Migrating birds reported to be 3 weeks late in arriving. It is still chilly and some frost around in early morning. But NO MOW MAY is here. It rained today which was unusual, and looks like being mainly dry for the rest of the month although occasional showers – brilliant typical British weather forecast! Warmer than average seems to be colder than the average I remember!
MINT
I think all 23 mint varieties have survived the winter and I am going to start drying them and the thyme and sage varieties, and lemon verbena, lemon balm.
Also planing for pickles, relishes, chutneys, ketchups and sauces using tomatoes and the herbs in the garden.
$270 BILLION
If you were the richest person on Earth. with access to $270 billion – what would you do? Surely every normal human being would want to do something to combat hunger, poverty and pain. Or improve the environment and the lives of all.
My analysis seems to suggest that all billionaires are horrible, selfish, (I am desperately trying to avoid the worst swear words I can think of).
I will concede that Tesla cars maybe good for the environment – and his development of batteries, etc. – but if he believes that buying Twitter is “Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated,” – this needs to be debated!
Using google to place $270 billion it puts his personal wealth between. Chile and Finland, and bigger than Portugal, Greece, New Zealand, Kenya and …. this is ridiculous.
DEATH IN THE GARDEN
A sparrow hawk landed on a plant pot by the kitchen window with a dead blackbird and then spent a good 5 minutes plucking and nibbling.
ENVIRONMENT NEEDS HELP NOW
Once again the government has no plan other than Sleaze-Dogg ripping up protective legislation. Energy costs to carry on rising and the war in Ukraine is blamed. It is government policy that is to blame. France caps energy rises at 4%, Italy offers. 110% grants for improving home energy efficiency. Government boasts of £20 million ring fenced grant for tidal power research where we are world leaders (from a tiny base!).
Put speed limits on motorways and enforce them. Subsidise energy efficiency. Allow onshore wind farms. Support organic farms. Stop allowing housing projects where car use is essential due to location away from shops and facilities.
EVERY INDICATOR POINTS TO DISASTER. But the government does nothing.
ORGANIC GROWBAGS FOR TOMATO PLANTS
Nice one Banwell Garden Centre.
GREENHOUSE
It is quite cold at night still so most plants taking their time – but that’s ok! Tomato plants planted first doing well – time to transplant in a couple of days – but I need to create some space by giving stuff away! I have also transplanted some of the wild flower seeds into the front. Sweet basil on kitchen window sill with a tomato (if I clip it it should stay smallish), greek basil not showing yet. Dill growing well as are marigolds, mustard and Californian poppies.
BOOKS
Books I recommend. The Anarchy – William Dalrymple; The Book of Trespass – Nick Hayes; Our Climate Our Future – Jonny Friend; and for light entertainment Debbie Johnson -Cold Comfort Cafe. I make no apologies for wanting a gentle read with a bit of humour and a happy ending.
SHIT
Raw sewage pumped into rivers 372533 times last year. Our wonderful government and the privatised companies which have dished out millions of £ to shareholders, have agreed to cut these discharges by 40% by 2040. Honestly this is not a typo, and the government say it is a step change! So in 18 years time there will only be 223520 discharges of raw shit into our rivers. What a fragrant government we have!
WATER
Water companies dumped sewage into our rivers and coast 372,533 times last year! How shitty is that?