Tilling the Plot

With a couple of dry days (finally!), I managed to get down to the plot and finally start sorting out the growing beds. Grabbing my trusty Wolfgarten tiller, I began on the top bed by the pond. I decided due to the heaviness of the soil, which was still holding a lot of moisture, I would just do a couple of the beds. As with these things, you get into the zone and before you know it, you’ve done three beds and wondering if you have time to do a fourth before lunch.

I decided I didn’t have time but I cleared the grass in the Stumpery, uncovering two of our ferns which have been entirely overshadowed by the grass. The Stumpery is definitely looking thin on the ground for foliage. I’ll need to have a search for some new and exciting ferns for this year. Unfortunately, I have to concede that our tree fern has died so I’ll need to come up with a plan for what to do with it. I’d definitely like another one but they are really expensive.

With a good chunk of the plot hoed, I went around to check on all the chickens. I laughed when I walked into the new coop to find all of the bantams in or around the nest box. The nest box they refuse and continue to refuse to use overnight, even when we had temperatures below zero a couple of weeks ago. But they’ll use it on a warm sunny winter’s day?! Never has the term ‘bird brained’ seemed more appropriate!

Back at home, I let the Topknot Gang out into the garden. Gertie was instantly joined by Coco, Cumulus and Aurora who barged into the Fortress of Gertie-tude like they owned it. Gertie held her ground for a while before retreating up to her perch. I think having Gertie sleepover in the Omlet is having a good impact, not just for her but that she might be accepted enough by the rest of the gang.

Over the next week, I’ll finish hoeing the other beds and begin to work on the planting plan for the new growing season!