What's Mr Blackbird got to sing about?

I was up before 7.30am, and a quick glance out of the landing window as I descended the stairs revealed yet another miserable and wet day.  With a mug of coffee in my hand, I surveyed the back garden, which is becoming increasingly like a mini jungle - all lush and green, and just waiting for some warmth and sun to encourage the flower buds to open up and bring some colour to the scene.  On the very top of a tall tree in a neighbour's garden, Mr Blackbird was already singing his heart out, and continued to do so for the next three hours.  I can't confirm if he had a break or not after this, as I took myself off to Sutton for a bit of retail therapy, but since I sat at my laptop, nearly two hours ago (and it's now nearly 5pm) he has been seranading away.  I hope he's got a Mrs Blackbird who is appreciating his efforts as much as I am. 

My sister and husband spent a couple of days with us, en route back home from camping in Norfolk.  Guess what the weather was like there too?  Yes - wet and muddy!  I took my sis down to the plot to look at the progress, but there's not much to see really, as quite a few of my seeds haven't even germinated.  Good job I've got some back ups for the peas and beans, coming on in the greenhouse.  But it looks like I will have to resow the parsnips and beetroot.  Even the well hardened off sweet pea plants looked rather miserable.  For a few minutes the sun came out and we sat on the bench, listening to the birds.  At least the rhubarb is flourishing, so we are enjoying plenty of crumbles.

K & A were anxious to catch up on the progress of their son and wife, who are now about 300 miles into their mammoth trek along the Pacific Crest Trail, so we all crowded round my lap top to read their latest report.  They are finding it tough (to be expected), and suffering from blisters and the unwanted attentions of beas, who seem to lie in wait along the paths, ready to sting anyone who disturbs them (such as A & S).

Yesterday I spent some time potting up tomato seedlings in the greenhouse.  There was plenty of good root growth, but the plants are still quite small.  Then there was the job of trying to fit in all the newly potted up plants into the space they had originally occupied, now that they were in larger pots.  This entailed moving everything round without having to move out of the greenhouse (as it was drizzling).    It's much more fun when the weather is fine enough to be able to spread everything outside the greenhouse, before re-filling.

Mr Blackbird is taking a break.  So will I.

Oh good! It's raining.

I don't wish to upset anyone stuck at home with bored or boisterous children, but it is a Bank Holiday, after all.  Yesterday wasn't such a bad day, after all, and I did get out in the garden for a bit, to tackle the rampant weeds, but I also spread some feed and weed on the front 'lawn' (from which I had recently removed masses of moss, and also aerated with a fork) and, after checking the weather forecast, I was looking forward to rain today, so that I wouldn't have to water it in.  So that's the only reason I was pleased to see the rain again. 

Yesterday I visited my plot, along with our grandchildren, so they could see how the potatoes that they had planted, were coming on.  Can't say I'm surprised that there are no signs of the recently sown veg seeds, as it hasn't been particularly warm, and I am, by now, rather worried that my climbing peas have not yet appeared above ground.  Fortunately, I have some more coming along in the greenhouse as replacements.  The borlotti, runners and French beans are doing OK in the greenhouse, but I'll hang on a bit before transfaring them to the plot.  We have been enjoying the rhubarb, and there is now enough to give some of it away to friends and family.  I showed my grandchildren how to use diving rods, so if anyone is looking for a water supply, you'll know who to contact.  All I can say is that all my water butts, both at home and on the plot, are full to capacity!

The back garden is taking on quite a jungle-like look, with lots of foliage and healthy looking clumps of perennials almost ready to flower.  We've had a wonderful display from our 'Donation' camellia, and not a bad show from the others too (including a new one which I could have sworn was white!), especially the old one we inherited when we moved in about 34 years ago.  Then it was a tiny, and rather sad specimen outside the front door, and  since I moved it to the back, it has gradually become stronger and produced more and more flowers.  This year is no exception, with lots of tiny, beautifully formed, red flowers.  The yellow tulips in the front are now on their last legs, having had a battering from all the rain, but they never fail to put on a show.  I'm very pleased with the lovely firey orange ones that I planted in a large pot, next to the dogwoods.  The colours have turned out, just as I planned.

Yesterday our son A took me to the garden centre, so I could stock up on compost and grow bags.  I'm having another go at peat-free, as I believe it has improved considerably.  My first experience with it, some years ago, was not at all successful.  This time I've gone for New Horizon.  The compost comes with a Which recommendation as 'Best Buy' so I'll be reporting on my results later. I do feel quite strongly about environmental issues, and felt it was time to give the peat-free another go.  I also needed more bark chippings, some to replenish the little path through my woodland section at the bottom of the garden, and the rest for the plot.

Being confined to the house, due to the rain, I've been catching up on some family history.  With the help of yet another Australian contact, I've added even more seafaring ancestors to my mother's side of the tree, including a Commander in the Royal Navy, who took part in the Battle of Trafalgar.  I now have details of the sale, at auction, of his sword (including photo).  This was, apparently, taken from a French ship which struck my ancestor's ship, and later burnt it.  So I'm busy exchanging details and scanned Wills etc, and updating my trees etc.  Something interesting to do whilst the rain continues and the feed and weed is working in the front garden.