Welcome back to Bryngwyn - it is safe to say I have had the usual week of mixed fortunes.
Patch:
Excellent news – the ducklings have hatched! Six out of seven eggs were successful, with our intervention only needed for one which was unable to break out and required mid-wifery skills from our daughter. They are now living happily in our downstairs bathroom. We chose this because it is rat-proof (we hope) and also avoids the attentions of our lurcher.
Had a pretty hairy time with the bees. We decided to check on them and take honey if possible. All going well until they found a hole in my visor. Three inside mask and stinging. I retreated in some disorder, tore off mask and was consequently stung by about 15 bees. Thanks to Hannah for sweeping as many bees as possible off me, and thanks to cousin Gill for provision of weapons grade anti-histamines. Slightly worrying moment when I instantly developed a severe headache and my throat started to constrict. However 20 minutes after taking tablets all back to normal. Funnily the actual stings didn’t hurt much. My main concern is that I seem to be turning into Mr Bean! Definitely time to splash out on new bee-suit. On a positive note, after rescue by Jane we got 21 jars of honey and quite a lot of beeswax for candle making, so it all worked out in the end.
Weather slightly better and managed to pull a healthy crop of onions ready for storing. Peas now fully on line. Lots of soft fruit going into freezer. Planted out turnips and spinach for autumn/winter. Otherwise just routine hoeing and weeding. No need for watering with this much rain, which saves a lot of time - allowing me to lounge around and watch the plants grow.
Cockerel still flatly refusing to wear face-mask despite my imposition of a fine of100 grains of corn. Apparently he was in Pret a Manger the other day and bumped into Michael Gove. “if that man of immense wisdom and sound judgement doesn’t think they are necessary then that’s good enough for me”. Poor show and sets a bad example to the rest of the poultry. On the other hand the ducks continue with strict social distancing as per usual.
On the Wild Side:
Sitting out on balcony the other night and a Tawney owl joined us. Didn’t stay long but it was nice to see.
Seem to have cured the egg-stealing by trying to collect eggs as soon as they are laid. Still not sure what predator is responsible.
Tip of the week:
Check out info on using coffee grounds as a mulch on your young plants. Lot of experts recommend this practice. However a quick google throws up research which suggests that they contain chemicals which actually suppress plant growth. Plus if used as a barrier they certainly don’t repel slugs on my patch! I’d be very interested to hear your experiences/views on thiis.
Have a good weeks gardening and may your crops be bountiful.