Update for April 2011

Well Hello, now that i have ported all the archive pics over to Flickr I eventually can get on with the backlog of updates for this years happenings.

At 17>19 the Honesty that now self sustains either side of the steps in is out and providing some early food for the beneficial insects




As are the Dandelions, these I leave for the flowers to be enjoyed but then dig out to provide greens for the hens and limit the proliferation.




This month one of the girls, a while Silkie, hatched us a brood of six chicks. Hard to tell at the moment but it looks like most are Silkie X Marans and only one cockerel.



Meanwhile, and taking advantage of 17>19 being up to speed the clearance and fencing work over at the "Lost Plot" is progressing.




Probably the most exciting development this month is that i have started a 10 week beekeeping course.  We have been hands on from the off and i am really enjoying it. No stings so far.

Update for May 2010

May, by the time my tulips are out I know I should have finished turning the plot over and the sowing and planting will be well under way.

This small patch of Honesty has been here three years now and appears to be seeding itself nicely. I have seen some of the early cabbage whites feeding on it, they seem to be oblivious to my brassica seedlings so this seems to be working as an insect atractant and sacraficial crop.

Also in full flower, and now I know spring is here , are my apple espaliers of "Greensleeves",

Lunaria

I have planted a clump of this so I can sit on the allotment steps with the sun setting behind it and the Chinese lanterns.
Being a biennial I have sown them here for two years and it looks like they should now self sustain. Unless of course the Cabbage White caterpillars do for em! I was surprised to find them on there but at least it may save some of me brassicas.