Garden

I seem to have been neglecting the blog recently. I didn't realise it was so long since I posted. Not much to show on the knitting, although progress has been made on several projects. I've started the second Kureyon sock, and so far the stripes are matching, which pleases me.

I've also made some progress in the garden. Sadly, not my own work, but something that needed to be done. This cherry tree has been ailing since I had it pruned a few years ago. Last year it lost its leaves mid summer and looked dead. I gave it a chance to revive this spring, but it was not to be.

So it is now reduced to a sweetly smelling pile of logs.

I don't have an open fire myself, but have a friend who burns logs so they will be going to her, when she can arrange transport.

Also garden related, my tomato seedlings are making progress, if a little slowly. However it will be a few weeks before they can go outside, so should have grown a bit by then.

ASJ and Invasion.

Has it really been ten days since I last posted? Well, at least I haven't been idle. The ASJ is complete! I give you the front..........

and the back ...........

I've also been invaded, by insects. I live quite happily with ants in the garden and don't use any poisons, unlike my neighbours who are out spraying at the first sign of anything with more than four legs. Unfortunately, the conservatory has been built over an ants nest, and they swarmed inside the other day. I must admit they've done a great job disposing of their dead companions (the flying ants die after their nuptial flight) but there are still quite a few running around, so I've had to put some bait down which hopefully will solve the problem.

Rather more serious is this.......

........ a wasp's nest inside my cavity wall. They're going in and out next to the patio door so will have to be removed before they start to get aggressive in the autumn.

Recovered

Just about recovered from my visit to Gardener's World Live last week. I found walking around for about five hours, extremely exhausting. There were actually three shows, Good Food and Good Homes as well as the gardening show, too much to see in one visit. I did see some conservatory blinds I liked, but no furniture.

I'm afraid the ASJ is in the waiting area at the moment as I'm making a few small things for Kisiisi as light relief, and to use more of the stash, which seems to get no smaller.

I've completed another BSJ, double knitting, approx. 20" chest. I love the way this has turned out; the joy of this pattern is the way each garment is so different from the others, and you're never quite sure how it will look.

Now I have to find some suitable buttons.

I also have some tiny jackets, for the smallest babies, and hope to make a few hats.

The flooring in the conservatory is being fitted on Monday, so disruption again for a while.

Not much done in the garden this week, due to the wet weather, but here are a couple of pictures.

Peony Sarah Bernhardt, and Rose New Dawn.

June Garden

The garden is recovering from the ravages of the builders and looking at its best.

I'm afraid these days, due to lack of time and energy, my gardening has been of the 'studied neglect' variety. The principle is to pack 'em in tightly so the weeds don't have a chance to grow. In the past I've also planted a lot of 'thugs', like the Golden Marjoram, which has seeded everywhere and overpowered more delicate plants.

Still no flooring in the conservatory, but we did manage to eat Sunday lunch in there this week.

I'm off to Gardeners World Live tomorrow, which this year is incorporating a Good Homes show, so I may see some conservatory furniture I like.

Garden

Not a lot more to show on the ASJ, although it is progressing, if a little slower, so I won't bore you with pictures.

We had a pleasant afternoon out at a local garden which was open yesterday. It was lovely having tea on the lawn, and the weather was perfect. So was the chocolate cake ;)








In my garden, the robins are busy feeding several speckled youngsters, and looking a little harassed. Its a pity they didn't find somewhere more photogenic to perch.

I don't seem to have much success in encouraging the blue tits to use my nest box, unlike Roo whose BF has rigged up a camera in her box. I think mine must be spoiled for choice, as every garden round about here has a box.

Signs of Spring

Lovely sunny day today. Spring seems to be arriving with the pond heaving with frogs (but no spawn yet) and Mrs. Robin collecting nesting material. The crocuses 'Pickwick' are opening once the sun gets to them.




My regular appointment at the diabetic centre was accomplished there and back in an hour, and that included a blood test! I barely had time to get out my knitting, I'd prepared for a whole morning session.


Some knitting has been completed recently. Another Baby Surprise jacket in Colinette Jitterbug 'Marble' and Rowan 4ply soft.

....... and a couple of charity knits. A lap blanket for the local Hospice........

............ and a hat for BISS

Early bloomers.......

........and some late ones. Yes, the sky really was that blue this morning.

The snowdrops are popping up in various places around the garden.




The hellebores are blooming well............

...........and the Winter Iris have been flowering their socks off since October. Unfortunately slugs, and the weather, have taken their toll, so they're looking a bit chewed.

Garden again

Not much to show in the way of knitting. I have been working on various projects, but nothing completed. This post is about the garden. I actually managed a whole morning outside today. The summer is lingering on. This is the last rose......

. ........... and passionflower, which flowered poorly during the hot summer, but has come into its own this autumn.

Clematis Cirrhosa 'Freckles' is blooming very well and should continue through the winter.

And finally, last night's sunset behind the Clee Hills. It certainly has been a 'Shepherd's Delight' today.

Garden

I actually managed to spend a morning in my wilderness of a garden, which was much needed. Hospital, weather and prior commitments have conspired against me recently. My robin reappeared in spruce new plumage and followed me closely for any tidbits I might turn up. He's been busy all summer, raising a family.

My grapes are starting to ripen, and I'm hoping they may be edible this year. A bit sour at the moment though.

Here are just some of my WIPs. I seem to be incapable of concentrating on one project at the moment and keep starting new things. It doesn't show the faroese shawl, jacket for myself, various half finished toys, etc.

And at last, Blogger has allowed me to show the wool I bought from Beatties Rowan sale on Saturday. 6 balls of 4ply soft, pure wool, for £8.10, not bad. There may be enough for a top for me, possibly with the addition of another colour.

I now going to try to publish this post for the third time. Blogger has wiped it out twice