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.
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.
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.
TORY EASTER MESSAGE
We are punishing the poor and the dispossessed – they should be grateful to suffer, especially at Easter. Please ignore the leader of the Church of England as he does not understand the fundamentals of region. Sleaze-Dogg reaching the bottom of the septic tank that represents this government.
LAWNAGEDDON
Flowers like dandelion being scythed and decapitated. Insects and bird suffer collateral damage. Put the mower in the bin, pour a glass of wine and listen to the buzz of the bees and the songs of the birds. So much pleasanter than the hum of the exterminator.
JUST SEEN A RED ADMIRAL IN THE GARDEN
Should I report this?
GARDEN
Weather looks like being changeable – which is ok. I might put my wild flower plugs out? Sunflowers are doing great in greenhouse and I will keep them there for another week before putting them out. But where? the ones last year did not do great by the kitchen window, maybe by the garage? Also time to fill empty pots with plants from the greenhouse, and to plant the odd veg seeds I have been given.
WEATHER
I was wondering what impact a cold spell would have on wildlife? It is not predicted to be frosty which is something, but early nesting birds/broods could suffer? Butterflies? Blossom is out on many trees but they will need the bees to fertilise, yesterday there were lots of insects around. My bird feeders have gone strangely quiet in the last 3 days or so. Have they found a better source?
Plenty of Brimstone Butterflies in last week