April 2025

APRIL BLOG 

Spring has definitely arrived with blossom on the trees and everything coming alive with new growth.

We started moving plants from inside the polytunnel out to the vegetable garden and mandala when their roots were established.  Slugs remain a problem but we tried applying nematodes in certain areas which are biological rather than chemical repellents.  Our home made cloches are also helpful in reducing pests.

We added asparagus bulbs in the mandala and violas and dianthus were planted.

A new wooden frame was built for our runner beans and broad beans which are now in place.  Peas  were also planted along the metal pea frame.  

Raspberry canes were weeded and tidied up in the fruit cage and the bank outside was strimmed of brambles.  Four strips were rotivated ready for further planting in the polytunnel field.

Grass mowing started in earnest as new growth was quick to start after some warm sunny days.  Hedging plants around the pods were also tidied up and pruned.

Our toilet and shower block doors received a new coat of paint to freshen them up.

A reclaimed greenhouse was built inside the polytunnel for future seed sowing allowing us to start earlier in the year and for growing more delicate plants.

Unfortunately our grass hopper broke down requiring a new element and blade so another task to do.

Easter was celebrated with the family and the grandchildren enjoyed three different ‘egg’ hunts as well as making and decorating their own Easter hats.  Various activities were planned during the week so a busy time for all.

James cleared a lot of his area strimming away brambles and dead branches whilst also dismantling his old caravan leaving the wheels and base intact.  A wood and slate roof was built for the children’s treehouse creating a weatherproof shelter.

Stuart’s biodome was painted with a waterproof cover of green paint and the biodome in the retreat field was covered with plastic to help with water protection.