bit glum.