Currant Thief Unknown

What a mixed bag of weather we have had. The heavy rain ensured that we had everything tied up really well. Thank goodness as we had strong winds as well. The sunshine in between has brought the most incredible spurt of growth on all plants, including weeds.

In the garden I had to pick four red roses bent over from the winds. The alstromeria has been virtually flattened.

My niece Hazel, gave me this massive trough. I have filled it with rocket and basil for the polytunnel.

 

The biggest surprise was a lovely bowl of raspberries which we enjoyed in the evening.

My main job of the day was to make a start on the barn path from the other end. This is where the hose is stored and seeing as the grass and other growth is so prolific, I felt it needed to be made safer. 

 

The soil here is wonderful, rotted chipped bark. Eventually I want to shovel it all onto the beds and replace with new chipped bark.

It was a bit daunting to look ahead and see what still needs to be done. But I will get there, as long as I am not troubled by horseflies again. What a nasty bite they can give.

The first sunflower was out .....

 

 ..... and the first sweetpeas which I forgot to pick.

 My second job was to clear this path alongside the tortoise run. Some lovely raspberry runners are growing here, to be potted up next time.

Something has been stealing the redcurrants. I fear there will be no jelly this year. I found a gap under the fruit net but I`ve no idea what it could be.
 

My niece also gave us this mini picnic table, which fits perfectly in the fernery.

 

Still quite a few big jobs to do but we`re getting there.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Hidden Houses and Flower Art

We had a short visit today due to family celebrations, but we fitted a lot in.

 Recently we removed a huge fern from our own garden creating some very welcome space for my last bedding plants. We took the fern to the garden today and found it a space on the barn path. It looks quite at home already.

My other task was to put some of my sister-in-law`s pictures in the snug to inspire children or adults. I think they are lovely.

 

In the snug you will find some colouring sheets and paper. Anne and I are on the lookout for felt pens and crayons. If you come yurting or camping, you can spend time here if you wish.

It was very pleasant chatting to regular visitors. They were here about a month ago and they were astounded by the changes in the garden. Well, it has gone a bit mad.

They love the garden and they love the crafts. So very happy to hear this.

The squashes on the compost heap have taken away.

The apple mint and borage surround that area. They have all seeded or rooted themselves.

Poppies are the stars of the show, though some were knocked over by the winds yesterday.

I was dismayed to see the same problem with the buddlieas this year. Melon Cotton Aphid I think. Last year I cut these shoots off and all the shrubs recovered.

Whilst looking closely I found this caterpillar.

The Mullein Moth, identified by the lady with the Titian hair, on her app. Thank you.

I left it there as it is so beautiful but I have just read that it can strip the plant bare .... now I don`t know what to do. Perhaps it can conveniently strip the bad bits and leave the good bits!!!

 

In the polytunnel one courgette is well away .....

......the cucumbers are thriving after a very poor start ....

.....and one has already begun to climb the netting.

The gnome garden has all but disappeared amongst the verdant growth.

And the new fairy house is well-hidden.

All in all a very lush start to June.

 

Flower Rings and Pretty |Boxes

It seems some time since I posted an entry on my latest crafts so here goes.

Most of May was taken up knitting this small blanket. It is not the neatest effort and I can`t seem to get the squares to lie flat despite stretching. I think I need to be a bit more diligent with counting as I crochet round the edge of each square. Despite my self-criticism, I think it has a cosy wrap-around feel especially with the fleecy lining. And I like the soft colours.

I have chosen the recipient. It shall remain secret for now.

The latest Mandalorian and Grogu movie has recently been released. Some of our younger family members have been to see it. With that in mind, I tried some Grogus which I have done before.

Not quite happy with the first efforts and may have to experiment further.

Perhaps with arms.
But I was much happier with the worry worms. Two sold on the craft trolley over the last week.

A camper was very interested in the dried flower rings.She wanted to try some herself. They are made using our own helichrysum flowers glued to a wooden ring and hung by an organza ribbon. She was attracted to the simplicity.

This year we have grown helichrysum, statice and a new one statice "Pink Pokers" in the garden. They have just begun to flower.

These fluffy pompom owls are selling well. I made them by using up the last tapestry wool which I have had for years.

 

Recently I found some very pretty fabric in Jacobs Haberdashery in Hastings. It was only £4 a metre. Yesterday when my gardening plans were thwarted by the weather, I made some lavender bags. 

 

The applique tulip is a motif taken from a set of serviettes which belonged to my aunt. They were a present from her 1940`s wedding. She gave them to me shortly before she died. The set matched a tablecloth with which I made bunting. This will remain in the family. My aunt insisted that I did not tell her what I intended doing with them. I kept that promise but I do hope she approves.

 

The lavender comes from the gardens. I dry it myself

in our garden room in the sunshine and then I store it in this pretty box given to me by my sister.

 

 

It was lovely talking to campers in the week, children and adults alike. I loved to hear and see what and why they had chosen their crafts before they went home. And they were full of what they had bought here before and even had some great ideas for new things.

So, I have been trawling through my old craft photos, on this windy afternoon. I have lots of old ideas to resurrect and I have been inspired with new ones.

Watch this space.

Roses in the Rain

 This is going to be a good year for the roses which is surprising since it has been so dry.

It was very wet today. We did visit the garden to water the polytunnel. I was thankful that all the yurters and campers got such a good week during the half term school holidays because it was pretty miserable.

Anne had put up the bunting which was flapping forlornly in the strong winds. This year I have made it with deck chair fabric which I hope will last longer.

I had to tie in most of the sunflowers as I didn`t want to lose any. I was very glad that we had constructed most of the framework some time ago.

Alstromeria has just started flowering.

 

 I do not understand why these pinks haven`t been eaten by rabbits but here they are.

Incredible perfume.

 

All crops are looking amazing after the rain. I never thought the courgettes would recover.
 

Broad beans

Onions

Courgettes

My goodness there will be some weeds next time.

 

My brother bought us this netting so we have mounted it on an old yurt pole and we hope the cucumbers will climb up it

(and possibly some ipomea)

It was a quick visit. We were wet and a bit cold. All I could think of was my p.j`s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horsehair Clues and Painted Ladies

About two weeks ago we were in 4 layers of clothing and worried about frosts.

This week I am searching my wardrobe to find the coolest things to wear. Visits to the garden are as early as we can. This did not work today, as we had our first sea swim. It was delightful. 

This is Pett Level on Monday.

Today the tide was right in at 10 a.m..

So our visit was in the afternoon. Oh my goodness it was hot. We were dripping. Steve planted some of the last tomatoes  and aubergines. I`m glad he did it!! This was the temperature in the polytunnel.

The tomatoes are loving the heat.
 

At home we have resorted to pegging up fleece for extra shade as well as spraying with whitener. Outside, both my  coldframes and all my plants are shaded with fleece during the day.

Over the last few days, as the sweet rocket reaches its peak, the Painted Lady butterflies are visiting.

As we sat in shade for our teabreak, bluetits were busily feeding their family in the yellow birdbox above our heads.

The first clue was horsehair sticking out of a crack. I think it is wonderful (if not actually surprising) that the birds are using materials from nearby. 

 

Despite sitting right underneath, it did not deter their efforts.

Bluetit babies need 100 grubs or caterpillars per day. So I was in two minds about the latest infestation of Ermine moth webs 

(we had it last year)

I read up about it. They will not kill the tree. The worst webs are on the little apple tree which I feel is quite vulnerable so Steve did clear them. I don`t think any bird could get through the web anyway, which is a clever deterent. 

I spent my time removing plastic water bottle guards from sunflowers. Soon it will be difficult to get them past the incredible growth. Some needed tying in and some needed stakes.

Here is the first sunflower bud. 

Incidentally, at home I still have 45 sunflower plants to go in!!

The foxgloves are at their best.

 

The weather has been glorious but new planting has to be shaded and watched carefully.

Some rain is coming.

It will be welcome.