A very warm and sunny day.
A hard day working in the garden. Ivy, Robinia and Smoke Bush trimmings all now shredded. Will move on to the Holly, Rowan and Willow Trees on Wednesday. Making loads of mulch.
Something unusual found this afternoon. A Monkey Nut (Peanut) has taken root in Patio Rose pot. Not seen this before so have re-planted to watch progress. Clearly planted originally by a Jay or Squirrel.
Pictures 1 & 2 - Fungi growing in the greenhouse.
A lovely warm and sunny day.
Alarm set for 6am and I got straight up to enjoy a beautiful walk at Fobney. Spoilt somewhat by the most incredible amount of rubbish left by anglers and dog walkers. As a Friend of Fobney one of my responsibilities is to keep the area tidy.....report on the way to group overall in charge of monitoring Fobney.
Once home the morning was spent trimming the Ivy Hedge and cutting branches from the Robinia Tree. As its Sunday shredding can wait until tomorrow.
Afternoon spent in the Hide, wow. A Goldcrest, does not get better than this. Over the moon I managed a photograph, not the best quality but at least a record.
Pictures 1 & 2 - Southcote Mill.
" 3 ---5 - Fobney Nature Reserve.
" 6 - Magpie as captured from the hide.
" 7 - Goldcrest " " " "
" 8 - Chilling after seeing the Goldcrest.
A little overcast but very warm still.
Set alarm for 6am, rest is history. Went back to sleep and woke up at 9am. It happens.
Day spent making a start on the late summer/early autumn trimming and shredding of the trees and shrubs. Today trimmed the Viburnum and Burberis. Collected three bags of shreddings just from these two shrubs. Will all be spread back on the garden once trimming complete.
In the afternoon sun the Butterflies, Bees and Dragonflies were busy. Great to see.
Picture 1 - Shredding.
" 2 - Speckled Wood on the warm patio slabs.
" 3 - Ratty on Critter cam.
After a little thunder and rain early this morning the rest of the day was once again very warm.
Visit to Henry Street this morning for some re-stocking of Hog food.
Managed to make the final connection to the Hide electrics. Moth Trap now connected to the hide socket.
Not checked trail camera today but expecting action as food dishes were emptied over night.
Tomorrow I start the Autumn cut/shredding of the tree branches and trimming of Shrubs.
Picture 1 - My new Apple iWatch.
" 2 - Hide has electric.
" 3 - Spikes dinner.
A very, very warm day.
Day spent at Highgrove for a conducted tour of the organic garden. Say what you like about Charles but my take is what a great chap. His introduction speech was so well said, had not realised how hands on he actually is in Highgrove gardens. The gardens are 100% organic and look amazing for it. From the wild flower meadows to the cottage garden, all looked in great condition for being organic. Job for me to describe but to see a 100% organic garden looks somehow more fresh than a garden that has been plagued with sprays etc. Politics aside keep up the good work Your Royal Highness. Look forward to returning in another season.
Photography was banned so have cheated with these.
A very warm day, warmest September since records began apparently.
Day on the electrics. Taking me longer than expected, not so flexible as I used to be. Feeding the cable into the hide so not seen was back breaking. Will suffer now. Final connection on Friday.
Ratty back in the Mouse House. Can't believe the local cats have not caught him. Cobweb has been re-made after he became entangled in it.
A lovely Fungi growing in the greenhouse, last place I would have expected.
Picture 1 - Socket connected in the Hide.
" 2 - Fungi growing in the greenhouse.
" 3 - Ratty on Mouse cam.
Another very warm day.
Started laying out the wiring to the Hide. Known in the trade as 'fishing' I have hidden the cable under the decking where possible and clipped where unable to hide.
Hopefully final connection tomorrow.
What a harvest of Passion Flower Fruit this year. Pity they are so bland and woolly to eat. Have retained some seed to sow next Spring.
Hedgehog and Foxy fighting over food last night from the same bowl. Good news Foxy did not go for the kill which I have experienced in previous years.
Picture 1 - Foxy enjoying Hog food.
" 2 & 3 - Hedgehog.
" 4 - Hiding electric cable.
" 5 - Passion Flower Fruit.
