Year's end

Well, at the end of an eventful year; personally, domestically and nationally, it would be typical to try and reflect on what has been and what might be. I’m not going to try – the blog contains sufficient for the year; however, I found this text in my NIV bible (a version for men and containing helpful contributions from men) and thought it might be a useful reflection for anyone to ponder. Happy New Year!

The sooner a man becomes satisfied with what he has and stops comparing his financial scorecard and trophies with those of other men, the better he will feel about himself.

The apostle Paul states: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want” [Philippians 4:11-12].

Men who opt to be satisfied with what they possess will have more time and energy for the kinds of nurturing relationships that will meet their basic needs.

{Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop}

December starts

December is here, and I’ve still a few bits of work to continue with. Just waiting for the inevitable closing in of the weather to bring a halt to my customer’s work. I’m looking forward to some time off – although I have ‘penciled-in’ some home decorating activities during January.

I finished this week with the work at the NT at Snowshill too, so I have some ‘free’ time in the diary now. Perhaps I’ll get out on my own garden and allotment to catch up with the seasonal activities!

November was mostly work – so much so that I’ve realised just how tired I am. Normally I’ll take any / all work in my stride but one job last week consisted of breaking up pruning materials to bag up and after 45 minutes of this (there was a huge amount of material), lets say, exasperation kicked in.. Thought; that if only I had a gofer…, but then I’d have to increase my hourly rate…

We enjoyed a weekend away at Mission Worship at Eastbourne last weekend.

At Woodmancote Church, the leadership team have been working very hard this year on the process of finding a replacement pastor – as Keith ends his time with us on Christmas Day. The leadership team proposed to the congregation that Andrew Hiscock be the new pastor, and after a vote, this proposal was carried. It’ll be sad to see Keith and Ruth leave us, but we will be looking forward as a church to see God’s future work being carried out with Andrew as pastor.

The church has a number of activities happening over the Christmas period, details of which can be found at: www.freechurch.freeserve.co.uk

Drip drip drip little (October) ‘downpours’

Crikey ! What a day. Waterproof clothing tested to the limit – and still found wanting. Supplier informed…

Left the house 8.30am bound for Snowshill, it’s raining. Get to Snowshill – it’s raining. It’s raining all day, harder later in the morning, then again during the afternoon. Get home rather wet – just round the neck and tops of shoulders. And yes, it’s still raining. Worse day for wet weather all year – so can’t really complain.

Realising that my contract ends early December leaves just about 5 more weeks work with the NT. Time has really flown – but really enjoyable and pleased to have made so much difference in all 5 gardens I’m looking after.

Paid a visit to the allotment this week – all looking a little bedraggled, but made some good progress with an addition of a leaf ‘basket’. Decided to put in the effort to collect up as many leaves as possible this year to start making leaf mould. So if you have a source of fallen leaves that you’d want shot of, then let me know, as I might be able to ‘relieve you’ of your problem….

Heard on the radio today that Christmas is only 59 days away. Ummm.

It's been a while ..

It’s been a while since the last entry..

Not too much to blog this time, as I’ve just been so very busy every week – and the work continues (which is good). Also, most days presents different work and challenges which is also good as doing the same activity could get tedious and lead to some repetitive strain injuries. Some people have asked what I’m going to do in the winter.. gardening of course – weather permitting. The winter months actually lend themselves to doing garden border work, sorting out some shrubs and preparing borders for next year. Also, there is trellis, fencing etc maintenance and even the occasional lawn mow if needs be. Obviously I’m expecting things to quieten down, but I’m intending to concentrate on the gardening business first. There is loads of home (work) to do, such as decorating [3 rooms], patio fixing, garage sorting for starters.

The weather has been kind most days; though one day after 2.5 hours in the pouring rain even the waterproof jacket gave in. (note to self, must get a more suitable model..). It’s just getting a little cooler first thing in the mornings, but some times during the day, in a sheltered corner, the sunshine can still be very warm and pleasant. Trying to fend off my first cold of the year; typical sore throat, cough and start of a runny nose. Annoying..

Lynne and I spent most of today (24-Sep) at the Autumn Show at the Malvern 3 Counties Showground. A very enjoyable occasion, plenty to see, lots of interesting plants and a chance to ‘relax’ a bit.

Allotment wise, things are beginning to quieten down with outdoor tomatoes ripening and needing picking, and 20 or so winter squash to harvest and store. The plot(s) will need a bit of a dig over and tidy-up, and some overwintering onions will go in shortly. During the winter months there is plenty to do with fence repairs and securing the espalier apples supports.

That’s about it..

Experiment 2011 - update

Back in June I constructed a wind break on the allotment to protect my outdoor tomatoes and recorded the experiment.

Now, just over 2 months later I have some success to report. A few ripe toms have been harvested, but I get the distinct feeling a tomato overload is just over the horizon! Overall though, the protection seems to have been successful as the plants are free from blight and all are in pretty good condition with deep green foliage and no apparent signs of pest and/or disease.

Tomatoes - ripening

Dear Diary..

Been away on holiday to Guernsey in the Channel Islands for 10 days and normally on return forget some of the things we did, or places we visited. So this time I made some brief notes and took a few pictures in an effort to help remember a good time away.

Mon 8-Aug:

Arrived early afternoon. After booking into the Blue Horizon hotel, took a short cliff path stroll to Moulin Huet bay & tea for 2, + scone & jam.

Moulin Huet bay

Walked back to BH via the water lanes. Weather very blowy from North West, sea was quite active, but fine afternoon.

Tues 9-Aug:

Set out early – walk via the waterlanes and cliff path to Saints Bay. Stopped off enroute at Bon Port Hotel for morning coffee. Weather – bright, sunny and hot in sheltered spots – especially in Saints Bay.

Saints Bay

Briefly paddled, water temperature ‘fresh’! Both caught the sun, pink in places. Enjoyed first Guernsey ice-cream. Drove to St. Peter Port after dinner; strolled around harbour and Castle Cornet. Watched ferry arrive from Jersey.

Weds 10-Aug:

Drove to Port Soif Bay. Walked around Port Soif nature trail.

Coffees at the Port Soif kiosk. Walked across the bay, tide was out. Continued around Le Port Aux Malades & back to the car.

Drove on to L’Ancresse Bay; observed Pembroke Bay (sheltered from the strong N.West wind, but was very busy with families.

Returned to Le Grand Havre, Rousse headland and kiosk. Had lunch & read on beach. Moved on mid afternoon to Icart Point; pot of tea and cake, noting the increased small seating areas that have appeared since our last visit 2 years previously.

Icart Point kiosk gardens

Weather was very blowy, but clear and sunny. Drove past Sunnydene Hotel (where we took our honeymoon and another holiday years ago), on return to the Blue Horizon.

Thurs 11-Aug:

Visited Candie Gardens & museum during the morning. Enjoyed morning coffee/tea in the museum café. Walked around St Peter Port town centre, browsed some shops & had lunch at Creaseys store.

Visited Castle Cornet for most of the afternoon; v.good historical display of the Castle’s past. Also very good maritime museum with many ship models and paraphernalia. Took tea in C. Cornet café.

Weather – strong and cool NW wind with some sea mist. Fog horns sounding! Food at the Blue Horizon hotel continues good quality & varied choices – both probably putting on weight.

Fri 12-Aug:

Awoke to a damp & misty day. Overcast grey skies. Drove to St. Peter Port & the library. Lynne looking at local history resources; Nigel attempts restart reading of Mary Moody’s “Au Revoir” whilst battling with falling eye lids!

Coffees at Candie Gardens Museum Café.

Visited Saumarez Manor & Sculpture trail.

Returned to Blue Horizon hotel, walked to Calais area & down various cliff paths to Bec du Nez moorings – some new locations we’d not seen before.

Bec Du Nez

  

Sat 13-Aug:

Went to Le Friquet centre; undercover garden & home store. Morning coffee consumed. Damp and drizzle today (had been raining hard in the early morning).

Moved on to N.East; Bordeaux Harbour area. Walked to Vale Castle – took in the views; very clear skies to Herm, Jethou and Sark. Alderney clearly visible as was the French coastline.

Walked back across Bordeaux Harbour; low tide. Climbed various rocks and had lunch sat within them. Drove and parked at St. Sampson Harbour; took afternoon tea. Drove to St Peter Port to watch the boats; started to rain heavily so quit for the day – back to Blue Horizon.

Sun 14-Aug:

Slow start to the day today.

Very cloudy first thing with strong, cool westerly breeze.

Decided on coastal walk to Fermain Bay via Jerbourg point. Dropped in to the Jerbourg Hotel for morning coffee.

Continued after, taking in Divette (small bay / inlet exposed at low tide, close to Marble Bay).

Decided to take the lower sea (rock) way to Marble Bay – closest we’re likely to experience ‘coasteering’. Tricky descent from rocks to Marble Bay. Explored some of both hidden caves as tide was out.

Followed cliff path to Fermain Bay. Sun now out, mainly blue skies – excellent visibility to Herm and Sark.

Fermain Bay

Leisurely afternoon, reading, snoozing; bite to eat and tea for 2.

Fairly easy walk back to Blue Horizon via cliff path and Calais area.

After evening dinner, drove to Portelet Harbour & Bay, and Pleinmont Tower; watching and taking pictures of setting sun over the sea.

Mon 15-Aug:

Drove to and parked at Icart Point.

Walked via cliff path to Petit Bot Bay – quite challenging with steep steps, both up & down en-route.

Cliff path steps - steep!

Tide on way out reveals ladder at Le Jaonnet Bay – Lynne declines the opportunity to explore!

If you look closely, you can follow the steps down and find the ladder to the beach:

Jaonet Bay with steps and ladder to beach

Enjoyed morning coffee at café at Petit Bot. Settled down to reading on beech; accused of being bored as I apparently and routinely interrupt Lynne’s reading. Mild hysterical laughter breaks out as I realise the impact that my inactivity can have!

Walked back to Icart Point for lunch and spent some time in the Kiosk gardens; reading/dozing. Took afternoon tea for 2 then returned to Blue Horizon late afternoon. Weather improved as day passed; warm, sunny, very pleasant temperature.

Tues 16-Aug:

Cloudy start to the day.

Decided to visit Saumarez Park and took detour via St. Saviours Reservoir. Walked across the top of the dam; good views and fairly high up!

Arrived at Saumarez Park, plenty of families and children. Took evasive action! and got coffees!

Walked around the park and spent some time in the Victorian kitchen garden – currently undergoing restoration.

Saumarez Park Kitchen Garden

Drove on to Moulin Huet for cream tea and pot of tea for 2. Stayed at Moulin Huet for most of the afternoon. Reading, snoozing and some exploration of rocks and caves as tide was fully out.

Weds 17-Aug:

Slightly overcast start to the day. Decided on a coastal walk – strangely avoiding the West Show!

Drove to St Peter Port; parked at Havelet Bay. Two large cruise ships anchored off shore – disgorging day trippers – probably visiting the usual island haunts. Walked up to Fort George, round Soldiers Bay. Descend Ozanne Steps, then on to Fermain Bay for late morning coffee.

Stayed at the beach for a while, reading and snoozing. Had small lunch at Fermain Bay; met up with fellow guests from Blue Horizon.

Walked back along the cliff path to the car at St Peter Port. Easterly winds now picking up. Watched largest of the cruise ships leave its anchorage. Returned to Blue Horizon to enjoy our last evening and a final cliff path walk to Moulin Huet before we leave; homeward bound tomorrow ..

It's been a while

It’s been a while since my last entry – largely due to having little time to think about doing a posting.

It’s been a busy few weeks, also quite stressful due to very hot and humid working conditions. A varied few weeks though which continues to keep the interest up. I’ve had a few expressions of interest/extra work which has resulted in two new clients. So my working diary is really full now, with just an odd space to have a breather and fit in other one off jobs. It’s been a fantastic experience so far, and considering I started from scratch in March has really exceeded any expectations I might have had.

A sad occasion last week, with the death of Lynne’s father. Although he had not enjoyed good health for some time, his passing was unexpected. We will all miss him.

With Lynne also leaving her employment of the last 10 years it has been a very mixed week of emotions. So another period of change has started where we will both be working for ourselves, running our own businesses. Exciting times…

A pain in the back…..

Well, I guess it had to happen eventually.

Just over a week ago, sciatica ‘kicked-in’. Not sure what the cause was, though likely to be a 3 hour session of digging/weeding/soil preparation. Quite nasty pain down the whole of the left leg seemingly made worse by sitting down, or lying in bed. Pain killers didn’t really touch the pain either, so I endured a week of work being very careful not to over do things. Checking out Wikipedia for information on sciatica was never going to be a smart move; but all sorts of back issues can contribute to what is known as sciatica. Doesn’t make for pretty reading :-0

Strangely, as quick as it arrived the sciatica seems to have left. Just about a week after it happened I was doing some hedge/shrub trimming with my powered hedge trimmer and with all the stretching and flexing whilst holding the trimmer (weighs about 5.7kilos fully fuelled) the pain literally disappeared! Very relieved !

The car accident saga continues into another phase with a scheduled medical check next week to assess damage (my physical and mental state!) in order to assess for the personal injury claim. Things do seem to take their time.

As Richard and I are well into watching the Tour de France, I thought I would enter the world of Twitter so that I can keep up with various strands of conversation from commentators and some cyclists themselves. So I have a Twitter account now – not really sure what I’m going to do with it. It’s unlikely to conjure up much interest if my daily entry reads: doing gardening… ;-) Mind you, I did experience a first today [holds breath..] a very large bee swarm very close and not that high above me while gardening at Snowshill. I heard the commotion which was quite loud and characteristic and was thankful the prevailing wind seemed to influence the direction the bees took away from me!

A bit of seasonal guidance

July - and another month starts:

Yes I know it’s been said before, but crikey! where is the time going? This year is just flying by. Though largely due to being particularly active I suspect.

Now I’ve got time to reflect on the past 4 months I’m seeing a few classic or common gardening ‘mistakes’ if you like. So if you are thinking about making some plant purchases in the future here are some things to think about.

In no particular order:

• Many plants; more likely the shrub varieties – typically the forsythia, kerria, roses, deutzia, weigela, hardy fuchsia, winter flowering jasmine, etc suffer from incorrect pruning techniques. The typical result being lots of whippy top/side growth and little flowering wood lower down; also, lots of dead material deep within the core of the plants. So, if you are thinking about buying a shrub in the future, make sure you have plenty of room for it to grow, and you learn how to prune it correctly – you’ll definitely be rewarded for your efforts.
• A common mistake I see quite often is planting shrubs too close to bordering fences/walls and other established plants. Plants need space all round them to grow, mature and to get the best results. Also, planting away from a fence or wall will enable easier maintenance in the future (for both plant and fence).
• Leaving weeds or self-sown plants to establish. I’m seeing instances of self sown holly, elder, sycamore, hawthorn and others, that if caught early enough when very young, plants should easily be removed (pulling out or small amount of digging). Some specimens I’ve had to deal with have been substantial saplings and take a disproportionate amount of effort to remove. In some cases, the ‘sapling’ had been cut to ground level by some well meaning individual, only for the sapling to grow back twice as vigorously! So, my advice is keep your eyes peeled and pull out any invader in your garden before it is established.
• Plants in wrong places; similar in many ways to putting plants too close to fences, but examples also include not considering eventual height or spread of shrubs or trees. The typical result is large shade areas where other plants cannot thrive, or light deprivation impacting on house windows and access to driveways / pathways. Also, plants with potential invasive natures such as Ivy need careful thought before planting. I’ve seen various damage done to old Cotswold stone houses (crumbling stone/bricks), garden walls that are bulging or have collapsed due to expanding roots/stems.

The 'experiment' continues successfully. The tomatoes appear to be gaining benefit from the screening and don't appear to be suffering from any reduction in light levels created by the screen.

We have enjoyed some lovely strawberries. I grew 4 varieties and the best/sweetest is Sonata.

I've noted that some 2nd early potatoes are looking really sick - not sure whether I've imported some bad 'manure' left at the allotments. Last year in the gardening press it was widely reported that weed killer used on grazing land had traversed horses/cows and had appeared in stable manure; this weed killer had survived and was present in the resultant manure. Consequently if used on gardens it had devastating effects. Advice at the time seemed to be to compost reasonably new manure for at least a year to allow the weedkiller potency to diminish. Not sure whether I've got this - but I'm going to leave the area uncultivated for the rest of the season once I've removed the potatoes. There's always something...

Experiment – 2011

With all the work commitments I’m a bit behind on the allotment, so my stock of tomatoes, squash, purple sprouting broccoli, sprouts and some cabbage at home have been waiting to be planted out.

Finally managed to get all of the plants out today. I spent quite a time erecting an experimental wind break for the tomatoes. I bought the material for this last year but didn’t get round to doing the work in time. This year though, I was determined to experiment with this material as protection for the outdoor tomatoes. As the allotment site is completely open to the elements some crops could really benefit from some screening from cool / destructive winds.

So, the pictures below record the start of the experiment. I am hopeful that the results will be worth the effort. Getting inside the screened area today I was fairly well protected from the brisk wind that was blowing. The tomato plants weren’t moving at all, so the temperature in the enclosed area should help mature the plants and eventual fruit.

Tomatoes in - waiting to be 'enclosed''

Let the experiment begin!

Strawberries are still fully productive as are the blackcurrants. The rhubarb plants have been really hit with the dry/hot weather and I don’t expect to pick any more this year.

On the cycling front I managed to join the leisure ride with the club on Saturday morning; managing to keep up until we stopped for drinks/cakes at the Tewkesbury garden centre. At that point, we had averaged 16.7 miles per hour which was a bit brisk given my lack of Saturday rides recently. It was good to get out though, and I was encouraged that I had the energy and enthusiasm to do this after a fairly busy and tiring week of work. I decided to cycle home from the café at my own pace – I wanted to have some energy left during the afternoon to do some jobs…

So the week ahead is busy, basically a full 4 days of work. Pretty varied set of jobs including border tidying, weeding, pruning (shrubs and trees), lawn cutting. My weight is down a bit but I think now stable at 10st 13lb. So since starting the business and being really physically active I’ve lost 8lbs in weight. I had to buy two pairs of work jeans last week with a waist size 2” less than what I’d been used to, as some of my clothes are now getting too baggy to wear!

Umm, fresh strawberries..

Yes, the fleece covering appears to have worked at keeping the birds at bay and we have tasted the first fresh strawberries of the season – lovely..

Paid a visit to the allotment today (my day off!) and caught up with a number of routine tasks, such as weeding and strimming long grass…. Also managed to light a fire to get rid of some old dry material that’s been hanging around too long. I’m always conscious of when I light fires and try to avoid lighting them when there are other allotment holders around. It can be very unpleasant being down wind of another plot holder’s fire.

Overall, due to lack of water the vegetables are growing slowly this year. I just haven’t the time to keeping visiting and watering everything. Hopefully the recent showers will help.

Lynne and I spent a lovely afternoon yesterday visiting gardens in the village of Ashley near Tetbury; a rare open gardens event in aid of charity and the local church. The gardens were superb, with some very inspiring planting combinations and vistas and gave me some food for thought, especially with regard to replacing our old, dying hebe hedge.

With some late donations appearing in support of my local bike ride, the total raised to date for the British Heart Foundation stands at £206.79.

2 hours, 58 minutes…

Yes, I successfully completed the BHF Cotswolds Bike Ride today. Distance covered in 2 hours 58 minutes was 40.65 miles.

The amount of sponsorship raised was pretty incredible and stands at £165.00 – so again, many thanks to all of you who supported me.

Copy of certificate:

There was a huge number of riders out today and upon arrival there must have been in the region of 100 people queuing up to register on the day, and somewhere in the region of 300+ people all waiting to leave to start the bike ride (the organisers allow groups of 30 or so riders to leave at any one time for safety reasons). I passed one rider with number 1114 so if this was an indication of numbers participating, the BHF will be pleased with sponsorship raised I should imagine.

The weather was fairly kind – a bit chilly to start with, and some spots of rain (got back home in time to miss the afternoon showers). Again, I was amazed at the various bikes and clothing (or lack of) that people were using. With my three layers of top body clothing on and leg warmers I was comfortable, but could still feel the chill on the top of the Cotswolds. One young man had long casual shorts with a vest top. No jacket or arm covering at all – he must have been freezing at times.

A promised day off tomorrow, trying to catch up with some paperwork and shopping; and a visit to the allotment to see what state my strawberries and gooseberries are in. Hopefully the birds and slugs will not have been too busy and it will still be worthwhile covering the fruit with fleece.

May Day .. May Day ..

No, not a call for emergency assistance, though it could well have been at the Woodmancote May Day event.

All best laid plans etc… A small group of us gathered together to erect the brand new marquee, especially purchased for the Woodmancote Church plant sales and information stand. The marquee frame went up really quickly, but with the marquee roof on, we had created an effective sail. The wind was picking up, with some very strong gusts, but we thought we would be ok as I had also purchased 8 ratchet ties (each one having a 300 pound breaking strain!). But, with the wind gaining strength, the roofing material started to rip and some of the guy fixings on the roof ripped out completely. We abandoned the marquee, and packed it all away. I may be able to re-use the metal frame parts for a fruit cage! grrrrr

With some quick thinking by a few of the team, some wind breaks were erected, tables put out and the plants presented ready for sale.

The weather did hold out dry for us, and total plant sales were in excess of £300.00. This amount will be equally shared between Tearfund and MAF. Everyone enjoyed the day, and I was especially pleased how everyone just got stuck in to the jobs at hand, and enthusiastically engaged with visitors to the stand.

Pictures are viewable from the Woodmancote Church Facebook page.

Work-wise, I’m getting really busy now – to the point of declaring a couple of days off during the coming weeks as my working diary is just about full for each week ahead. I’m getting physically stronger and losing weight, but it hasn’t been easy to go from what was a relatively sedentary job to being self-employed and very physically active.

I now have a van (blue is the colour); so no jokes about white van man…

It’s really easy to drive and much easier to move tools and materials around.

Insurance has declared the Focus to be a write-off; I await settlement.

Personal injury/loss of earnings compensation claim is now underway too.

Made a rush visit to the allotment tonight to sow carrots and this year I’m trying some enviromesh material in an effort to thwart the dreaded carrot fly. The soil was in really good condition for sowing given the recent rain, so I’m hopeful for some good germination. Looking around the plot there are some varied results:

Early potatoes just showing through and early earthing-up has started, but need more rain. Parsnips are pathetic – really bad germination (I always seem to suffer from this). Onions and shallots are doing well. Strawberries are well advanced this year and will shortly need protecting from slugs and birds. The apple trees are also showing early signs of a large crop – I’ll need to thin these out if I’m to avoid over burdening the trees.

Thanks to everyone who has sponsored me for the BHF bike ride this coming Sunday. With £155.00 raised I have exceeded the target set, so many thanks again.

Fitting it all in

Such a lot seems to have happened since the last entry on the 18^th.

Got back into working and I have 2 new customers and also started at the National Trust. My week is just about full now with paying clients and such a varied set of gardens and challenges – it certainly makes for an interesting working week!

Driving is a little cautious still, very much aware of people waiting at junctions and also having an increased awareness of just how fast some people drive, especially in built up areas.

Have yet to hear from the insurance company about my old Focus, but the assumption has to be it is salvage only. It better had be, because I’ve decided to make a long term investment (if such a thing exists) in new transport – yes, a van; a VW Caddy, all nicely lined out in the back with interior bulk head (to stop stuff crashing through to the driver and passenger areas). The test drive was pretty impressive as it was a very comfortable ride with plenty of pulling power which I’ll need for full loads and a trailer should I get one in the future. I take delivery this coming week. An image below just to show what it's like:

Preparations are just about complete now for the Woodmancote Mayday event on the village playing fields. I did a test run of putting up the marquee that will be used (it took three of us to figure it out). Loads of people in the church have been busily producing plants for the stall and I’ve also just got a huge stock of plants from Gotherington Nurseries. Church literature will also be available, covering Tearfund, Mission Aviation Fellowship, and also information about the church community. Hopefully the resident photographer (Lynne) will capture some pictures of the event I can publish later.

Sponsorship for the BHF bike ride is also doing very well with some very generous donations; very humbling (and now no excuse to not do the event!). I’m looking forward to the bike ride as it’s always good fun to be out with loads of people all doing the same thing, and fun to watch those brave souls who haven’t been out on a bike for a while.

Finally got to plant out the main crop potatoes on the allotment and loads of red onion sets, which fortunately was followed by a few hours steady rain – the timing couldn’t have been better. At home I managed to sow broadbeans, two varieties of squash and courgettes (I’m definitely only going to grow 2 plants this year as there is only so much courgette a man and his family can eat!). In the next week or so I’ll sow some runner beans in pots at home and carrots at the allotment and I think that’ll just about be it in terms of seed sowing. Parsnips have not germinated well so a repeat sowing will be needed. I’ll put out a later sowing of carrots in June – these will be for lifting in September/October time for storing.

So, Spring has definitely sprung, everything in everyone’s gardens is growing and there’s plenty to do!!

Back behind the wheel

With thanks to Enterprise car rentals, I now have transport again which should enable me to complete a few immediate commitments and help look for replacement (long term) transport arrangements.

I can't say it was easy getting back in the driving seat - having been a passenger with both Lynne and Richard over the last few days all I could visualize was all the potential accidents awaiting at every bend, junction, cyclist, pedestrian etc. Didn't exactly make for a pleasant experience.

Picked up the hire car today and made a trip to the recovery garage to recover the tax disc from the old Focus. Recovery chap confirmed the Focus was taken for salvage this morning.

Insurance will I guess take its time. Solicitors are now on-board regarding personal injuries - so who knows where this will lead to.

Planning to do some work this week though taking it steady.

Prior to the accident I had registered for the Gloucestershire British Heart Foundation bike ride and I fully intend to complete this on the 15th May. So if you have a few pounds spare I'd really appreciate a small sponsorship donation. The reason I do this ride is that I lost my father to heart problems in 1996, so the least I can do is to try to raise a little amount to help the BHF in its research and care programmes.

Donations can be made on-line at: http://original.justgiving.com/nigelcleaver

Thanks

and things could have been very different….

So, this week started very well in fact – riding off the back of a very pleasant afternoon out on Sunday, visiting the National Trust Hidcote gardens. Got some good inspiration from seeing some of the early Spring planting schemes and putting some ideas together for a client’s border improvements.

I had a positive response from my job application with the National Trust and was invited to attend a job interview later in the week (Wednesday).

The week ahead looked very promising with confirmed gardening rounds now in place, and the potential of additional work to be confirmed shortly.

Dodged a few rain showers on Monday and Tuesday while removing roses (my pet hate) and severely pruning and re-training some winter jasmines (Jasminum nudiflorum).

Wednesday duly arrives, and the interview takes place at Snowshill. All appears well as I make my journey home. That is until waiting to rejoin the B4077 road near to Ford I am involved in a car accident. Whilst stationery and waiting close to the road junction, another vehicle coming at speed from my right-hand side takes action to avoid hitting a car crossing the road from opposite me and collides into the drivers side front wing with such force that my Ford Focus is re-orientation 90 degrees to the left and propelled 2 car lengths into the road side verge. Air bags explode, head collides with the side window, air-bag burn/abrasion to my left arm and I’m left wondering what the … happened there. With the burning smell coming from the exploded air bags my initial reaction was get out quick the car’s on fire. Thankfully my driver’s door worked ok.

Suffice to say had I been waiting 2 or so metres closer to the white road markings at the junction I probably would not be here. The driver side front wing and wheel was hit with such force (guessing at least 50mph impact speed) that it was embedded into the engine compartment. My car is a write-off, the body twisted.

Thank the Lord..

Others in the colliding vehicle were taken to hospital with what looked like neck and whiplash issues – but I really wasn’t paying much attention.

Checked out at the hospital later that evening to ensure no concussion or lasting damage. Seems ok. Large bruised bump on my head with sore forearm. Today (Thursday) a head-ache, and little patience to make and receive countless telephone calls to insurance / garages / hire-car folks. And really hacked off that I’ve lost a good reliable car to boot.

Still things could have been very different.

Wednesday evening did end on a positive note – you are now reading the blog of a National Trust employee! J Really please about this – and something to get my gardening fingers stuck into as well as my own business.

I've started - there may be risks.. ah well

I'm really pleased that the new business is slowly but steadily getting going.

With a few recommends and some chance encounters, various jobs are appearing. Having visited both Gotherington Nurseries and Blooms on a regular basis to source plants and do some research, I can tell spring has sprung with all manner of tempting plants appearing - just waiting to be purchased by unsuspecting 'gardeners'. Also, I am seeing some marketing opportunities with some local businesses having a frontage to their business but having very poor planting - there are opportunities here to sponsor and provide plants and offer 'free' maintenance along with my business advert....so if any readers of this blog know of any such 'opportunities' please get in touch. Email via my web-site.

I'm enjoying putting some planting plans and plant suggestions together for some clients as this is stretching and improving my plant knowledge.

The allotment is just about ready for the spring sowing/planting to begin. Last week onions, shallots and garlic were planted out. All had been started off under glass at home to ensure they had a good start and to avoid being taken out of the soil by birds - who seem to delight in tugging out the newly planted onion sets before they've even started to grow and leaving them out on the soil surface to dryout/rot!

This week I'm hoping to get parsnip seed sown and the 2nd early potatoes planted.

On the Woodmancote Church front, I'm organising a Woodmancote May Day stand this year. I'm really looking forward to this, as I'm hoping this will turn out to be a good community event. Currently plans are in place to have a fully covered marquee so that we can sell plants under wind/rain proof conditions, and also provide information stands to inform the village community just what Woodmancote Church gets up to, who we are and who we support. Weather wise, May Day can be one of two extremes (fine weather or pants...)

If ever you have a few moments spare and want to be inspired to get up and 'just do it' (whatever just do it might be), take a look at The Big Africa Cycle. I've heard this guy (Pete Gostelow) talk, and he was very inspirational in that whatever you might want to do in life, you can only do so much planning. At some point you have to start doing it - take risks; risks that you don't even know about - but he seems to revel in the experience. His current endeavour cycling Africa has been fascinating to follow with his 'tweets' and his online blog/record.

It’s all go..

so much so that the blog hasn’t been updated for a while.

Now that the weather is improving (famous last words….), the soil prep for the potatoes on the allotment is complete. Just a few more weeks to wait before the 2^nd earlies go in. A bit more effort is needed on other areas to remove some weeds and ‘fluff-up’ the soil ready for direct seed sowing and planting onions, garlic & shallots.

Some of us at the allotment recently met up with Jim Applin of Hotch Potch vegetables where we quizzed him on all manner of subjects, particularly organic veg growing. Very good tips on use of green manures, especially the use of red / purple clover to fix nitrogen and act as a living/green mulch between veg such as green beans.

I finished constructing a home brew cold frame – which is almost a masterpiece of construction. It has different opening configurations, the like of which probably isn’t available in the shops…;-)

I finally got a very large compost container constructed comprising 3 pallets and sliding timber front. Where would we be without pallets?

Construction complete

Full - awaiting decomposition....

After cleaning out the small green house/frame at home the first sowings have been made (broad beans / leeks / mixed leaves / onion sets, shallots, garlic)

The new business is now picking up with various initiatives and I’m really pleased that things are going well. The work includes: a one off make-over project, and the potential for a couple of gardening rounds. There is also plenty of tidying up to do on the home garden too..

That's more like it!

Yes, the weather - today was a pretty darn good day to be outside.
Things being a little quiet, so I spent the majority of the day on the allotment ~ 6.5 hours; more digging, pruning fruit (raspberries), and feeding and mulching raspberries and apple trees, sorted out one of the compost bins and had a very warming fire to get rid of a large heap of last year's waste and the remnants of last years Christmas tree!

Apart from the fact that from the bonfire smoke I temporarily smelled like I'm on 40 a day - it was a good day; especially watching the sun set - a very red sphere tonight - and still able to work outside until 5.45pm or so.

Yesterday I part surveyed some friends back garden (it was absolutely freezing!), as I volunteered my services in trying to pull together a plan to make something of a very challenging garden (wet/damp, shady, overshadowed by very large pine tree, poor soil, poor lawn). Next I'll be drawing up a scaled plan and putting some ideas together. I had thought that one answer might be the second Eden project (back garden fully enclosed in some sort of atmospheric 'bubble') - I don't expect Tewkesbury BC would approve somehow!

Excitement mounts as Richard takes part in his first road cycle race of the season tomorrow. Should be interesting to see how his fitness is, especially after all his winter training.

Chitting has started!

Yes, the time has come to set out the seed potatoes bought in January. I checked both bags today to find that the 2nd early variety (Maris Peer) has already started, and they are quite well advanced. The main crop, (Victoria) has just started sprouting too. So, both sets are now in trays 'chitting' in one of the cooler bedrooms.

Just 'chitting'

Just as well I've managed a few hours on the allotment gently forking over and preparing part of the plot for the seed potatoes - likely the end of March before the 2nd earlies go out. I've still plenty of catching up to do on the plot, nothing too serious, just last minute cutting back and soil preparation. Knowing how fickle February and March can be weather wise, I'm fairly relaxed about this - given previous experience; plants always seem to make up for late sowing/planting.

Lynne and I spent a very wet weekend in Canterbury (last weekend). Lynne doing a seminar on Genealogy business,  (she does Genealogy don't you know!) whilst I 'entertained' myself walking in the rain. Well, actually, I spotted a free entry CD and record fair - couldn't miss this I thought. Loads of old records and CDs being viewed by various 'characters' - I'll say no more. Spent 5 minutes wandering around, and much to the relief of Lynne did not purchase a Barry White live DVD! awwhh... Still, I had a few  nice coffees, read a magazine, browsed a second hand book shop and purchased two gardening books.

Spent Sunday morning driving around to see the sites at Whitstable and Herne Bay - rather gloomy and damp. Tried to visit a garden displaying hellebores and snowdrops, but when we got there we realised that the walking underfoot was going to be really muddy and boggy, and with the range of shoes we had thought better of it. Back to Canterbury and spent a while in the Cathedral. Loads of visitors all taking photos with their infernal digital cameras - twas like a circus..

Back at home, this week I visited Snowshill Manor (NT) to attend a volunteer meeting - though not sure to what extent I'll be able to volunteer this year as I start and run the business. After working in other people's gardens and my own + allotment, I might not want to 'volunteer' to do more gardening! I'll just have to see how things pan out.. Bought a couple of Snowshill snowdrops from the head gardener, so I'll have a piece of Snowshill in the front garden now.

It's been 4 weeks now since leaving paid employment, and the feeling of being on leave has diminished. Lynne has also realised I'm not going 'back-to-work' and that I'm here to stay!

I'm also looking forward to getting back out on the bike again. It seems so long since I've managed to ride any decent distances. The local club ride this Saturday takes in a lot of climbing so I'm avoiding that one until my legs have regained the strength I had last year - nothing more depressing than being continuously dropped off the back of the group on every climb!

First successful job completed

Thank goodness that the weather improved yesterday and today, compared to Tuesday (a complete wet wash-out!).

I was able to complete my first job - a pruning job on a fairly large flowering cherry tree. This was quite a challenge given the height and spread of the tree, which saw me standing both on the last rung of the ladder and within the main branches of the tree itself.

It was good though to be in the fresh air for almost 2 days - no phones, texts or emails... and the end result was appreciated with the tree looking in better shape.

Muscles are now, well, 'exercised' - but this was to be expected.

Back at base, I decided to clean off the tools used, ready for the next job:- a newly acquired bow saw, pruning saw, extending pruning saw and extending loppers - which incidently has a sharp blade that cuts the ends of fingers surprising well - if you're not paying correct attention whilst cleaning! Business accident book hasn't yet been acquired!

Checked that the advertising I sorted out last week is in place, and it is; so I'm content I've got some specific targeted coverage in Bishop's Cleeve, Woodmancote and Gotherington. The web-site has had a number of hits recently too, so that's promising.

Some more work maybe forthcoming next week, so I'm pleased about that.

Beware - sleepy ladybirds..

Over the last few days I've spent most of my available time outside, getting used to physical labour on a daily basis! On average it amounts to around 5 hours per day.

This week so far I've managed to:
* complete major winter pruning of a large pear tree in my back garden.
* emptied out a large compost container (300 litre size); which generated 8 large bags of good compost which I used as a top dressing on the front garden borders.
* tidied up the front garden borders; cutting back dead wood from many shrubs - also I had to remove a number of plants that didn't make it through the harsh winter - a couple of small Hebes, and a Convolvulus cneorum (this isn't really that tolerant of cold, wet winters so it isn't surprising -10c finally killed it off!), a Pittosporum tenuifolium (also fell to the harsh temperatures).

One thing I noticed in particular was the number of sleepy ladybirds. I lost count in the end, amazing to find so many had survived the bitter winter temperatures and pleased to find them sheltering in and under the plants - so I was careful to avoid destroying their temporary homes (and waking them up!).

I also got to the allotment for a few hours and started preparing the soil for the first potatoes that should be planted in March (weather permitting) and also took the time to prune back some growth on the dessert apples that I'd missed during the summer pruning. I also took out the growing tip of the cooking apple I'm growing as an espalier - this should encourage some new laterals to form what will be the final top level of the espalier (making 4 tiers in total). I'll try and get a picture next time to illustrate.

When its been wet I've been in the house producing a sketch scale plan of the back garden; something I'd started a while ago but now I have the interest and impetus to complete it. There are some changes I'd like to make to some features in the garden, such as replacing the patio area, renewing some pathways and reshaping the lawn - and replacing many of the shrubs and herbacious plants that we've had for years. Plenty to think about and plenty to do...

Also, this week I noticed a pair of blue tits becoming very interested in one of the nest boxes in the garden. Last year a pair built a nest in one of the boxes I had put up, and we thought they were sitting on eggs. Unfortunately we believe something upset them and they went elsewhere. So, given the renewed interest this year I took the opportunity to open the nest boxes and clean them out - there were no signs of eggs. I found a beautifully formed nest in the one box, all sorts of materials had been used - very clever. So, we watch with interest this year and hope they'll stay around.

I have my first potential client next week to visit so I'll be interested to see how this goes.

Business advertising in some of the local shops should be in place by Monday the 14th February.

Progress

The new business web-site has finally been uploaded yesterday. Very pleased that at last the business has started - so to speak.

The weather hasn't been too kind recently so I've managed to devote some time to the business admin (there's plenty of that), such as registering with HMRC, National Insurance, Business Insurance, record keeping, more advertising... quite something to get to grips with.

Good to see progress though...

Pigeons don't like sprouts

My 'career' is over... 30 years and 9 months have brought me here..

Walked out of work on Friday, with a friendly goodbye from a close work colleague, to face 'retirement'.

Wednesday was the eventful 'send-off' from work with a many kind words from work colleagues and some humorous reflections, a card full of signatures and a very generous gift - also many thoughtful words of encouragement for my new ventures..

Friday; and I met Lynne and Richard for a celebratory lunch - followed by a few present openings at home. When I say 'presents' it was Lynne's and Richard's less than veiled attempt at humour / winding up. Gifts included: a book on how to retire and be obnoxious, a pair of slippers, a cap, a pipe and a pair of pyjamas!
Hilarious :-0

Saturday; received my P45! ummm...

Managed to get to the allotment on Saturday to check the state of play. Unsurprisingly the site looks bleak, though I know it shouldn't take too much effort to 'fluff-up' the soil in the coming months - but just as well to keep off the soil whilst it's too wet to work. Took a few photos to remind me of the condition of the plot in January, as it's always encouraging to look at these during mid-summer to see how the effort and labour has paid off and the how well the plot looks when full of growing crops. I noticed that the few purple sprouting broccoli plants I had have not survived the ravages of the winter snow, ice and minus whatever temperatures, plus the attentions of the local pigeon population. However, whilst the tops of the sprout plants have been pecked about, the sprouts remain intact - hence I can only deduce that pigeons don't like sprouts!

Likely to be a quiet-ish week ahead as we adjust to the change in my circumstances. Loads to do though...

 

Bleak view 

 There be sprouts !

Let's try again..

Well, things appeared to be reasonably set fair - with some plans firming up. However, on Saturday 15th, went down with a very quick and heavy head cold that saw me off to bed in the early evening. Felt rotten, and was annoyed that I didn't make it to Dundry Nurseries.

That was just the start...

Man.. I've had flu before, but nothing could have prepared me for this. Basically in bed for 4 days, very little to drink and nothing to eat is one way of losing 8 pounds of weight. Collapsed on Sunday morning (early), bruised knee and fortunate not to bang my head on the way to the bathroom floor.

Eat some toast on Wednesday, and got some more food in me on Thursday, but feeling nauseous all the time. Friday was slightly better with more food and drink with Saturday and Sunday seeing definite improvements.

Managed to get to work today, though feeling out of it for most of the morning. Trying to catch-up some bits and pieces, but difficult to make up 5 lost days.

Managed to phone a potato order through to Dundry Nurseries and picked them up today. So I now have 2nd early and main crop supplies for the new growing season. Allotment condition remains unknown..

Retirement is 4 days away...

I have my business cards, and the majority of the web-site is ready. Just need to pull this together and upload.

I have a few contacts to call in mid February which might be the start of some new work - exciting times.

The start of a new year

Some time since the last entry..

Well, we survived the entry into the New Year, a quiet affair recovering from a bout of illness. Recovered just in time to return to work on the 4th - I've sort of got back up to speed at work after a nice time away.

Finally managed to get out on the bike on my own, for an 18 miles spin around to Tewkesbury - I can't recall how long it's been since I went out with the club on a Saturday morning - got to be 2 months. So, nice to be out in the 'cool' fresh air again.

Still haven't managed to get to the allotment - no idea what state it's in, but now getting concerned that I haven't managed to cultivate some of the plot. Experience is such that things will balance out, and it's surprising how much time you can make up with a few days of fine, drying weather (whenever it comes!). Looking forward to visiting Dundry Nurseries this weekend ahead of their potato weekend on the 24th of January. Never ceases to surprise me how quickly the seed potato buying season comes around. An exciting time of preparation and looking forward.

The new business planning continues. Business cards ordered, web-site design coming together, looking at getting business insurance sorted. 11 working days left in the old job...and people keep asking whether I'm counting the days...