We have past one whole month of no rain here on the hill and down on the field and we are desperate for a drop now. But with none forecast for another week I am continuing to water seedlings which went into the ground last week, to give them a strong chance of making it through this dry spell.
As I mentioned in last weeks post, my two water butts down on the field have run dry, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that using the no dig method has proven a success in holding water deep in the soil, with the layer of cardboard and thick layer of mulch the soil beneath it is still damp, despite the beating sun and lack of rain. This is brilliant for the shrubs which have been planted through the cardboard layer, however seedlings planted into the mulch on top of the cardboard have needed some extra watering as the mulch on top of the cardboard really does dry out! It’s been an interesting learning curve so far.
In the garden the first few roses are being picked and dried as they open, to make up a big basket of confetti for a wedding next weekend. The gorgeous Blue for you rose and my favourite softest blush one; Desdemona, are being combined to make the most delicious looking and smelling blend. I pick the flowers when they are looking absolutely perfect and fully open and pop them on a sheet of paper in the greenhouse, in this hot weather they dry in less than 2 days, quickly making room for the next batch! What a joy!
There is certainly lots to be picking; foxgloves, peonies, white campion, the last of the sweet rocket, Alchemilla Mollis, lupins, sweet Williams and the first of the sweet peas. Did you see the strawberry moon? Maybe it coincides with the first pickings of the strawberry’s where you live but for us here of the hill, I think we have another couple of weeks to eagerly wait for those.
I wish you a wonderful week ahead, Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!
With blessings from this patch to yours, until next time, Rebecca.
