Review 2013

At this time of the year it is a pleasant thing to review the years photos from Freshwinds Garden and think about the many highlights.

It has been  great year when viewed in its entirety.

JANUARY

For instance, back in January, how were we to know that ahead of us lay nearly 3 months of winter weather, which delayed the usual gardening calendar. The weather remained cold throughout March .

FEBRUARY

By the end of February we were desperate to get going with any number of jobs outdoors but our visits to the garden were usually to get leeks and other veg. for making warm, nourishing soups.

 MARCH

In March the cows escaped from the barn and trampled over the wet, soggy grass, leaving tell-tale footprints around the little orchard. One of my first jobs there was to fill the holes in before the campers walked through in the dark.

 APRIL

The cold spring left a lot of orphaned lambs. It was a real joy to see them on every following visit. Some of the expectant sheep were brought under cover to lamb. Problems can arise when lambs are born in the open, on very cold nights. 

 MAY 

We aquired a lot more old carpeting so decided to replace the paths, making them narrower at the same time. Throughout the year, thanks to Andy and Alex, we have had plenty of chipped bark delivered. Paula was kept busy weaving in the 

ends of the willow arch.

JUNE

June saw us making an all-out effort to complete the cobbing. It still took us the rest of the year to do, even with family help.

JULY

If I had to give 2013 any name, it would be the Year of the Frog.....sounds a bit Chinese.

One family member counted 17 at one time. It was very easy to pass the time just sitting and watching them. 

My best memory......a young camper resting on one of the logs by the pond, on his  gameboy(?) When I pointed out that there were frogs in the pond, he began to really look. Later I watched him poised over the edge with his camera trying to get a good shot. 

That`s the magic of Freshwinds at work.

AUGUST

We reached the top of the cob shed in a glorious August. There were many picnics at the beach and some of our visits to the garden were later in the day to avoid the heat.

 SEPTEMBER 

Our apple harvest was good but we had to pick the pears early due to birds and wasps. 

I tried pickling them.

Thank goodness we tried them out before giving them away for Christmas presents, because they were quite revolting!!

 OCTOBER

In October we were still harvesting plenty of produce. We were working hard to get the roof on the cob shed, using the wood from an old shed.

NOVEMBER

Two photos for November showing the insect hotel, not yet complete, and the wooden roof on the cob shed. Since this photo was taken the wall facing, has been blasted by wind and rain, exposing the straw. It may need some repairs.

  DECEMBER

This month saw me up to my knees in compost. 

In fact it was much easier than I expected.  

All in all a great year with many special memories, not least of which is that Tim, in his 60th year, raised an incredible £5,383 for FARM AFRICA with his three challenges.

And Anne climbed the three highest peaks in the UK in just over 24 hours.

What a pair they are!

Great times and great company.

Looking forward to all the projects for 2014.

More in the first blog of the new year.

A very happy new year to everyone who reads my blog.