Valentines Day from the garden challenge.

Oh wow challenge it definitely is  , and lots to do , however it is actually very enjoyable work and  I am amazed at how  we are using  much of what we already have in order to get things moving, the straw was here , the cardboard was  here, the paint was here, the willow was here to take cuttings from  . Granted there is a lot to get but if we  think too much about that it can get  frustrating so hopefully we will keep  working away and  get  what we need little by little . Every opportunity I get I try to plant something  , as well as tidy up what is already here . A proper compost  area must be achieved this week  , as the compost that  we are using ,or is it top soil ? is hard to get at because the carpet  I had covered it with is tough to break through , but when I find blackish crumbly compost hidden away under the carpet the struggle is worth the joy  that  fills my heart.

I noted today that  there are  lots of briers in the  middle of the area we are trying to tame a little so  I am thinking of  trying to sort through these  in order to reach the blackberries , there needs to be a fast boundary put up on all sides actually so I think Poplar trees should be  included in this boundary , the willow cuttings are coming in real handy also , I cleared an area today to put a line of these in  in order to  add some more  shape to the area around the clothes line.

So just to recap on the main work today, more straw put down to create a path through the wilds ha ha. Another no dig bed prepared  , that actually looks very lonely so think we will have to get some neighbours for it asap. Running out of cardboard so  will be  stocking up on this  for the work here, also found out the name of  a neighbour who may be able to help me out with the manure so this is great news , want  a great big heap of it   to help with the beds, I believe it really is similar to gold in the work  we are doing here, it must be well rotted though I read. In the meantime I found that the garden centre in Castlebar sells bags of manure  for 6 euro or so  , I think it is a John Hines product not sure yet but will post a pic when I get some. Spent a  good bit of time trying to dig out compost from a heap that I had hastily dumped in previous years , however it was probably mostly grass cuttings covered over so  more reading on how to  do this properly is  something that will greatly enhance the work here in the future.

Cleared around some beds and still have not  pruned those roses , I am such a coward, the fruit trees that went in last year , 2  in total look strong so  perhaps I may just leave them alone .  The sun was just setting as we finished up and I could not find my camera it was really beautiful all reds and purples  so hopefully I will catch her tomorrow evening , in all her glory. There was a wonderful peace in the garden as we worked  , it was the same kind of  peace I remember as a  child on my grand fathers farm  and for this experience to  reveal itself to me again I am so so grateful, we do not have a plan , and this is nice actually as the plan just seems to come about of its own accord.

I can say from my heart that this is a truly wonderful  experience for me  and  I could not be happier than when I am outside  and  yes playing in the garden , that’s what it feels like at times , its like allowing myself the freedom to play in the soil and mud and just create as I go along.

Chickens , yes chickens , they cannot be that hard to  mind , I was reading  about  how to care for them last night  , what they need etc, if there meant to be part of the plan they  will be  , and what about a donkey or two at least that way the manure would be taken care of . If Angie or Kate is reading this  please don’t get excited yet about the donkeys as  there is a lot of planning in order for that to happen ha ha .The chickens  are definitely on the horizon but the donkeys not just yet.

Happy Days everyone and  many blessings sent your way. Kathy.