Monday 4 April 2011

Deheading daffodils

sunset1

I have a sneaking suspicion that most of my regular readers also stop by on my flickr stream from time to time but I didn't think anyone should miss this spectacular sunset from a few evenings ago. I promise not to become a sunset bore but actually the west is the only horizon around the place that isn't artificially raised by the height of the beech trees in the forest so it's natural to concentrate in that direction a bit.

In the last couple of days I've dug by hand (with a spade, natch!) about a third of the back garden bed. The soil is in wonderful friable condition and full of worms. I'm trying to train myself to bang the spadefuls of soil with the back of the blade to break them up, since it's probably easier for a worm to recover from a bang on the head than from being decapitated. Despite what you might have learnt at school most worms do die if they're cut in half. The tails never regenerate and the heads will only survive if enough of their vital internals remain attached. So that's something else to feel guilty about. Still there are plenty there and with the cats despatching moles whenever they can I feel there's a bit of symbiosis in our mutual relationships.

Planted today three more rows of potatoes, this time some more BF15, the Myatt's Ashleaf and some of the International Kidney. I have eight more rows to do but the weather is set fair for the week so that should be possible. Then I went to weed the asparagus patch and I'm pleased to report several more plants than I thought have survived the winter so there are about 16 in total. Not all very vigorous but at least they're there and if given enough tender loving care should continue to build up strength until we can harvest them.

The peas and beans are just showing above soil but none of the pumpkins have germinated yet. More swallows have arrived and two at least seem to be nesting in the old bakehouse.

Toad Hall is gaining in magnificence. I'll keep adding stones to the stately pile as it will help keep the occupant cool in the summer sun. Trouble is, I'm not sure if anyone's moved in yet.

toad hall

1 comment:

Rose said...

That sunset is stunning! What a privilege to witness that in person.

Good plan with the wormies...I always feel terrible if any little guys get hurt while I'm in the garden.

And is that a toad house? Toad Hall: I love it! Wind in the Willows is one of my favorite books of all time...maybe you'll need to put a little model motor car next to the entrance to entice Mr Toad. :D