Late Winter Bits and Bobs 2022.

[Primrose]

Well both species have been seen a lot less frequently in our garden in recent years sadly so their absence on the bird count census probably rightly reflects that fact.

Ironic though that we had three red kites swooping through the garden for fat scraps we'd thrown out which would have been a nonexistent species not so many years ago. Now we see them circling in the skies above us all the time and wonder how so many of them find enough food to exist. Certainly roadkill never stays undiscovered on the roads for long round here!

[Westi]

End of an era today as the old greenhouse left the back garden. Been standing for over 2 decades but just couldn't take any more mini Beckham's shots from the junior school behind. They are getting more talented over the years & can take out 3 panes of glass at once, not just the odd crack in one & getting too dodgy to work in - well in term time anyway. I tried perspex but clips just don't hold them & silicone just goes hard & doesn't hold them either.

On the positive all the intact glass has gone down to the site behind the shop for others to use if needed, I've claimed all the perspex for myself (yep I've got to help the watermelon experiment work). The frame was warped but gutters & doors were also claimed by my plot neighbour who took it down & also took other unusable bits to the tip.

This all came about due to the asbestos issues in the garage & the need to seal the roof as deteriorating & shedding fibres so they need access to it & greenhouse was right beside it. All is fine though as got to suck up the asbestos cost & further bits like insulating & cladding seem a pittance compared to the roof cost & also doing a wee extension with a large window so I can still coax baby plants on. This window will not be glass!

[Primrose]

Sounds like a major project Westi and a good day's work. Expect you're glad everything has been completed. Hopefully at least your melon project will kick off with some protection You're well rid of that asbestos stuff. It can be lethal!

[oldherbaceous]

Well i’m so pleased I pressed on with the digging, as this morning, we had heavy rain then a covering of snow.

[Clive.]

I heard mention on the radio that there was snow about further south...we had some rain early on, 6mm, which ceased about 9am...there were some wintry looking clouds about in the afternoon but only a few more spots of rain that blew by in the strong breeze.
Likewise, pleased I pushed on yesterday with a range of jobs that went really well courtesy of the dry spell but which I knew would not be possible after a drop of wet...or white.!

C.

[oldherbaceous]

Just been sowing pots of Sweet Peas and Broad beans, in the glasshouse…feels like the New Year is now with us….

[Compo]

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More or less finished moving this 25 year plus greenhouse from next to the shed where the light was not good, to a more open position
It was damaged in about 2011 when big winds blew it over and smashed the glass so I replaced it with polycarbonate lamintae, easy to work with and cheap (ish)

Sorry I am not sure why some pics are duplicated


More pics to follow when completely finished

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[Compo]

Almost finished moving my very old Greenhouse first bout of damage in the big storms in anout 2010 11. Recently refurbished and moved to a new position.

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[peter]

Good job there Compo.

[oldherbaceous]

Excellent work Compo, will make a huge difference having the extra light…

[Primrose]

Looks like a worthwhile project whixh will hopefully be finished in time to make use of this year,s sowing season if you're lucky.

[Shallot Man]

Compo. If you did that on your own. Must be worth a bit of fuss from the Memsahib.

[Shallot Man]

WARNING. There is a NHS Banking scam doing the rounds, for The COVID-19 travel certificate. It finishes up asking for your Banking Details.

[Diarmuid]

Hi all,
How do they make plants taste like meat?

I suspect by adding loads of chemicals.
Any views on this.

Regards Der.

[Westi]

I don't think there is too much taste of meat with some, but they do try hard to replicate the meat texture. Although I did taste a sample of some veg bacon which obviously had something in it which to me seemed like the flavouring you get on cheap bacon flavoured crisps.

It seems weird that they have to add things when veg taste good (mostly), which then leads you to think of the quality of the veg or plants they use. Mind money to be made so both good & bad will be used & the list of allowable chemicals is quite long.