We took receipt of 200 bare-rooted hedging plants on Thursday so recruited some socially-distanced help to get them planted. Gen and Ollie came over to plant, mulch and water, while Dulcie kept an eye on work rates. We’ve gone for some irregular and ‘layered’ stretches which we hope will provide a habitat for birds and wildlife and help to screen the south-east corner. The soil is very variable – boggy in places, stony in others – and we’ll see what does well. Our mix includes hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, wild privet, crab apple, spindle, wild rose and pear, cherry plum and amelanchier and should bring birds into the garden. We’ll also add some self-seeded hollies that we’re finding around the edge of the garden. We’re taking a risk in not protecting the whips from rabbits and deer but there aren’t many places left for them to get into the garden – more about that tomorrow! We’ll have to keep a daily check on any nibbling ….
Chris and Ollie also installed the well cover – with a 5 foot diameter – that’s been made by Ian, the blacksmith in the village. This should mean we don’t lose children, dogs, hats etc down there …. But a misplaced gin and tonic could still be lost
We don’t know if we really have chosen the wettest, coldest, windiest winter to live in a tin can or if being in a caravan just makes us super-aware of the weather!
Chris and Bev - Heads in the Clouds 