Nettle Stings and New Wellies

I feel as if today was the first real gardening day of the year. All previous visits have been to collect veggies or potter around a bit, but today we really got down to it.

It was VERY cold but once we got going, not so bad.

No sunshine, just a grey grey day.

Anne has been so busy on the orchard area, removing posts and leveling the holes made by the pet bunnies.

We pruned the apples and pears but we are leaving the plum and damson until May to avoid infection.

Steve got out 4 more posts and I began to dig out nettle roots. I cannot believe how quickly ground can be reclaimed by nature.

I removed the old carpet round one tree and replaced it, covering with new chipped bark. 

One down, five more to go!!

Paula and little Alfie joined us. He was very keen to get right in with all we were doing.

They went off to feed the donkeys with apples and see the cows in the barn. Then we had a welcome cuppa in the polytunnel.

The newly painted chair seems to fit in with the others....... sort of.

Steve got into some digging. The ground was crumbly 

and easy to work.

The asparagus bed was over-run with nettles.

I trimmed some shrubs and noticed quite a few need to be propped up as they are leaning into each other. Think I may try some repositioning.

Anne has been protecting the new cherries as the rabbits have had a go at the bark.

We checked out the new mini-stable and talked over the next jobs which will involve chipped bark round the new building.

The front area will be developed into a run for the pets. 

It must be spring.....I have my first nettle stings and christened the new wellies.