It been very busy weekend what with trying to finish my shed off at home, collect manure and plant seeds. I only got a few hours to play with my shed so only managed to complete the framing, fix the joists and cut the plywood for the roof. H had organised that we meet we some friend to have a look at the Snow drops in Dimmingdale Woods [An NT reserve near Ashby]. It was grey and bitterly cold as we walked from there house the couple of miles to the reserve. The snow drops were just out and made large white carpets under the barren trees. I wish I had my hip flask with me. Alan did not have his either. As the sun started to dip so too did the temperature which wasn't more than few degrees to begin with but we were all wrapped up warm. Back at Alan's supper was robust affair with Pea and Mint soup, Shepherd's Pie and veg and Triffle for afters. All wash down we a couple of glasses of Red wine. Then we repaired to the lounge to sit in front of the log fire. All very civilised and probably the best thing to be doing on a grim, cold February day. Alan and I discussed the chances of rain that night. Alan's sagely mate said it would and he was always right.
Sunday was as grim as the day before except it had been drizzling all night so my timber work was wet. But I could not do anything about it as I had an appointment with Rob and his manure pile. I got to his place must as he finished loading the trailer which was excellent timing on several fronts. Rob had a bit of time on his hands so the first drop went on the end of my plot and the second load on Steve's plot. Rob was then off to negotiate for a rotivator. His manure bin is nearly empty so that's about it for this year. The muck has been maturing for more than a year so is sweet smalling and light to shovel about. I had about six ton off him last year which made the soil really rich, improved the texture and body of the earth. Everything grew well, especially the potatoes and the weeds. I just need some time to dig in this year's two ton!
The folks at victoriana.wssent me confirmation of my order of willow to make a new screening hedge. It was a very quick response and if they deliver as they have promised, very quick too. I have picked up two Hazel and two Paul Scarlet Hawthorns for the back garden as well so I need to get the borders where they are to be planted are to go cleared. I found some time to plant my Garlic. The cloves are just being to sprout.
Despite the drizzle I had to get a waterproof cover on the shed roof. I am have roof garden, that means the roof is flat so need a water proof membrane to do more than keep water out.. The black plastic I had for the job turned out to be full of holes. I put it on the the time being to keep the worst of the rain out of the timber. I have to get proper sheeting tomorrow and fit it before we have much more rain.
Having dried off and and had lunch and with the drizzle still set in I found the time for the Garlic.
It nice to spend 30 minutes in the greenhouse potting Garlic cloves. Even though the greenhouse is unheated it is in sheltered spot and was several degrees warmer than outside...Which is nice. Note to self , must find time to plant Cauli, Cabbage, Lettuce and Broad Beans. I think I will start a few Peppers to see if they will go.
I have decided that I will germinate all my seeds at home before setting them out at the Lottie. It should make for sturdy plants and stop the slugs mowing them down as soon as they stick their heads up.
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