Level playing field, smoke tree, toad

"On a level playing field it is easier to move the goal posts." From the sayings of Joe Plutarch.

There is a shrub in two neighbouring gardens, which has dark copper, almost purple foliage. and feathery flower or fruit stalks which seem to hover over it like little clouds. It is called, as I discover to day, Cotinus or smoke tree.

On my way back from the vegetable garden I meet a toad on the terrace. It sits dead still and I think at first it is a garden ornament. I look at it and speak to it gently but it ignores me completely.