Sunday 28th February 2016

Damned cold but a good day with a fair amount of sun. Max temp' today was 9c mid afternoon.
Day spent in the garden. Emptied the compost bin and strengthened to last another year.
Rest of the day spent clearing the area where the igloo will be built. Moved a pile of bricks and capping blocks along with all my bonsai trees. While I was moving the trees I carried out the annual prune. Have nearly 40 bonsai trees now, can't believe it, my father would be well impressed as he had an incredible collection.
Another day and this area will be cleared enough to start on the igloo foundations.
While clearing it became apparent I have the most insect / bug friendly habitat created by the brick pile and general untidiness of this part of the garden. Earwigs and cheeselogs were found by the dozens, was a shame to disturb but did it as sensitively as I could.
Neighbs' have been drinking well this week so tomorrow will add these bottles to the alpine wall. Plants already planted in the bottle wall have taken well and look well established so giving you an idea what this project will eventually look like.
Picture 1 - Clearing space for the igloo.
     "      2 - Goldcrest.

          Not a lot of time for me today to study garden bird life but did see plenty of goldfinches, greenfinches, a wren, long tailed tits and the usual visitors but once again no sparrows.