I’ve been slightly distracted by Facebook, after an invitation to a 30 year reunion which I couldn’t attend and joined in ‘virtually’ instead. On one hand, it’s much easier to quickly type in what you’re up to on FB. On the other hand 420 characters doesn’t give you much scope to expand, explain or add a bit of purple prose. I’ll stay on it, because it’s a great place to keep in touch. But this still feels like the place to really write about what’s happening. Anyway, here’s a speedy round up to bring you up to date.

HK, the 5 remaining chicks are doing fine. Of the original 21 eggs, the hen pushed out 8 leaving 13. 9 hatched out and 4 chicks died on the first day – they found their way out into the run and failed to find their way back before succumbing to the cold. We blocked up the chick hole until they were 10 days old, much to the bemusement of the hen who kept stepping over the threshold and pecking away at food, quite unable to figure out why the chicks didn’t follow. Chickens aren’t bright, are they?

I’m leaving the garden alone for a while to slide quietly into winter, though this long mild spell is keeping it going beautifully. The Asters and the exotic garden especially look very colourful and lush. I’m keeping an close eye on the forecasts: I’ll have to move fast to bring in the Colocasias and the Cyperus papyrus as they cannot stand any frost at all. Looks like next week could be cold.

The top priority at the moment is the nursery. Having run it for four seasons I know now what works and what doesn’t. So the whole place is getting rearranged and smartened up. The two big polytunnels have sparklingly clean new covers and mypex floors, the two old, small greenhouses have gone to new homes and the big one is being moved to the heart of the operation.

New main entrance gates were installed today, and a workstation area out on the nursery so that we can greet visitors and chat while we’re potting up. Wooden display benches are being installed to to raise most of the plants up to make it easier for customers to read labels and to help us keep it smart and clean. New paths are being run across the top of the polytunnels which are wide enough for trolleys. This will cut down some of the manual lifting. Next up is a new yard shed for the mower and garden tools, followed by a huge clear out in the potting shed. I do love a big sort out.

In the meantime we’re getting on with propagation, and I’m starting to plan this winter’s garden changes. The canal border will be dug out and replanted around a central summerhouse, and there are 2,000 bulbs to plant. All I need now is a winter we can work through…

October 15, 2010  
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