Veg Garden (Week 34).

MY CASTLE HOWARD PICTURE FOR TODAY

JOHN’S JOKES
An invisible man marries an invisible woman.
The kids were nothing to look at either.

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 15C
Temp High: 25C
Rainfall: 0mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 1
Dry Days This Month: 14
Wind Level For The Day 24
Pressure: 990.0
Weather: Bright and sunny.

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK
See to the sheep
Field
Misc
Thu 27/08/2009 08:00
Thu 27/08/2009 08:20
20 minutes
1) Put out some minerals.
2) Checked and counted the sheep.

See to the greenhouses
Glasshouses
Thu 27/08/2009 08:20
Thu 27/08/2009 08:35
15 minutes
1) Checked round.
2) Watered.
3) Opened the vents.


Mow the grass
Courtyard
Public Gardens
Thu 27/08/2009 08:35
Thu 27/08/2009 09:15
40 minutes

Mowing
North Front
Public Gardens
Thu 27/08/2009 09:15
Thu 27/08/2009 09:35
20 minutes

Mowing
Main Lawn
Main Garden
Thu 27/08/2009 09:35
Thu 27/08/2009 10:30
55 minutes

Break for tea
Home
Misc
Thu 27/08/2009 10:30
Thu 27/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Mow the lawn
Main Lawn
Main Garden
Thu 27/08/2009 10:50
Thu 27/08/2009 12:45
115 minutes

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Thu 27/08/2009 12:45
Thu 27/08/2009 13:30
45 minutes

Mow all the lawns
Walled Garden
Thu 27/08/2009 13:30
Thu 27/08/2009 16:00
2.5 hours

Mow all the rough grass
Public Gardens
Thu 27/08/2009 16:00
Thu 27/08/2009 17:00
1 hour

See to the bins
Hall
Misc
Thu 27/08/2009 17:00
Thu 27/08/2009 17:15
15 minutes
Put back the black bins and put out the recycle tubby.

Cart off the grass cuttings
Walled Garden
Thu 27/08/2009 17:15
Thu 27/08/2009 17:30
15 minutes
There were five box full to move to the compost bins.

NOTES
1) I think any further growth in the onion bed has come to an end so one of the next jobs will be to lift the Onions and put them somewhere to dry in readiness for cleaning and stringing for storing.

COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING
Jim I will be the one to pick any apples, I’m not sure how many just yet. In the past I put a lot to store but no one ever used them so I may not bother to store any this time.

Fruit Garden (Week 34) Apples & Plums..

MY CASTLE HOWARD PICTURE FOR TODAY

JOHN’S JOKES
Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other:
'Does this taste funny to you ?'

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 12C
Temp High: 19C
Rainfall: 4mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 0
Dry Days This Month: 13
Wind Level For The Day 31
Pressure: 986.1
Weather: Damp and grey..

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK

See to the sheep
Field
Misc
Wed 26/08/2009 08:00
Wed 26/08/2009 08:20
20 minutes

See to the greenhouses
Glasshouses
Wed 26/08/2009 08:30
Wed 26/08/2009 09:00
30 minutes
Checked round and took some cuttings.

Potting on
Potting Shed
Wed 26/08/2009 09:00
Wed 26/08/2009 10:30
1.5 hours
Potted on some cuttings and seedlings.

Break for tea
Home
Misc
Wed 26/08/2009 10:30
Wed 26/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Strim round
Roadside
Misc
Wed 26/08/2009 10:50
Wed 26/08/2009 11:40
50 minutes
Cut around the outside of the wall by the roadside.

Potting on
Potting Shed
Wed 26/08/2009 11:40
Wed 26/08/2009 12:40
1 hour
Potted on the pansy seedlings.

Break for lunch
Home Misc
Wed 26/08/2009 12:40
Wed 26/08/2009 13:25
45 minutes

Repairing window
Conservatory
Glasshouses
Wed 26/08/2009 13:25
Wed 26/08/2009 15:40
2.25 hours
A partridge flew through the side of the conservatory breaking a pain of glass on its way. Had to effect a repair to keep out the wind of which there has been plenty today.
Prepare the mower and tractor for mowing
Barn
Misc
Wed 26/08/2009 15:40
Wed 26/08/2009 16:50
70 minutes
Topped off the fuel, cleaned the air filters, checked oil levels and greased round both the Allett mower and tractor.

Clean and put away the tools.
Potting Shed
Wed 26/08/2009 16:50
Wed 26/08/2009 17:00
10 minutes

String up the Garlic
Potting Shed
Wed 26/08/2009 17:00
Wed 26/08/2009 17:20
20 minutes
I made one string last week and gave to the boss but there were some left to do so as it was to late to start anything else I finished them off and made room on the bench for the onions.

See to the bins
Hall
Misc
Wed 26/08/2009 17:20
Wed 26/08/2009 17:30
10 minutes
Put out six black bins.

NOTES
This week in the fruit garden I will show you what can happen if you don’t thin your fruit. If you remember a few weeks ago I thinned the apples and they are looking much better for it with all the fruit swelling to a good size.

On the other hand I didn’t get around to thinning the plums and look what’s happened, the branches are breaking under the strain also the plums are of a poor size and quality. So I need to make a note to try harder next time.

Feed Up The Bedding.

MY CASTLE HOWARD PICTURE FOR TODAY

JOHN’S JOKES
A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm, and says:
'A beer please, and one for the road.'

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 11C
Temp High: 25C
Rainfall: 1mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 0
Dry Days This Month: 13
Wind Level For The Day 10
Pressure: 990.3
Weather: Mostly sunny with a shower in the late afternoon..

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK
Check the sheep and lambs
Field
Misc
Tue 25/08/2009 08:00
Tue 25/08/2009 08:20
20 minutes
Checked and counted the sheep.

See to the greenhouses
Glasshouses
Tue 25/08/2009 08:20
Tue 25/08/2009 08:30
10 minutes
Had a quick look round.

Dead heading
Courtyard
Public Gardens
Tue 25/08/2009 08:30
Tue 25/08/2009 09:40
70 minutes
Finished the dead heading I started yesterday.

Tie in Tayberry etc.
Walled Garden
Tue 25/08/2009 09:40
Tue 25/08/2009 10:10
30 minutes

Feed roses
Memorial Gardens
Walled Garden
Tue 25/08/2009 10:10
Tue 25/08/2009 10:40
30 minutes
Memorial beds.

Break for tea
Home
Misc
Tue 25/08/2009 10:30
Tue 25/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Earth up the potatoes
Veg Garden
Walled Garden
Tue 25/08/2009 10:50
Tue 25/08/2009 11:35 45 minutes
There were a few miancrop potatoes starting show through the side of the row so I needed to either cover them or pick them so as they aren't mine to pick I had to try and cover them.

Spray roses
Walled Garden
Tue 25/08/2009 11:35
Tue 25/08/2009 12:35
1 hour Sprayed against black spot and mildew etc.

Cut back the daisies
Raised beds
Walled Garden
Tue 25/08/2009 12:35
Tue 25/08/2009 12:45
10 minutes

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Tue 25/08/2009 12:45
Tue 25/08/2009 13:30
45 minutes

Feed the spring bedding
Walled Garden
Tue 25/08/2009 13:30
Tue 25/08/2009 15:30
2 hours
Wallflowers and polyanthus. Fed with pelleted poultry manure.


Pick up fallen apples
Walled Garden
Tue 25/08/2009 15:30
Tue 25/08/2009 16:00
30 minutes

Hoeing
East Shrub Border
Walled Garden
Tue 25/08/2009 16:00
Tue 25/08/2009 16:45
45 minutes

Dead head the roses and Dahlia's
Walled Garden
Tue 25/08/2009 16:45
Tue 25/08/2009 17:15
30 minutes

Clean and put away the tools.
Potting Shed
Misc
Tue 25/08/2009 17:15
Tue 25/08/2009 17:30
15 minutes

COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING
Jeanette My motivation is to have the garden looking perfect even though I know I will never attain this. What I meant yesterday was that all through the spring I was getting the garden ready for the family coming for the summer holidays. Then when they decided not to spend the summer here I turned my attention to the garden party. Now that is over there is nothing to work towards other than clearing the to-do list.

Looking For Motivation.

MY CASTLE HOWARD PICTURE FOR TODAY

JOHN’S JOKES
A dyslexic man walks into a bra.


TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 16C
Temp High: 24C
Rainfall: 2mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 0
Dry Days This Month: 13
Wind Level For The Day 19
Pressure: 996.3
Weather: Mostly cloudy with some rain in the afternoon.

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK
See to the sheep
Field
Misc
Mon 24/08/2009 08:00
Mon 24/08/2009 08:20
20 minutes

Made a to-do list
Misc
Mon 24/08/2009 08:20
Mon 24/08/2009 09:00
40 minutes

See to the greenhouses
Glasshouses
Mon 24/08/2009 09:00
Mon 24/08/2009 10:00
1 hour
1) Watered and fed with Chempak high potash feed.
2) Repotted a plant afflicted with vine weevil.

Spraying
Glasshouses
Mon 24/08/2009 10:00
Mon 24/08/2009 10:30
30 minutes
Sprayed against whitefly.

Break for tea
Home
Misc
Mon 24/08/2009 10:30
Mon 24/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Cut the grass
Tower Cottage
Public Gardens
Mon 24/08/2009 10:50
Mon 24/08/2009 13:00
130 minutes
Tower Cottage is a rented property that has stood empty most of the summer the grass has become long so the boss asked me to tidy it up a little.

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Mon 24/08/2009 13:00
Mon 24/08/2009 13:45
45 minutes

Cut the grass
Tower Cottage
Public Gardens
Mon 24/08/2009 13:45
Mon 24/08/2009 14:50
Finished off the lawn.

Trim ivy
Tower Cottage
Public Gardens
Mon 24/08/2009 14:50
Mon 24/08/2009 15:10
20 minutes
Cut some Ivy back that was growing over Tower Cottage steps.

Dead head roses
Tower cottage
Public Gardens
Mon 24/08/2009 15:10
Mon 24/08/2009 15:40
30 minutes
Dead headed and weeded the roses in the Tower Cottage rose bed.

Dead head and feed the bedding
Courtyard
Public Gardens
Mon 24/08/2009 15:40
Mon 24/08/2009 16:00
20 minutes
Came on to rain so had to leave it for another time.

Shopping
Garden Centre
Misc
Mon 24/08/2009 16:00
Mon 24/08/2009 16:40
40 minutes
Bought compost, chicken manure and Miracle-Gro.

Clean and put away the tools
Potting Shed
Misc
Mon 24/08/2009 16:40
Mon 24/08/2009 17:00
20 minutes

Take cuttings
Potting Shed
Mon 24/08/2009 17:00
Mon 24/08/2009 17:30
30 minutes
Took cuttings of Lord Bute

NOTES
1) The garden party seemed to go okay, I got loads of compliments from the guests and the boss and family about how nice the gardens looked so that made all the weeks of hard work worthwhile and even more so because it was achieved without any help from the weather. Now I have to find another reason to motivate me.
COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING
Jeanette There was no tidying up for me, it seems everything was cleared away. I did take my camera with me and I will post the pics on my hiking blog in due course, I will let you know on this blog when I have posted the pictures.

I'm going to be a bit busy.

Hello everyone, I'm afraid I won't be around for a few days. Tonight is the night of the garden party so I won't have time to do any blogging and then tomorrow I'm off hiking for the day before going to stay over night with my parents where I will be spending all day Sunday. I hope you have a good weekend and I will look forward to seeing you all when I return.

Fallen Tree.

MY CASTLE HOWARD PICTURE FOR TODAY

JOHN’S JOKES
Two peanuts walk into a bar, and one was a salted.

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 18C
Temp High: 26C
Rainfall: 1mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 0
Dry Days This Month: 11
Wind Level For The Day 51
Pressure: 992.9
Weather: Sunny after a dull start, quite a strong wind blowing most all day.

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK

See to the sheep
Field
Misc
Thu 20/08/2009 08:00
Thu 20/08/2009 08:20
20 minutes

See to the pool
Main Garden
Hall & Pumpend
Thu 20/08/2009 08:20
Thu 20/08/2009 08:40
20 minutes
Put chlorine in the water.


See to the greenhouses
Glasshouses
Thu 20/08/2009 08:40
Thu 20/08/2009 08:50
10 minutes
Had a quick look round.


Potting
Potting Shed
Thu 20/08/2009 08:50
Thu 20/08/2009 09:00
10 minutes
Potted up the Lyes Unique Fuchsia cuttings 4 bush and 4 standard. (Note 1)

Mow the grass
Courtyard
Public Gardens
Thu 20/08/2009 09:00
Thu 20/08/2009 10:00
1 hour

Mowing
North Front
Public Gardens
Thu 20/08/2009 10:00
Thu 20/08/2009 10:30
30 minutes

Break for tea
Home
Misc
Thu 20/08/2009 10:30
Thu 20/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Mow all the rough grass
Public Gardens
Thu 20/08/2009 11:00
Thu 20/08/2009 13:00
2 hours

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Thu 20/08/2009 13:00
Thu 20/08/2009 13:45
45 minutes

Cut up and remove the tree that fell.
Herb Garden
Walled Garden
Thu 20/08/2009 13:45
Thu 20/08/2009 15:35
110 minutes
Part of a conifer by the potting shed fell across the herb garden due to strong winds. (Note 2)

Tie in the Tayberry etc.
Walled Garden
Thu 20/08/2009 15:35
Thu 20/08/2009 16:15
40 minutes

Dead head the roses
Memorial Gardens & Rose Garden
Walled Garden
Thu 20/08/2009 16:15
Thu 20/08/2009 17:00
45 minutes

Walked round the gardens with the boss
Misc
Thu 20/08/2009 17:00
Thu 20/08/2009 17:15
15 minutes

See to the bins
Hall
Hall & Pumpend
Thu 20/08/2009 17:15
Thu 20/08/2009 17:30
15 minutes
Put out the recycle tubbies.



NOTES
1) In the picture are the Lyes Unique Fuchsia cuttings that I took a few weeks ago. You will notice that 4 of them have short canes to them, these are to be grown on as standards, the ones without canes will become bushes. The reason I put canes in so early is that for one thing it makes it clear to me which I’ve picked out to be trained as standards and secondly the roots can grow around the cane where as is you stick the cane in later you end up having to bust through the roots. Of course these canes will have to be replaced by larger ones in time.

2) I got a surprise when I walked out of the back door of the potting shed after lunch and discovered part of a conifer was laid across the herb garden. Thankfully it didn’t cause any lasting damage. It missed the standard Fuchsia and the herbs falling mostly in to the gap between the two beds which was kind of good I thought.

From Our Garden (Week 33).

MY CASTLE HOWARD PICTURE FOR TODAY

JOHN’S JOKES
A set of jump leads walk into a bar.
The bartender says, 'I'll serve you, but don't start anything.'

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 14C
Temp High: 31C
Rainfall: 0mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 2
Dry Days This Month: 11
Wind Level For The Day 22
Pressure: 995.0
Weather: Sunny after a dull start, quite breezy at times, a pleasant day..

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK

Subject -See to the sheep
Location -Field
Categories -Misc
Start -Wed 19/08/2009 08:00
End -Wed 19/08/2009 08:20
Duration -20 minutes
Message -Checked and counted the sheep

See to the greenhouses
Glasshouses
Wed 19/08/2009 08:20
Wed 19/08/2009 08:30
10 minutes
Had a quick look round.


Put new line in the strimmer
Misc
Wed 19/08/2009 08:30
Wed 19/08/2009 09:00
30 minutes
The strimmer line broke the last time I used it so as there was only a small amount left in the spool I fitted a new 6 meter length.

Strim round
Walled Garden
Wed 19/08/2009 09:00
Wed 19/08/2009 09:30
30 minutes
Cut all the corner and edges where the mowers can’t reach.

Cut the roadside grass
Roadside
Misc
Wed 19/08/2009 09:30
Wed 19/08/2009 10:00
30 minutes
Cut the wide piece down to the junction, there is a narrow strip all along the west wall that I have to do with the strimmer but it’s not very handy with all the cars and what have you passing so I don’t do it very often.

Strim round
Main Garden
Wed 19/08/2009 10:00
Wed 19/08/2009 10:45
45 minutes
Cut out all the corners etc.

Break for tea.
Home
Misc
Wed 19/08/2009 10:45
Wed 19/08/2009 11:05
20 minutes

Mow the lawn
Main Lawn
Main Garden
Wed 19/08/2009 11:05
Wed 19/08/2009 13:15
130 minutes
Cut all the lawns.

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Wed 19/08/2009 13:15
Wed 19/08/2009 14:00
45 minutes

Shopping
Misc
Wed 19/08/2009 14:00
Wed 19/08/2009 14:30
30 minutes
Went for £20s worth of petrol.

Mow all the lawns
Walled Garden
Wed 19/08/2009 14:30
Wed 19/08/2009 17:00
2.5 hours
Cut all the lawns except under the fruit trees.

Put away the tools
Misc
Wed 19/08/2009 17:00
Wed 19/08/2009 17:20
20 minutes
There wasn't a lot of tool cleaning to be done tonight, it was more about putting away the mowers, petrol cans and grass sheets all of which had to be folded up ready for next time.

See to the bins.
Hall
Hall & Pumpend
Wed 19/08/2009 17:20
Wed 19/08/2009 17:30
10 minutes
It was green bin day but as there was only a couple of cereal boxes in one of the bins I didn't bother dragging it down for picking up. (Note 1).

NOTES
1) As some of you who read my blog regular I make a point of not watching any news broadcasts mainly because I just want to throw a boot through the TV before the program gets half way through. However there are times when I need to see the weather and so I end up seeing some of the news too. Well today it seems that the refuge collectors (bin men for those who still speak English) are having to take a pay cut of £3 pound an hour. Well they are obviously upset about this and I’m not saying whether its right or wrong or anything else but what surprises me is that they didn’t know something like this was going to happen when they brought in the green bins. Before that the bin men would be busy every week emptying the black bins, now though they come round here every other week and there is nothing to do. For instance last week I put out 6 black bins for collection from the hall and pumpend, this week I haven’t had to put out one green bin so they will come riding in tomorrow and turn round and ride straight back out again so why would you expect to get paid the same when you’re doing less work. I think they want to watch out or there might be a few more surprises for them too.

2) Tonight I will show you a plant from our garden at home. As you will see its a Begonia, I particularly like the colour of the flowers which are small so are therefore not over powering.

COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING
Jeanette I will look forward to seeing your Fuchsia’s. That’s a long time to be friends and no mistake.
Sara I’m glad the little joke hit the spot.
Peter you’re right, I do like to visit Merle and Jeanette, I have popped in and had a look at your pictures in the past too.

The Reception Was Excellent.

MY CASTLE HOWARD PICTURE FOR TODAY

JOHN’S JOKES (Note 1)
Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married.
The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was excellent..

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 12C
Temp High: 25C
Rainfall: 0mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 1
Dry Days This Month: 10
Wind Level For The Day 14
Pressure: 998.8
Weather: Mostly sunny, less windy today.

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK

Subject -Check the sheep and lambs
Location -Field
Categories -Misc
Start -Tue 18/08/2009 08:00
End -Tue 18/08/2009 08:20
Duration - 20 minutes
Message -Checked and counted the sheep and lambs.


See to the greenhouses
Glasshouses
Tue 18/08/2009 08:20
Tue 18/08/2009 09:30
70 minutes
1) Watered round.
2) Took off dead leaves and flowers.
3) Took out the Tomatoes on the staging
4) Re-potted some peppers.


Tidy North Front borders
Public Gardens
Tue 18/08/2009 09:30
Tue 18/08/2009 10:30
1 hour
Dead headed the roses and weeded the borders.

Break for tea Home
Misc
Tue 18/08/2009 10:30
Tue 18/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Edge all grass
Main Garden
Tue 18/08/2009 10:50
Tue 18/08/2009 11:45
55 minutes

Put a straight edge to lawn
Fuel tank border
Main Garden
Tue 18/08/2009 11:45
Tue 18/08/2009 12:10
25 minutes
The piece of grass by the beach hedge needs a straight edge putting to it.


Edge grass
All grass
Walled Garden
Tue 18/08/2009 12:10
Tue 18/08/2009 12:45
35 minutes

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Tue 18/08/2009 12:45
Tue 18/08/2009 13:30
45 minutes

Edge all grass
Walled Garden
Tue 18/08/2009 13:30
Tue 18/08/2009 15:30
2 hours

Tidy up round the lily pond
Lily Pond
Walled Garden
Tue 18/08/2009 15:30
Tue 18/08/2009 17:15
1.75 hours

Clean and put away the tools.
Potting Shed
Misc
Tue 18/08/2009 17:15
Tue 18/08/2009 17:30
15 minutes


NOTES
1) My brother in law John has sent me some jokes so I am going to pass them on to you as a series called ‘John’s Jokes’. No doubt you will have heard some of them before but it’s always good to have a laugh even if it’s only at the same old things.
2) Come on Bob, wrap it up now please, I’m falling asleep here – YAWN!

COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING
Jeanette Don’t worry the boot will be on the other foot soon enough. There are quite a few nice gates at Castle Howard, I will be showing you some more in time.

Conservatory (Week 33).

MY CASTLE HOWARD PICTURE FOR TODAY

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 15C
Temp High: 24C
Rainfall: 1mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 0
Dry Days This Month: 9
Wind Level For The Day 27
Pressure: 997.5
Weather: Mostly sunny after a damp start..

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK

See to the sheep
Field
Misc
Mon 17/08/2009 08:00
Mon 17/08/2009 08:20
20 minutes
Checked and counted the sheep.

See to the greenhouses
Glasshouses
Mon 17/08/2009 08:20
Mon 17/08/2009 08:45
25 minutes
Watered round.

Watering and feeding
South Front
Main Garden
Mon 17/08/2009 08:45
Mon 17/08/2009 09:30
45 minutes
Watered and fed the Petunia’s in the wall borders.

Spraying
Veg garden
Walled Garden
Mon 17/08/2009 09:30
Mon 17/08/2009 10:00
30 minutes
Sprayed potatoes for blight.

Dead head sweet peas
Walled Garden
Mon 17/08/2009 10:00
Mon 17/08/2009 10:30
30 minutes

Break for tea Home
Misc
Mon 17/08/2009 10:30
Mon 17/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Tidy up
The Long Walk
Walled Garden
Mon 17/08/2009 10:50
Mon 17/08/2009 12:45
115 minutes
Hoe and rake the gravel and trim back the Ivy.

Break for lunch
Misc
Mon 17/08/2009 12:45
Mon 17/08/2009 13:30
45 minutes

Tidy up
The Long Walk
Walled Garden
Mon 17/08/2009 13:30
Mon 17/08/2009 16:45
3.25 hours
1) Edged the grass and Ivy around the trees.

2) Took out any large weeds from the gravel.
3) Raked the gravel.

4) Weeded around the back of the trees.

5) Raked and weeded the gravel around the potting shed.

Dead head the dahlia's
Long Border & Memorial Beds
Walled Garden
Mon 17/08/2009 16:45
Mon 17/08/2009 17:10
25 minutes

Hoeing
Long Border
Walled Garden
Mon 17/08/2009 17:10
Mon 17/08/2009 17:25
15 minutes

Clean and put away the tools
Potting Shed
Mon 17/08/2009 17:20
Mon 17/08/2009 17:35
15 minutes

NOTES
Tonight I’m going to show you a standard Fuchsia I have growing in the conservatory, can anyone see anything a bit unusual about it?

A closer look at the flowers.

COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING
Merle It’s not like me to be so speedy. I’ve seen a lot of film stars not weathered half so well!
Weaver Of Grass Hope the carpet went down okay, hopefully you will get a couple of days nice weather now as apparently we’re having another two day summer this week.
Jeanette I did just that, I watched the V8 Supercar race from Sandown, I think it was from a couple of weeks ago. We get it a week late here and then I recorded it so that’s why I was a bit slow at watching it. It was a good race except those darn Holden’s won LOL!

No Lawn Mowing.

There isn’t a lot to report today as Bob is a bit old fashioned and tends to treat Sunday as a day of rest, so no lawn mowing or anything like that today. I like Sunday to be the day when I sit in the garden, watch the racing on TV, listen to some music or visit friends (see below). Of course some things have to carry on as normal like for instance walking the dogs, checking the greenhouses and drinking tea. So why not join me and have a cup of tea or coffee if you prefer and we can visit some friends together as I’m sure they won’t mind you tagging along.

First person to pop in and see is Deby I have to confess to having never visited her before but I thing she is having troubles with her foot so I'm sure any nice thoughts would be welcome. By the way check out that Redneck Wheelchair whilst you're there, its awesome.

Talking of visiting new people I had a visit from Fireweedmeadow this week and when I returned the visit I got a nice surprise. Fireweedmeadow seems to be a new blog and has already captivated my attention. Anyone with slug problems needs to check out the moose and I'm sure you will realise how lucky you are to only have slugs to worry about. Also dog lovers will love Silas, he is such a hansom boy.

I think next we will visit Weaverofgrass they are having some work done on the farmhouse as well as getting in the hay harvest. They are very busy people as always but I'm sure they will be pleased to see us, besure to take off your shoes though if you visit after today as the new carpet will be fitted.

Another good friend of mine always worth a visit is Merle - especially when she's been doing some cookin'! This week though she has got a nice old picture to show us of her family. I like old pictures and often wonder how these new digital pictures will be in fifty years time.

I'm sure you will agree that we could spend all day visiting friends and still have some left, I have to leave you now though as Vicki is back from church so I will go and put the kettle on again and make another cup of tea for us both.

Have a good restful day,
Bob

New Series - Castle Howard.

MY CASTLE HOWARD PICTURE FOR TODAY
[Click] on the name above for a link to their website.

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 18C
Temp High: 28C
Rainfall: 0mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 3
Dry Days This Month: 9
Wind Level For The Day 47
Pressure: 991.3
Weather: Mostly overcast.

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK

Subject -See to the sheep
Location-Field
Categories -Misc
Start -Sat 15/08/2009 07:30
End -Sat 15/08/2009 08:30
Duration -1 hour
Message -Helped the farmer go through them and treat for maggots.

Subject -See to the greenhouses
Categories -Glasshouses
Start -Sat 15/08/2009 08:30
End -Sat 15/08/2009 08:45
Duration -15 minutes
Message -Opened the vents.

NOTES
1) As you will see at the top I have come to the end of my Haddon Hall Pictures so now I will do a series on Castle Howard in Yorkshire. A few people have got confused thinking that Haddon Hall etc. Is the big house where I am the gardener at so I will just explain that my ‘Picture For Today’ used to be just random pictures that I had taken over the years so instead of dodging around from one place to another all the time I decided to do a whole series of pictures from one place at a time, for instance I am now going to do a series on Castle Howard. The pictures were taken on the 15th August ’09, I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed taking them for you.

COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING

Fireweedmeadow The Apricots are grown in the conservatory so are protected from the worst of the elements although by all accounts they can be grown outdoors, especially if you have a warm wall to grow them against, you would have to protect the early blossom against any frost though. When I get the peach tree it will go against a warm wall outdoors as they are a touch hardier I believe. I’m glad you find my blog good to navigate. I do it this way then if you just prefer to read what I’ve been doing, maybe as a reference to what you could be doing in your own garden, or if you leave a comment and want to find what me answer is it’s easy to find without having to wade through a load of words that don’t really interest you or don’t have time for. As for how many gardens I work with there is just me and my Tommy who tends to be a bit of a part timer and also as you will see from the notes above I don’t garden at Haddon Hall but at a different big house. I can’t say where or give details as its privately owned so I am limited to pictures of my work rather than showing off the gardens or property.

Matron No I didn't get to eat any of them yet as the family are here so I feel obliged to leave things for them until I think they're going to waste - the fruit or veg that is - not the family!

A Phone Call To The Farmer.

MY HADDON HALL PICTURE FOR TODAY

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 12C
Temp High: 24C
Rainfall: 0mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 2
Dry Days This Month: 8
Wind Level For The Day 13
Pressure: 994.6
Weather: Mostly overcast..

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK
See to the sheep
Field
Misc
Fri 14/08/2009 08:00
Fri 14/08/2009 08:20
20 minutes
1) Checked and counted.
2) Phoned the farmer to tell him a couple of sheep had the maggots.
See to the bins
Misc
Fri 14/08/2009 08:30
Fri 14/08/2009 09:00
30 minutes
Put back the black bins and put out the tubbies.

See to the swimming pool
Misc
Fri 14/08/2009 09:00
Fri 14/08/2009 10:00
1 hour
Connect the pump and heater and put on the covers.

Break for tea
Home
Misc
Fri 14/08/2009 10:00
Fri 14/08/2009 10:20
20 minutes

See to the swimming pool
Misc
Fri 14/08/2009 10:20
Fri 14/08/2009 10:50
30 minutes
Putting Chlorine etc. in the pool.

Remove weeds from wall top
Main Garden
Fri 14/08/2009 10:50
Fri 14/08/2009 11:30
40 minutes

Sweep drive
Main Drive
Public Gardens
Fri 14/08/2009 11:30
Fri 14/08/2009 12:00
30 minutes

Sweep paths and hard surfaces
Main Garden
Fri 14/08/2009 12:00
Fri 14/08/2009 12:15
15 minutes

Sweep all paths and hard area's
Walled Garden
Fri 14/08/2009 12:15
Fri 14/08/2009 12:30
15 minutes

Clean filter on the pump
Lily Pond
Walled Garden
Fri 14/08/2009 12:30
Fri 14/08/2009 12:45
15 minutes

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Fri 14/08/2009 12:45
Fri 14/08/2009 13:30
45 minutes

Pot on busy lizzies
Glasshouses
Fri 14/08/2009 13:30
Fri 14/08/2009 14:30
1 hour

Pot on tumbler tomatoes
Glasshouses
Fri 14/08/2009 14:30
Fri 14/08/2009 15:00
30 minutes
Potted in to a hanging basket

Dead head anything in need
Glasshouses
Fri 14/08/2009 15:00
Fri 14/08/2009 16:00
1 hour

Water round
Glasshouses
Fri 14/08/2009 16:00
Fri 14/08/2009 16:45
45 minutes
Watered and fed with Chempak high potash liquid feed.

Pick up rubbish
Walled Garden
Fri 14/08/2009 16:45
Fri 14/08/2009 17:00
15 minutes
From pond and veg garden.

Harrow the gravel
North Front
Public Gardens
Fri 14/08/2009 17:00
Fri 14/08/2009 17:30
30 minutes

COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING
Jim No I didn’t time to visit any places like that when I was walking also I would probably have got thrown out as I was like a mobile bog most of the time. Haddon Hall is a place I visited once, its near to my home village.
Jeanette Next year if I can get a few more fruit on the tree (More than my boss can easily count) I will be trying one or two for myself you can be sure.

First Apricot.

MY HADDON HALL PICTURE FOR TODAY

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 11C
Temp High: 29C
Rainfall: 0mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 1
Dry Days This Month: 7
Wind Level For The Day 2
Pressure: 1001.6
Weather: Warm, sunny and much calmer than yesterday.

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK

See to the sheep
Field
Misc
Thu 13/08/2009 08:00
Thu 13/08/2009 08:20
20 minutes

See to the greenhouses
Glasshouses
Thu 13/08/2009 08:20
Thu 13/08/2009 09:00
40 minutes

Mow the grass
Courtyard
Public Gardens
Thu 13/08/2009 09:00
Thu 13/08/2009 10:15
1.25 hours

Mowing
North Front
Public Gardens
Thu 13/08/2009 10:15
Thu 13/08/2009 10:30
15 minutes

Break for tea
Home
Misc
Thu 13/08/2009 10:30
Thu 13/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Mow the lawn
Main Lawn
Main Garden
Thu 13/08/2009 10:50
Thu 13/08/2009 12:45
115 minutes

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Thu 13/08/2009 12:45
Thu 13/08/2009 13:30
45 minutes

Mow all the lawns
Walled Garden
Thu 13/08/2009 13:30
Thu 13/08/2009 16:00
2.5 hours

Mow all the rough grass
Public Gardens
Thu 13/08/2009 16:00
Thu 13/08/2009 18:00
2 hours

NOTES
The family are up for a couple of weeks so I thought I would take a picture of the Apricots because no doubt they will all disappear this weekend. When I was looking for a tree for this position in the conservatory I was really wanting a peach tree but I was a bit late so all they had left was Apricot trees so rather than waste a year I settled for this Apricot tree which is okay but there are times when I wished I’d held out for a peach tree. I will have to see if they will let me get one for the outdoors. This Apricot tree has been in three summers now and this is the first fruit from it.

COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING
Sara Oh yes I agree, human’s don’t know the meaning of faithful compared to a dog. I love when I get frustrated about something and I’m on the verge of cursing something and then you get a pointy nose prodding you for some attention, it just takes away all the frustration, it’s as if they can tell you need to fuss something.
fireweedmeadow Thank you for visiting and I’m pleased you find something I write of interest. I sometimes wonder what the point of it all is but then I think of the people who read what I write and the nice things that say so that makes it all worthwhile in the end.
Jeanette, That’s got that sorted then! I keep looking at the ghost in the picture because I can’t figure out what it really is, it does look like a ghost looking over the guys shoulder but it can’t be can it.

Shady Dog.

MY HADDON HALL PICTURE FOR TODAY

Can anyone spot the ghost?

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 16C
Temp High: 26C
Rainfall: 1mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 0
Dry Days This Month: 6
Wind Level For The Day 27
Pressure: 1000.1
Weather: Warm and sunny after a wet start, quite a stiff breeze blowing most of the day..

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK

See to the sheep
Field
Misc
Wed 12/08/2009 08:00
Wed 12/08/2009 08:20
20 minutes

See to the greenhouses
Glasshouses
Wed 12/08/2009 08:20
Wed 12/08/2009 10:00
100 minutes
1) Water round.
2) Took of some dead flowers.

Shopping
Garden Centre
Misc
Wed 12/08/2009 10:00
Wed 12/08/2009 10:30
30 minutes Went for some weed killer.

Break for tea
Home
Misc
Wed 12/08/2009 10:30
Wed 12/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Strim round
Courtyard
Public Gardens
Wed 12/08/2009 10:50
Wed 12/08/2009 11:50
1 hour

Mow the grass
Courtyard
Public Gardens
Wed 12/08/2009 11:50
Wed 12/08/2009 12:45
55 minutes

Stake the chrysanths
By the seat.
Public Gardens
Wed 12/08/2009 12:30
Wed 12/08/2009 12:45
15 minutes

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Wed 12/08/2009 12:45
Wed 12/08/2009 13:30
45 minutes

Spraying
South Front
Main Garden
Wed 12/08/2009 13:30
Wed 12/08/2009 14:00
30 minutes
Sprayed the weeds in the south front gravel.

Spraying
All Hard Surfaces
Walled Garden
Wed 12/08/2009 14:00
Wed 12/08/2009 14:30
30 minutes
Spraying weeds.

Spraying
North Front
Public Gardens
Wed 12/08/2009 14:30
Wed 12/08/2009 15:00
30 minutes
There were some brambles growing in the rock garden that I cleared out last winter so I sprayed them with brushwood killer as I couldn’t get the roots out from where they are growing.

Tidy up
veg garden
Walled Garden
Wed 12/08/2009 15:00
Wed 12/08/2009 17:00
2 hours
Pulled out any old stuff past it’s sell by date and did some weeding. Also planted a few lettuce.

Tommy staying cool whilst guarding the cabbages.

Clean and put away the tools
Potting Shed
Wed 12/08/2009 17:00
Wed 12/08/2009 17:15
15 minutes

See to the bins
Hall
Hall & Pumpend
Wed 12/08/2009 17:15
Wed 12/08/2009 17:30
15 minutes
Put out six black bins.

NOTES

COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING

Sara, I’ll go with the poor bit but as I’m sure you know if you have a dog you’re never lonely. My dogs are my best friends and if that makes me a sad case so be it. The thing about buses and coaches is an interesting one. I tend to think of a coach as a posh bus. For instance when you go on a local journey you go by bus, as a rule they are just basic work horses. When you go on a longer trip you go by coach which has more luxury. The one we’re going to Spain on is a Silver Service coach which is a notch above the average coach. It has less seats so more leg room, The seats are recliners and there is a lounge at the rear where you can get refreshments etc.

Merle It is very busy in the garden at the moment, with just seven working days until the open night I am pushing all the time to achieve the best possible result even so things are slipping off the end of the calendar, hopefully I can drag them back on next week.

Jeanette, I will be over in September! Are you near to Bathhurst cos I could pop on over and see the race, that would be truly mega. I might disappear over to Merle’s place too cos I really fancy some of her home cooking. It sounds so good I’m sure I can smell it all the way over here!

Swimming Pool Duties.

MY HADDON HALL PICTURE FOR TODAY

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 12C
Temp High: 28C
Rainfall: 0mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 1
Dry Days This Month: 6
Wind Level For The Day 15
Pressure: 1001.4
Weather: Warm and sunny with a breeze.

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK

Subject -Check the sheep and lambs
Location -Field
Categories -Misc
Start -Tue 11/08/2009 08:00
End -Tue 11/08/2009 08:20
Duration -20 minutes
Message -Checked and counted the sheep

Watering
South Front
Main Garden
Tue 11/08/2009 08:20
Tue 11/08/2009 09:00
40 minutes
Watered and fed the Petunia's in the walls.

Remove dead branches
Walled Garden
Tue 11/08/2009 09:00
Tue 11/08/2009 09:40
40 minutes
From apple tree and conifer.


Weed conifer hedge shrub border.
Walled Garden
Tue 11/08/2009 09:40
Tue 11/08/2009 10:30
50 minutes

Break for tea
Home
Misc
Tue 11/08/2009 10:30
Tue 11/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Weeding.
Memorial garden
Walled Garden
Tue 11/08/2009 11:00
Tue 11/08/2009 12:15
1.25 hours
Weeded both Dahlia beds.

Dead heading
Rose Garden
Walled Garden
Tue 11/08/2009 12:15
Tue 11/08/2009 12:45
30 minutes

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Tue 11/08/2009 12:45
Tue 11/08/2009 13:30
45 minutes

Erected the swimming pool
Lawn
Main Garden
Tue 11/08/2009 13:30
Tue 11/08/2009 14:00
30 minutes
Put in place and started filling.

Mowing
All the lawns
Walled Garden
Tue 11/08/2009 14:00
Tue 11/08/2009 15:30
1.5 hours

Trimming
All the privet
Walled Garden
Tue 11/08/2009 15:30
Tue 11/08/2009 17:15
1.75 hours
Cut and cleaned up all trimmings.

Clean and put away the tools.
Potting Shed
Misc
Tue 11/08/2009 17:15
Tue 11/08/2009 17:30
15 minutes

Check on the swimming pool
Main Garden
Tue 11/08/2009 20:00
Tue 11/08/2009 20:30
30 minutes

Watering
Conservatory
Glasshouses
Tue 11/08/2009 20:15
Tue 11/08/2009 20:45
30 minutes
Watered round and closed the vents.

NOTES
1) The family are coming to stay for a while so I’ve been instructed to get the swimming pool in operation ready for their arrival on Saturday.

COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING
No comments to report today – nobody is speaking to me - LOL!

Holidays

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 16C
Temp High: 24C
Rainfall: 1mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 0
Dry Days This Month: 5
Wind Level For The Day 13
Pressure: 994.3
Weather: Mostly overcast after a wet start..

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK

See to the sheep
Field
Misc
Mon 10/08/2009 08:00
Mon 10/08/2009 08:20
20 minutes
1) Put out some minerals.
2) Checked and counted the sheep.

Took the car for MOT
Personal
Mon 10/08/2009 08:20
Mon 10/08/2009 09:00
40 minutes

See to the greenhouses
Glasshouses
Mon 10/08/2009 09:00
Mon 10/08/2009 09:30
30 minutes
1) Checked around.
2) Sprayed against whitefly.

Tidying up
Rose Beds
Main Garden
Mon 10/08/2009 09:30
Mon 10/08/2009 10:15
45 minutes
Weeded and dead headed the roses in the two beds by the iron gates.

Tidying up
Summer House
Main Garden
Mon 10/08/2009 10:15
Mon 10/08/2009 10:30
15 minutes
1) Trimmed back some bits of Ivy growing on the low wall.
2) Weeded and raked the gravel.
3) Swept down the steps.

Summer House Steps, there is also a yard round the corner that had to be swept up too.
Break for tea
Home
Misc
Mon 10/08/2009 10:30
Mon 10/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Tidying up.
Summer House
Main Garden
Mon 10/08/2009 10:50
Mon 10/08/2009 12:15
85 minutes

Fetch the car
Personal
Mon 10/08/2009 12:15
Mon 10/08/2009 12:45
30 minutes

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Mon 10/08/2009 12:45
Mon 10/08/2009 13:30
5 minutes

Tidying up.
Summer House
Main Garden
Mon 10/08/2009 13:30
Mon 10/08/2009 14:00
30 minutes
Swept the steps.


Mow the lawn
Main Lawn
Main Garden
Mon 10/08/2009 14:00
Mon 10/08/2009 14:50
50 minutes
Because I didn't get chance to cut the lawns last week I ran over it with the tractor mower to knock off any long ends.

Hoe the gravel
South Front
Main Garden
Mon 10/08/2009 14:50
Mon 10/08/2009 16:20
1.5 hours

Tidy up the flower border
Main Garden
Mon 10/08/2009 16:00
Mon 10/08/2009 16:45
45 minutes

Dead head sweet peas
Glasshouses
Mon 10/08/2009 16:30
Mon 10/08/2009 17:00
30 minutes

Clean and put away the tools
Potting Shed
Mon 10/08/2009 17:00
Mon 10/08/2009 17:15
15 minutes

Update my to-do list for next week
Main Garden
Mon 10/08/2009 17:15
Mon 10/08/2009 17:30
15 minutes

NOTES
1) I have nine working days left to make sure that the garden is looking the best that I can. On the 21st is the summer evening party, the only time the grounds are open to the public so everything I do from now until then will be done with that in mind.
2) Today Vicki booked a holiday for us in November. It’s a week’s coach trip through France to Spain, I’m quite looking forward to it even though I’m not sure what to expect. It’s almost thirty years since I went anywhere on a coach and forty years since I went on a foreign coach holiday. Also we have a holiday planned in September, we’re staying at home for that and hope to go out on days trips to visit some gardens and what have you.
COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING
Jeanette Other estate workers use the scaffolding so it gets dismantled and stored in the barn ready for the next person to use. I doubt I will have any use for it until this time next year.
Tea No I’m not the gardener at Haddon Hall, I just include a picture of somewhere else each day if I can as there are only so many pictures I can show of where I work.
Emily That’s an interesting idea, the beauty of a tractor is you can hitch up any amount of different trailers so we would only need the one tractor with a variety of themed trailers! Can you see Bob in a suit though!!!
Merle I’m pleased someone found the link interesting. I really believe that the only losers in life are the ones that give up without trying. Even if you fail in what you’re doing the fact that you tried makes you a winner in my eyes. The garden I look after isn’t massive but there is enough work to keep me busy in all seasons. I’m sure I do more than I really need but I’ve always liked to do my best. Also it isn’t like going to work, as long as a do a good job the boss seems happy to let me get on with it so it’s more like spending the day in my own garden than going to work – and I get paid for it as well!

A Great Garden Feature.

MY HADDON HALL PICTURE FOR TODAY

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 14C
Temp High: 29C
Rainfall: 20mm
Cont. Days Without Rain: 0
Dry Days This Month: 3
Wind Level For The Day 1
Pressure: 1002.4
Weather: Started off wet but turned out warm and sunny in the afternoon.

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK

See to the sheep
Field
Misc
Fri 07/08/2009 08:00
Fri 07/08/2009 08:20
20 minutes
Checked and counted the sheep

See to the greenhouse
Glasshouses
Fri 07/08/2009 08:20
Fri 07/08/2009 08:40
20 minutes
1) had a quick look round.
2) Sprayed against Whitefly.

Potting up
Potting Shed
Fri 07/08/2009 08:40
Fri 07/08/2009 09:00
20 minutes
Potted on several Fuchsia's

Potting on
Potting Shed
Fri 07/08/2009 09:00
Fri 07/08/2009 10:00
1 hour
Potted on the Winter/Spring Pansies. I ended up with 150 plants.

Potted on the melons
Potting Shed
Fri 07/08/2009 10:00
Fri 07/08/2009 10:30
30 minutes

Planted the melons into their final pots. This is a bit late really but they took a while to get going and then I got a bit busy so they got a bit neglected.

Break for tea
Home
Misc
Fri 07/08/2009 10:30
Fri 07/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Clearing up the hedge cuttings
Memorial Garden
Walled Garden
Fri 07/08/2009 10:50
Fri 07/08/2009 12:45
115 minutes
Raked up and carted away the hedge cuttings, put them on the compost heap, not sure if that's a good thing to do or not.

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Fri 07/08/2009 12:45
Fri 07/08/2009 13:30
45 minutes
Finished clearing up the hedge cuttings
Rose garden
Walled Garden
Fri 07/08/2009 13:30
Fri 07/08/2009 14:40
70 minutes

Mowing
The Green
Public Gardens
Fri 07/08/2009 14:40
Fri 07/08/2009 16:30
110 minutes
Cut all the rough grass.

Watering
Glasshouses
Fri 07/08/2009 16:30
Fri 07/08/2009 17:15
45 minutes
Watering in the greenhouses then there won’t be anything much needs doing over the weekend unless we have a heat wave.

Clean and put away the tools
Potting Shed
Fri 07/08/2009 17:15
Fri 07/08/2009 17:30
15 minutes

NOTES
I don’t know why I’ve suddenly developed the urge to own an old tractor, something from the late 70s to early 80s so tonight I’ve been indulging myself, some might call wasting time, looking at old tractors for sale on various websites. It’s okay, I’m not going to come over all rash and go out and buy one or anything, I was just window shopping. I have no practical use for any kind of tractor these days let alone anywhere to keep it, unless of course I could convince Vicki that they make great garden features!

COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING
Emily well it’s good to see you back and I will try my best to keep the world turning.

Your Life Is Your Gold Mine.

Something I found for you - Click here.

A Wonderful Machine.

MY HADDON HALL PICTURE FOR TODAY

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 15C
Temp High: 28C
Rainfall: 0mm
Cont. Days Without Rain:1
Dry Days This Month: 3
Wind Level For The Day 0
Pressure: 1002.4
Weather: A calm muggy day, sunny until the afternoon.

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK
Check the mole trap
North Front
Misc
Thu 06/08/2009 08:00
Thu 06/08/2009 08:10
10 minutes
Caught a mole and removed the trap

See to the sheep
Field
Misc
Thu 06/08/2009 08:10
Thu 06/08/2009 08:30
20 minutes
Checked and counted the sheep

See to the greenhouse
Glasshouses
Thu 06/08/2009 08:30
Thu 06/08/2009 09:00
30 minutes
Watered round

Hedge cutting
Memorial Gardens
Walled Garden
Thu 06/08/2009 09:00
Thu 06/08/2009 10:30
1.5 hours
Continued to cut the conifer hedges.

Break for tea Home
Misc
Thu 06/08/2009 10:30
Thu 06/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Hedge cutting
Memorial Gardens
Walled Garden
Thu 06/08/2009 10:50
Thu 06/08/2009 12:45
115 minutes
Continued work on the conifer hedges.

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Thu 06/08/2009 12:45
Thu 06/08/2009 13:30
45 minutes

Hedge cutting
Memorial Gardens
Walled Garden
Thu 06/08/2009 13:30
Thu 06/08/2009 15:30
2 hours
Finished off cutting the two conifer hedges.

Hedge cutting
Rose Garden
Walled Garden
Thu 06/08/2009 15:30
Thu 06/08/2009 16:40
70 minutes
Trimming the conifer hedge by the rose garden.

Cleaned and put away the tools
Potting Shed
Misc
Thu 06/08/2009 16:40
Thu 06/08/2009 17:20
40 minutes
This includes dismantling the scaffolding tower and putting it back in store.

See to the bins
Hall
Hall & Pumpend
Thu 06/08/2009 17:20
Thu 06/08/2009 17:30
10 minutes
Took back the green bin and put out one recycle tubby.

NOTES
People have commented on how easy it is to cut the electric cable of an electric cutter, a couple of other things worth taking care over is making sure that if you have to work at height to make sure whatever you use to attain that height is stable. Another less obvious thing to watch out for are wasp nests as they often like to build in the roots of the hedge where it’s very often dry and sheltered. They can pass un-noticed during normal ever day life but can become very agitated if you start thrashing around with an hedge cutter outside their front door. I have a strong nest somewhere in the base of a conifer tree on the North Front, thankfully it’s not really causing anyone any problems where it is so I will leave it alone and treat the area with respect.

The new hedge cutter has proved to be a wonderful machine. Not only did it do a good job but it did it way faster than the old one. I saved a whole day on what its taken me in the past so I'm really pleased with my new machine.
COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING SHED
Kimmie I was updating both blogs but I was finding that I was not always answering peoples comments with dodging back and forth, also I was spending more time blogging than I really have time for at the moment so I put them both together for the time being rather than stop writing one or the other as I know some people like the work book and others like the tips and pictures of my work in the garden. So yes, I have switched to this blog for now at least.

Jeanette I’ve been thinking all day that I must measure the height of the hedges as someone is sure to ask, and guess what? I went and forgot so I went across after dinner and measured them for you Jeanette. They are 13 feet high and vary between 4 and 6 feet wide, or 3.9 metres by 1.8.

Made A Start On The Conifer Hedges.

MY HADDON HALL PICTURE FOR TODAY

TODAYS WEATHER READINGS
So that I can post the readings on the same day as the blog post they are of the previous 24 hours up to 6 pm today.
Temp Low: 18C
Temp High: 26C
Rainfall: 2mm
Cont. Days Without Rain:0
Dry Days This Month: 2
Wind Level For The Day 12
Pressure: 999.8
Weather: Some rain in the morning but came out sunny in the afternoon.

2009 Highs & Lows
Min for the year: -5 C (4th February)
Max for the year: 35 C (1st July)
Most rain in 24 hours: 39mm (5th June)

MY WORK BOOK

Check the mole trap
North Front
Misc
Wed 05/08/2009 08:00
Wed 05/08/2009 08:10
10 minutes

See to the sheep
Field
Misc
Wed 05/08/2009 08:10
Wed 05/08/2009 08:35
25 minutes
Checked and counted the sheep.

See to the greenhouses
Glasshouses
Wed 05/08/2009 08:35
Wed 05/08/2009 09:05
30 minutes

Tie in the blackberry and tayberries
Walled Garden
Wed 05/08/2009 09:00
Wed 05/08/2009 09:30
30 minutes
Add some wires to the wall as the shoots had reached the end of the ones already there.

Tidy up the tomatoes
Greenhouse
Wed 05/08/2009 09:30
Wed 05/08/2009 10:00
30 minutes
It came on to rain and as the greenhouse was infested with whitefly I decided to fire the hippy bugs I that I’d employed to sort out the whitefly and do something about it myself to try and salvage the crop. So I removed all the lower leaves and then sprayed with an organic pesticide.

Spraying
Greenhouse
Wed 05/08/2009 10:00
Wed 05/08/2009 10:30
30 minutes
Spraying for whitefly.

Break for tea
Home
Misc
Wed 05/08/2009 10:30
Wed 05/08/2009 10:50
20 minutes

Edging
Walled Garden
Wed 05/08/2009 10:50
Wed 05/08/2009 12:20
1.5 hours
Edged all around the boundary.

Strimming
Walled Garden
Wed 05/08/2009 12:20
Wed 05/08/2009 12:55
35 minutes
Cut everywhere that the mowers can't get.

Break for lunch
Home
Misc
Wed 05/08/2009 12:55
Wed 05/08/2009 13:45
50 minutes

Hedge cutting
Memorial Gardens
Walled Garden
Wed 05/08/2009 13:45
Wed 05/08/2009 17:00
3.25 hours
Made a start on the conifer hedges.


Clean and put away the tools
Potting Shed
Wed 05/08/2009 17:00
Wed 05/08/2009 17:20
20 minutes

See to the bins
Hall
Hall & Pumpend
Wed 05/08/2009 17:20
Wed 05/08/2009 17:30
10 minutes
Put out one green bin.


NOTES

For those not familiar with my work book I will just explain that I keep a paper version of my work at the big house and what you have here is basically an electronic version of it. All entries are the same as in my paper work book except in a slightly different format so that it fits these pages better. Below is a picture of the current volume.

COMMENTS FROM THE POTTING SHED
Matron I remember your apples from last year. They don’t use many here so I may as well have a few good sized one than a lot of small ones. I didn’t do all the trees just a couple of the best ones that were easy to reach.
Sara Those hedges are just a few of the ones that I have to do along with some privet and other shrubs. Haddon Hall isn’t so big neither the house or the gardens. Chatsworth is much bigger and needs a full day to explore the house and grounds properly.