A Day in the Garden with the Robins

I hadn't been working long before I realized I had company. He arrived with that distinctive, confident tick-tick-tick from the hedgerow—a Robin, puffed up against the cold, watching me with a bead-black eye.

The Robin and the Driveway

The air was crisp and the sun was shining, making it the perfect day to spend some time in the garden. I started my morning by clearing away any fallen leaves and debris that had accumulated over the past few days. Then, I pruned back some of the overgrown shrubs and deadheaded any spent blooms.

A Companion in the Ivy

Robins are keeping me company today...🐦

There is a particular rhythm to working outdoors in December. The light is softer, the air bites a little, and the garden is quieter—stripped back to its bones. It was in this quiet that I found myself this week, tackling a driveway that had succumbed to the Devon damp.

We talk a lot about curb appeal and safety on our Driveways page, and for good reason. At this time of year, neglect turns hard surfaces into ice rinks. This week's job was a classic restoration: lifting the heavy, rain-sodden mats of moss from the block paving and washing away the slick film of algae that builds up under the trees.

Robins are well-known for their friendly and curious nature, making them frequent and cherished visitors in gardens and outdoor spaces.

People often find that robins are drawn to their presence for a few reasons:

A Gardener's Friend Robins have learned that human activity, especially digging, unearths worms and insects, providing easy meals. They will often hop nearby, waiting for the opportunity to snatch up a treat.

Territorial Nature Despite their sweet appearance, robins are very territorial. They become accustomed to their specific patch and the people within it, seeing them as part of their environment rather than a threat.

Symbolism and Folklore The robin is a powerful symbol in British folklore, often associated with loved ones who have passed away, bringing comfort and a sense of connection. The popular saying goes, "When robins appear, loved ones are near". Others view them as symbols of hope, new beginnings, and good luck.

It is satisfying, solitary work. Or at least, it usually is.

They say Robins are the gardener's friend, but I think they are more like the gardener's foreman. This one certainly was. As I scraped the moss from the joints, exposing the earth beneath, he didn't just wait his turn; he practically joined in.

perched boldly on the handle of my fork

Shared Work There is something genuinely cheering about a Robin's company on a grey day. They are brave, opportunistic little souls. While I was focused on the "human" concerns—preventing slips, restoring the colour of the stone, tidying the edges—he was reminding me that even a dirty driveway is an ecosystem. The moss I was removing was his larder.

We worked in tandem all afternoon. I cleared the ground, he cleared the grubs.

By the time the light began to fade, the driveway was transformed—safe, clean, and welcoming. The Robin, having had his fill, retreated back into the warmth of the ivy. It was a good day's work for both of us.

A Day in the Garden with the Robins

I hadn't been working long before I realized I had company. He arrived with that distinctive, confident tick-tick-tick from the hedgerow—a Robin, puffed up against the cold, watching me with a bead-black eye.

Robins are keeping me company today...🐦

Winter Care for Your Driveway If your own driveway is looking a little wild or feeling slippery underfoot, we can help restore it. We offer full services to keep your paths safe and sharp. I can't promise you'll get a robin supervisor as cute as mine, but we promise the same attention to detail.

Driveway Services: ✅ Algae & Moss Removal ✅ Permeable Paving & Drainage ✅ Rewilding Borders

Get your entrance ready for winter guests. Check out our Driveways page: 🔗 www.totnesgardening.co.uk/driveways