We have spent a quiet, but satisfying day, working on small projects around the place. The unusually mild weather has drawn George and I out into the vegetable garden, and the wood. The list of jobs to be done is as long as our legs. They could overwhelm, so we must break them down into manageable pieces!
We visited dear Arnold, gave him some time, some attention, a couple of treats. The treat is all ours, he gives so much love back to us - and to Toby. The first time we took Toby along he was fine, until Arnold bent his neck over the fence and 'said Hello' - he nearly wet himself!
Now that he is used to Arnold - and Arnold is huge, compared to Toby, he responded in kind and greeted Arnold back. A small moment. A simple thing. A magical moment for George and I as two of our favourite critters communicated. I was too busy enjoying the moment to photograph it, sorry.
George has already planted lots of seeds and has them dotted around the greenhouse and the conservatory. The seedlings are thriving, but need careful attention for a few more weeks yet.
I have been busy digging the first of the many vegetable beds, it is wonderful to see how much the soil has improved. George 's first batch of home-made compost was put to good use this week - to say that I was impressed is putting it mildly. It looks wonderful - just like the kind you buy, only even better because it was made from garden and kitchen waste.
The Spring flowers are starting to appear everywhere, even peeping out from large stones.
Beautiful colours, lovely forms.
We need to continue collecting the fallen branches from the wood, chopping, sawing, storing and drying the wood for the coming years. We also need to get to work and prepare the site for the polytunnel. We have decided where to place it, now the ground has to be cleared and prepared, part of a blackthorn hedge must be removed and the base constructed.
We have cleared the space to construct two more raised vegetable beds, now we need time to do the construction, etc.
I need another soothing turn around the gardens!
Flowers of spring! I can see it must be just around the corner, although it's snowing here.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne, I hope you get a break from the snow soon. A little promise of spring really does lift the spirits - and reveal where the spring cleaning needs to be done - I'm trying to resist that by only wearing specs if I am reading!
DeleteBeautiful photos. Homemade compost - mother nature at her best. It always amazes me that you put in dead and rotting vegetation, cardboard and egg shells and out comes beautiful, crumbly compost which smells fantastic. Magic.
ReplyDeleteHi Scarlet, That compost is a joy - all those unpromising bits went in, George did some turning, and muttered magic mumbo-jumbo and hey presto! Beautiful compost. Magic of the best kind. I have high hopes for some amazing vegetables. Fingers crossed.
DeleteHooray, another person who gets excited by compost!
ReplyDeleteWe are still blanketed by snow,hubby is bringing in logs ,two cats are curled up with me...but I'm itching to get going with all the spring chores.
Jane x
Hi Jane, I hope your snow soon goes and that you get some signs of Spring. I adore going into hibernation mode for the winter - but now I am really ready to dig for victory and turn those vegetable beds over. The compost is wonderful stuff, although I suppose the proof of that will be in the harvest.
Deletewhat is that first flower
ReplyDeleteits a cracker
Hi John, Isn't it a beauty! I spotted a clump of it on the side of a ditch - all the other clumps were regular snowdrops. I think it is some fancy form of snowdrop, although I can't tell you which one. I had a trawl through various varieties, but couldn't spot one which tied up with it. I'll let you know if I track it down.
DeleteHi Elaine...we both posted late today. I ran my errands this morning and now I'm preparing to go outside and work until dark. I see you had the same kind of day. I agree with too many projects. Sometimes, I also get overwhemed in thinking about everything that must be done. I still work a 40 hour week in the city. It's very difficult to take care of seed sprouts because I'm not at the farm 24/7. But I manage. What is the flower in the first photo? Also, what do you use the polytunnel for? Sorry, so many questions....
ReplyDeleteHi Meggie, I hope your work has gone well - we had a little helper with us for most of the afternoon, which was lovely but did slow us down a little!
DeleteI don't know where you get your energy from with working in the city and the travelling, plus all the work at the farm. I guess it all keeps you fit and young.
The flower is a variety of snowdrop - I spotted it growing in the side of a ditch running along the road. I had to take it photo because I thought it was so lovely. The polytunnel is being used to extend the growing season - ideally we would have another greenhouse, but the spot we have earmarked could accommodate a 10'x 30' structure and the polytunnel is a less expensive option. We are hoping to get some reclaimed bricks from a local farmer as he is knocking down an old barn and they will form the base.
Hi Elaine,
ReplyDeleteLovely close ups of those flowers-beautiful!
Hi Green Dragonette, Thank you, I am still having lots of fun playing with Jonny's old camera. I have learned how to change over to the macro lens and perhaps one of these days I'll learn what to do with all the dials and levers!!
DeleteHi Elaine-yes I’ve only just discovered the macro setting-and that was only because a friend pointed it out-but as for those other dials and leavers-very scary!!
DeleteLove your flower pictures
ReplyDeleteHi Molly, Aren't the spring flowers a delight to see? I know we haven't really had a bad winter here, but nevertheless we all need some brightness and colour - well, I do anyway!
Deletehasn't the weather just been divine?... yesterday was so lovely, i've been doing a lot of walking (and singing) so you may have seen and heard me passing!
ReplyDeleteHi Dom, I rather like the idea of you rambling around and singing - just one question, was that after a visit to The Tavern? xx
DeleteLovely to see the spring flowers. We just had a snowstorm! But that's OK, spring will come all in good time. It's interesting to see how our pets (and animal friends) get to know each other, isn't it? Looking forward to seeing what you and George get growing in your gardens.
ReplyDeleteIt is so exciting to see the year progress through the plants in the garden. We have worked hard on improving the soil in the vegetable garden so let's hope we see some improvement in the harvest.
DeleteYou definitely got our attention with that snowdrop photo. It is gorgeous and I, too, would like to know the name of it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your visits with Arnold. He looks like he is a dear.
Hoping for more pics of your garden as spring arrives.
Hi SAS, That snowdrop is so beautiful, unfortunately it doesn't grow in our garden, it is growing in a ditch alongside a road. One lone clump among the more usual snowdrops.
DeleteIt would be difficult for you to not like Arnold, he is old and gentle, but still has a sense of playfulness. He certainly brightens our busy days and I hope we help to cheer him.
Oops. Sorry, I was posted as 'unknown'. I felt that was a little rude.
ReplyDelete