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| The completed dig with the poles/fruit trees in big dots |
My new targets now are.
1 Carry on with the bricks.
2 Carry on grassing
3 Planting of trees, veggies, herbs etc in between the walkways.
4 Get rid of as many weeds as possible.
And I am sure there will be more ideas forthcoming.
The pic is from the other blog showing what has been achieved so far. The "blobs" are poles and fruit trees. The poles are in place to act as supports for the grapes which are growing in between them but more about that when they start growing and that part of the project comes about.
27/9/2012
Had my weekly visit to PMBurg today so decided to see what time I actually get to Underberg if I get up at around 2 am. Well, it turns out that I arrive at around 4.30 so plenty of time to work as I usually leave again at around 7.30 so I get a chance to get back early again to do more work. I worked out today that I get approximately 6 hours work done in the day. I guess this might be one of the reasons I get a little cramp in my one thigh afterwards. Still, it is worth the pain.
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| Grass growing with African Potato in middle bed |
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| Lemon Verbena and Cancerbush |
The Lemon Verbenas were very heavy because they were root bound in the containers in which they were growing and all were over 1 meter tall. (I had to cut them back). Then to plant them which took a while cos the holes had to be quite large.
Next to check the grass which I had planted 2 weeks ago. They are all germinating nicely and next week, in most areas I will be able to remove the hessian and shade cloth to plant elsewhere. I am hoping for a little rain before then to help things grow even faster.
Planted quite a few African Potato as well, which meant more digging but they fitted perfectly into a quadrant near to the centre. I hope they grow because they are bulbs I pulled out here (home) a few weeks ago.
Then it was time to hit the road and on returning did some levelling where the compost heap was and marked a couple of spots where I still have to put poles and Grapes around the outside.
Used the rest of the water and put down a few more bricks. This is slow because the place where I am working still needs to be levelled in preparation for grass planting and is where I am transplanting Strawberries.
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| Old Strawberry bed in the foreground |
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| Strawberries and Instant Lawn experiment |
The first Peach trees I planted have little Peaches on, the Pecans are starting to send out leaves, as are the Apples. A couple of the Strawberries have little Strawberries on as well.
To finish off I did as much weeding as I could. The little hoe I use is really quick but not as strong as I had hoped. I think I need to make one of my own now. Out of something a little tougher. (I bent the hoe on this little one.)
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| Little "Oom Sarel" peaches |
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| The chain and letter still not found |
4/10/2012
I have now done an experiment to see what time I get to Underberg if I get out of bed at 2am.
After all my ablutions etc I usually get on the road by around 3. I arrived at Underberg at 4.20 but time will vary according to the trip. At times there is so much mist that it can take at least 30 minutes longer.
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| Levelling at Compost Heap |
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| Oakie growing nicely |
I did manage to offload everything and had a bit of digging to do. There was another Lemon Verbena to plant as well as a Rose, some Goji Berries, Aloes and Comfrey.
I had to dig enough to plant 20 or so Aloes and about ten Goji Berries.
There was also grass to check out and watering to do. I could remove and start fresh planting in two areas. In the centre and near the end of the first pathway. I am not sure for how long the seed will germinate because I think it might become too warm and dry up too quickly eventually, as the season hots up.
Anyway, all of this was done before I got on the road (except for planting grass in the new areas.)
On returning I planted the grass and finished the water. I had 120 litres with me and it is now not enough.
I then proceeded to do more levelling at the compost end as well as a lot of weeding.
I also defined pathways and did a bit of "sod busting" in the areas where I want to start defining with bricks.
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| Peaches getting bigger |
Most things are growing and sending out leaves now. The Apples and Pecans have just started and the Peaches are getting bigger by the day. No signs of flowers on the Plums or Apricots as yet though.
11/10/2012
Wow what a trip. I left at my usual time but due to the mist and drizzle I arrived at Underberg a little later than usual. I hoped they had had as much rain as we have but luckily I took water because even though you could see they had had moisture, it was nothing like we have had here.
I had bricks, water and plants to offload before I could get to work but before getting on the road again at 7 30 I had planted an Asparagus, a few more Goji Berry as well as a flower which grows well here. I want to propagate some there to spread around to hopefully deter the weeds which grow "mightily" in Underberg.
I also watered the grass and notice that some seems to be dying. I just hope that it is not because I did not wash bottles too well which I use for water. (I use empty bottles we use when spraying weeds on the farm).
I have also a new idea to cover Strawberries to protect them from the birds which I tried. Works like a charm.
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| Covered Strawberries in background |
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| Where I am working now. |
On my return I did some weeding, watering of the Strawberries, planted the bricks I had brought as well as a few grass clumps into the middle of the Lab. I have noticed that the grass really clumps nicely and you can pull out clumps which can be separated and planted elsewhere. A couple of seeds have grown in "no walking" areas which I have been pulling up a splitting for planting elsewhere.
The only thing not growing at the moment is the Lemon Tree. It might be a "late bloomer."
I also covered what I could of the remaining Strawberries. By the time I looked at the time it was almost 3pm so I had to leave hurriedly.
And yet ANOTHER rather rewarding day.
16/10/2012
I decided to take the "Family" to Underberg today to give Suzi something to do and to take Sjimbra for what I thought might be the last time he would be going to Underberg with us. He has been very sick and I write this with tears in my eyes because I had to say "Goodbye" to him this morning. I took him to the vet who said he had cancer. Please excuse the teary writing. I am VERY sad.
My intention was to plant more Aloes as well as dig more holes in preparation for planting more fruit trees. I dug and planted the Aloes as well as transplanted a Lemon tree which was not doing very well.(and a couple of new holes). I intend planting a nut tree in its place. (I forget what variety). I had planted Mint around the Lemon not knowing how invasive Mint can be. It was actually choking the Lemon. So, lesson learned. I will be thinning out the mint in that area big time.
A lot of the fruit has been eaten by birds (Toppies) but we were able to rescue a few Strawberries.
I also removed some hessian and shade cloth from a couple of grassed areas which had germinated rather well in preparation for next planting.
Then it was time to do some weeding around some of last seasons plants and trees and discovered that the Raspberries and Loganberries were growing very well. Time to extend them now. They will really stop anybody "fence jumping." Lovely bramble type thorns.
I also had time to drill a few holes in poles for the supports of the grapes. One pole is loose in its hole and I found that the hole is saturated. I know there is a stream running through the Lab (I can divine for water) but I am not sure where the moisture comes from in this hole. I just could not win. The soil was muddy and I could not get it to bind. I might have to remove the pole and replant it.
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| Asparagus needing to be cut |
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| Rosemary, Thyme, Cancerbush and Stool |
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| Mint and Wild Catnip |
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| Garlic Chives and Parsley |
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| Strawberries |
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| Young Grapes |
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| Grass now growing nicely |
A PMBurg trip, arrived at around my usual time. Strange being in Underberg almost two days in a row.
There had been lovely rain the night before and the trip was clear with no mist or rain.
I had water, Grass, Aloes, Asparagus as well as 3 Apple, 2 Pear and the Walnut (I remember the name now) to offload. I also wanted to start planting new areas of grass. I managed to plant the trees (holes already dug) and pulled up most of the mint that was growing around the Lemon. I have learnt my lesson I hope. The Aloes took a while because the area where they are going is full of weeds, namely, Dandelion, which I am hoeing out whenever I have time.
I planted most of the new area with grass seed (20 plus meters) and because of the rain I did not have to use too much water.
The trees had been saturated in their bags so the roots were very loose. Hopefully this does not set them back too much.
It was then time to leave, but on returning I planted a little more grass (I had found a piece of shade cloth and some extra hessian). I also planted the Asparagus which I split in two halves. I am very impressed with the root system it has, even after growing in a bag for a couple of years.
There was time to dig 2 more holes for Pears as well as one for a Lemon. This is hard work for me.
Before I knew it the time was 2 o clock but I had to hoe more weeds so hoed where the Pear trees are being planted as well as around the Goji Berries. A little elsewhere as well but had to curtail my activities because of the time.
I stopped off at TWK to order poles to support the grapes so this is going to be rather urgent by the time they arrive. A couple of the grapes are already growing nicely.
Had a bit of an "episode" on the way home with some memories of Sjimbra. Nearly had to stop the truck because of "poor vision"..............................
Still, it was a rather fruitful day.
25/10/2012
Weekly trip and because the weather was great with no mist I arrived in Underberg at 4.30. It had rained the night before so everything was clean and fresh.
Today I had 2 Pear, 1 Lemon, an Asparagus, 2 Roses, a couple of Cancerbush and Garlic Chives as well as something I planted which I thought was Chillies (but am not too sure) also a couple of containers of "instant lawn" and a few Aloes. (and the water of course)
All of this I did before getting on the road. I returned earlier than expected, around 11.30 and did some watering of that which I had planted earlier as well as the grass. I also planted a couple of potatoes.
The grass I had planted last week, to my pleasure, is growing through the hessian so next time I will be able to lift it and plant a new area. At this rate it will not take too long. The older grass in some areas is almost 300 mm high. I will need to cut there methinks. Also need to bury the bricks in those areas a little deeper. Oh to be living there.
There was also time to dig 2 Lemon holes as well as an Apple and a Pear hole. One more Pear tree and that section is completed. 3 more Lemons and that is finished.
I did something I am not too proud of as well. I sprayed weeds at the compost area that are rapidly getting out of hand. I did not want to but "nature" forced my hand. Things are growing SOOO fast.
Just before getting on the road for home I did more hoeing where the Roses are and was able to pick enough Strawberries for 2 meals. I had a huge fight over them with the grasshoppers and almost got "beat yp" by one of them.
No photos because it is difficult to put the latest "happenings" into pictures.
1/11/2012
Left a little earlier than usual this morning due to the weather and not being able to sleep. Too much planning going on in my head.
It was raining when I left and rained until the Franklin area. Then it stopped (even though you could see that it had rained earlier) Underberg had had some rain and the weeds were doing great. Everything else was growing too.
Today I had Asparagus, Lemon Trees, an Apple as well as some instant lawn and an Aloe. Also 100 bricks to offload.
The poor Asparagus were not doing well here due to the waterlogged conditions so I am hoping they grow nicely at the Lab.
So, it took a while to offload and at one time even thought about using gloves. (when the sun came up I found out why it was cool. It had snowed on the Berg the day before)
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| From the "Front Door." |
I had to dig holes for the Asparagus which took a while because I only brought two plants which I split up. I also ate my first spear from Underberg. The first plant had sent out a "spear" so this is a good sign.
I planted the Asparagus, fruit trees and Aloe as well as the grass I mentioned last week. It is germinating well so I plan to plant as often as possible. I am having a hard time getting the Kentucky Fescue which I am mixing with Nui (a Rye Grass) so might have to resort to just using Nui eventually. they are both evergreen grasses which will stay green through the winter.
I also managed some weeding before leaving for PMBurg.
On my return I dug 3 holes for Olive trees I plan to plant in the next quadrant, did some weeding (destroying my poor little hoe in the process) and watered the grass I had planted earlier. I did not get a chance to line the bricks however so this is a job for next time. I attempted hoeing some pathways in preparation for the grass but weeding is becoming really an essential part of the job.
It is almost time to think about taking a brushcutter with me next time I go.
I now have 2 slogans.
The more you have growing the less you have to be mowing.
and
The more you have growing the less you have to be hoeing.
I did not have any low BP today but that is because it was lovely and cool.
Maybe photos next time.
8/11/2012
Wet wet wet.
I arose at 2.30 am and was on the road by 3. It was drizzling most of the way but was nevertheless a peaceful trip. I much prefer driving in the rain to driving in the mist.
This trip I had 3 Olive Trees, 3 Bay trees, 1 Lemon and a Santa Rosa Plum, 100 bricks, some grass and a little water to offload.
Before I could plant anything I had to dig the holes for the Bay trees as well as for the Santa Rosa. (the Bays are in the area of the old compost heap and the weeds have become VERY prolific there.)
I had to do some weeding before I could dig for the Bays but eventually completed the task.
Before hitting the road again I had planted all of the trees and grass as well as lifting the hessian where the grass had germinated well and planted a fresh area. I have now decided to try and plant the paths as they are laid out. Put the bricks first and then the grass. It will at least then slowly be "walkable."
Everything is growing very well and slowly slowly the weeds are becoming less and less. Especially within the Lab. I did take my small brush cutter with me this trip and even had time to test it out by tidying around all of the Nut trees before heading for PMBurg.
The rain. Well, to cut a long story short I only really became completely dry on my return. I did get soaked but it was lovely working weather. Not cold at all.
On leaving for Maritzburg I realised that I had forgotten all of my eats and drinks so was rather disappointed (later on I lost the money I had taken so it was a hunger day). Luckily it was not hot so I did not suffer too much.
I had one Strawberry to eat the whole day................(and did not suffer from BP or anything.) I thought there would have been more but I think they are being eaten by "something else."
On my return at 11 am I watered the newly planted grass and did some more brush cutting. I cut some of the early planted grass near the centre of the Lab. Some of it was over 300 mm tall.
I then did some heavy weeding, wanting to try out the new hoe I had made from one of my own design of lawnmower blade. (I have a blog out there somewhere describing that). This little hoe works even better than the other one I modified. (which broke last visit) That one I have welded again and is stronger than it was before.
The rain had stopped and the sun was shining nicely but it was still nice and cool.
After watering them I put mulch around all the new trees. The Lemon was the last one for that quadrant so now I must try and finish off the outer ring where there are a few Apple, Plum and Apricot trees missing.
I noticed that the one Pecan Tree is full of flowers. I wonder whether there will be any fruit or whether they will be blown off like the Almond last season. Still, I was told 5 years to fruiting so am rather pleased to see the flowers.
I was on the road by 3 pm so still a lovely rewarding day.
PS I hope people realise when they see the Lab that a lot of the work I do there is done in the dark with my trusty headlamp to guide me.
PSS Photos next time I promise.
UH OH>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I have lost a day. This was the 16th when I went with "Suzi" and took Shorty. My first trip without Sjimbra so rather sad.
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| Heading towards "no mans land" (the Winter dig) |
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| No Mans Land in the distance. |
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| Where the bricks are going now. |
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| Freshly planted seed. |
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| The poles I had been waiting for. |
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| Strawberries. Please excuse the container. |
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| Almost invisible first wire with Peach trees in the background. |
However to cut it short a lot of bricking and drilling was done and I think this is when I put the first supporting wire for the grapes through. I also needed to get some poles delivered so had to wait for them.
I also did a lot of brush cutting because of the weeds.
A lot of grass seed was also planted.
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| Started tidying the top plot. |
I think I still have the pics so will put them in.
I think a little note should be made regarding "No Mans Land."
Now this is where the rubbish dump was and where I moved the tree stumps etc during the Winter. The weeds have become VERY prolific there and I can see some hard work needed to get rid of them.
It was a very hot day and I drove through a lovely storm on the way home.
23/11/12
I awoke late this morning, (I had wanted to get on the road as early as possible). However at least I got away by 3.30. I missed the extra hour because I get a lot done then. Getting to Underberg when you are able to see seems rather strange when I am used to doing my first bits under headlamp.
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| Untidy but........................... |
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| Potatoes have grown well. |
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| Where I was brush cutting. |
It was a misty trip in places but the lovely thing was that it had rained nicely in Underberg the day before. We had not had rain here at home for a few days so it was rather dry.
When I got there I actually stood in awe for a short while because at the way things had grown. I could not believe it.
It was mainly, "Awe I have MORE WEEDING to do..........."
I did not have too much to plant. Just some Penny Royal and a lovely plant I am trying to establish as a ground cover amongst the fruit trees. I need to plant something to assist in stifling the weeds.
There were 200 bricks to offload before I could do anything and I did not have time to plant any so just put them where they will be needed. I think I need to set aside special days just for this task.
The grass I had planted last week had grown to the point where I could remove the hessian and shade cloth and plant new areas. I must be careful because now the planting of the grass is going faster than the bricking.
I am now rather pleased that the attempt to plant grass last season did not work because it really would not have looked very nice.
The grass I had cut earlier had grown once again to the point where I needed to cut again. it looks rather untidy in the pic but what can I do. It is time to start burying the bricks in those areas so the grass can be cut shorter.
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| More cutting on the top plot |
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| First Plums |
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| Little bunches of grapes. |
It was then time to get on the road to Maritzburg and on my return did brush cutting. It was a real steamer today and I took a little strain. However I used one tank of fuel around the Lab and one tank on the top plot. (one tank lasts approximately an hour).
Then I drilled as many holes in poles as I could and strung a supporting wire at the bottom of the next quadrant.
I had to start supporting one grape that had already grown almost a meter and was laden with little bunches of grapes.
I then watered everything and by the time the chores were done it was almost 3pm and time to take a leisurely drive home.
A really lovely trip.
29/11/2012
It was a Maritzburg trip and I was bright and early. Even though I only slept a couple of hours I was up at 2 and arrived in Underberg at around 4.
What a nice surprise to see that it had rained there again. Things were really looking nice. (once again especially the weeds).
I only had an OLD (over 20years) Rose from home I wanted to transfer as well as an Aloe and some more of the ground covers to plant. It did mean a bit of digging and weeding (I had to remove weeds from a couple of areas between the Pears and Olives before I could plant the covers.)
Then time to remove hessian etc and plant more grass. (it was full moon so I only used the headlamp for a short time).
Today I had to start planting only Nui on its own because I cannot get small quantities of Kentucky. Maybe this is how it is meant to be. There is a reason. anyway, right from the beginning Kentucky seed has been hard to come by and is very expensive.
This is when the extra hour became handy. I now had a chance to brush cut for an hour on the top plot before getting on the road again.
On my return I had planned to do more weeding, drill as many more pole holes as I could, place the second wire of the first quadrant, do more brush cutting, water the new plants and if there was time, to place more bricks.
I did suffer a little low BP but a storm was coming and it was the pressure. It passed after the storm had arrived. There was some rain but it just made working more of a pleasure.
I did manage to do what I had set out to do even though I only placed about 40 bricks I did manage to put some poles that were lying on the ground onto some bricks so they did not start to rot from the moisture.
I was on the road at around 3 again.
Another lovely day.
PS I have just had a look at how much little "Oakie" has grown. In the pic from October he was shorter than the center pole. Now he is way above it. I must take a photo next time. I cannot believe it.
6/12/2012
Arrived at around 4.30 this morning. The road was damp all the way and you could tell that there had been light rain that night.
Once again things had grown and now little Oakie is almost as tall as I am. But THE WEEDS. Oh maaan.
I only had an Aloe to plant this morning. No bricks but I need to get more poles planted. I am really keen to get my "Pole Garden" experiment off the ground. Not too much until I find that it works.
I took two buckets to get Srawberry cuttings growing in for the pole garden.
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| From last week. In focus orb out of focus photo. |
I transplanted the Aloe I had taken and two of its suckers. It is rather difficult to grow because I "rescued" it from amongst rocks many years ago and it has been semi struggling ever since. I am holding thumbs that Underberg will be its home of choice.
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| Top plot now completed. |
Before leaving for Maritzburg again I even had a chance to do some brush cutting on the top plot (now completed) as well as some heavy duty weeds around the bottom of the Lab.
On my return I went to TWK to get a couple of poles I had ordered and whilst waiting drilled as many holes as I could as well as wiring the next and last line of the next quadrant. Only one quadrant to go and that chore is completed.
Oh to have the money to build.
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| Rooting Strawberries |
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| Little Oakie almost as tall as I am now. A "Pole Garden" pole in the background. Catnip in the foreground. |
I also put 2 Strawberry suckers into containers. As soon as they are growing they will be snipped from the mother plant and hung in the pole garden.
My plan with the pole garden is to have them at most turns in the pathways. This means 3 poles at each turn. Six turns (not including the entrance), Eighteen poles. Each pole should have 8 buckets (the plan anyway) so this will be a lot more things growing. Now to find what will grow in these "Hanging Gardens."
I am aware of Strawberries, some Tomatoes and herbs like Thyme, Mint and Oreganum but would like to try Beans, Cucumbers, Butternut and Baby Marrows.(methinks with Butternut and Marrows the buckets might need to be bigger and maybe hung on something really strong to carry the weight). Still what a nice challenge.
It was also nice to see that the "special" ground covers are all looking fine.
I eventually left at around 3.30.
Lovely Day.
PS I also prepared and planted another stretch of Nui. I have now reached the "Instant lawn" experiment. The Nui I planted last week is also germinating.
14/12/2012
I decided to take "Suzi" for a drive today because I needed to order more poles from TWK and because I had also promised "Speedy" that I would take him to Underberg.
Now Speedy had been my assistant on the farm for many years. He went on pension earlier in the year and I had been telling him about Underberg for a long time and that I would take him to show him the place when I could.
The opportunity arose this week so I took him as well.
He and I never once argued or had a bad word to say. Our ideals, beliefs and ideas were very similar so we got on amazingly well. I guess we are kindred spirits.
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| Speedy |
I left at the usual time and arrived at around 4.
The first thing I noticed was that the rain guage was full. This means Underberg had had over 100mm of rain during the week as well. (we have had a LOT of rain this season so far.)
The weeds had not changed much and everything looked much the same.
Today all I had to plant was some Tomato and Spring Onion plants. Speedy knew what was needed WEEDING so he went straight at it while I dug holes for poles.
After digging 5 holes I set about with my "Pole Garden" experiment. The Strawberries werre growing so I cut them from the mother plant. I had 2 "Mini" Tomato plants from home which I had transplanted a while ago to add to the garden as well.
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| Speedy standing next to "Little Oakie." (pole one of the "Pole Garden" experiment is behind him.) |
After that it was time to dig a fresh area for the Tomatoes and Onions. This also meant weeding the same area.
This done I marked out where the bricks I had been stacking were going (where Speedy had been weeding in "No Mans land") and with his help we placed them. The bricks are now well into the area of the compost heap I had to move and I can see that the weeds are going to be an ongoing problem there. We must have placed over 100 bricks.
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| Bricking into "No Mans Land." |
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| Where Speedy had weeded and "No Mans Land" |
This done I went to TWK to order the poles and on my return got Speed (aka Nelson) to help me cut poles I had ordered previously. (I had brought a chain saw to assist with this) The offcuts from them I want to use to make a border around Little Oakie to help keep the grass out.
Digging the holes for the poles always is a long process. I had dug 2 more holes around the edge of the Lab and three more for Pole Gardens on the inside. While I was busy brush cutting an area on the top plot Speedy placed the poles. I just need to plant them properly on my next trip. It is hard to beat the soil down around them because it is damp and the tool I use just brings out the moisture. So I have learnt to place the poles and only do half the job so the soil gets a chance to bind and then finish the job later when it has had a chance to dry a bit.
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| Not very neat but Strawberries at the top and Tomatoes at the bottom. Lets call it "The Beginning." |
There was also time to lift some hessian and shade cloth in areas where grass was growing nicely and to plant more. Not too much this time because when I go to Underberg with Suzi I never take too much water due to the lack of space in her. However this time I also misjudged the amount of seed I would be needing. So there will be more planting needed on my next trip. I have passed the area of the instant lawn now. While I was doing that I also ridged the Potatoes which had grown enough for that to be done. A couple had flowers on now.
Then it was 12 o clock and both Speed and myself were running out of steam. We got on the road again at around 1.30.
What I do like about the "Pole Garden" is that the containers can be moved, changed and replaced whenever needed and very easily. You can also grow plants together that will compliment each other. I am so looking forward to seeing how this experiment changes as I learn. (Might be needing a blog of its own.)
A really rewarding day and lovely working with Speedy again.
20/12/2012
Another trip to Maritzburg so arrived in Underberg at around 4.
The plan was to plant as many poles as possible after beating down those we did last week. Then to extend the Pole Garden and of course the weeding and brush cutting.
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| Tomato growing nicely |
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| More buckets. The bottom bucket catches water for re use. |
There was approximately 40mm of water in the rain gauge.
I had a couple of Rosemary plants as well as an Asparagus a Rhubarb and a Rose to plant so not too much going on. Also two little ground cover plants. To my dismay the others I had planted were NOT very well so these two I put under cover. There had been hail a couple of times which might be the cause.
I did notice that I am a Bay Tree short but think that Speedy removed it accidentally last week.
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| Grassing into no mans land |
I dug a pole hole and beat down the other poles. Drilled more holes for doweling I was clever and bought a 13mm drill bit so that the 12mm doweling went through easily. (I had struggled last week because the doweling would not fit)
Before getting on the road I had a chance to cut the grass in the pathways as well as the centre and finished the petrol in the tank on the top plot.
On my return I was intending to do more brush cutting but was suffering from a little low bp so decided to grass more pathways instead. I had a second wind when I realised that I had finished grassing that quadrant and was now grassing into no mans land.
I then watered the grass and plantings. The idea around the Pole garden where the water dripping from bucket to bucket actually works. I am looking forward to seeing how things grow under these conditions.
As you can be seen, the little Tomato is still looking good and growing nicely.
When I looked at the clock it was already 3 o clock so hastily washed and got on the road for home.
Another fun filled day........................
27/12/2012
Due to all of the holidays and the weather we have been having (very wet) I decided to take the family to Underberg in Suzi. I did not want to leave the weeds for too long because they would then be TOO LONG.
I had a couple of things to plant. I was given a couple of Carom trees for Xmas which I needed to plant and a Bay tree to replace the one which had been inadvertently removed a week before. There were also a few seedlings I need to plant which had been sitting in one of the trays for a while. (cannot remember what they are called though.)
Also there were poles that needed drilling, a hole to be dug and two containers to put with the Strawberries so I could get two more suckers growing in them. There was also a container to hang which had Bulbinella in it, grass to plant and the usual weeding.
Luckily I had brought a friend of mine and she was a big help in that department.
We arrived at around 4.30 and the first thing I did was dig the hole for the pole and put the Bulbinella in its spot on the pole. Everything in that department was doing fine but then I am taking compost tea to water them with.
Then the 5 holes for the trees which took a while. Everything done in that department it was time to drill holes in the poles. That is rather hard work because the top holes are high and it is hard work putting enough pressure on the drill to get the bit to bite. However most of the top holes are now drilled. The bottom ones are a lot easier. I was actually looking forward to the batteries of the drill running flat.
Then it was time to remove hessian etc and prepare another stretch of pathway for planting. It was rather warm and I had a little low BP. It was not bad enough that I needed to stop working though. I just drank a lot of liquids.
I dug, planted and watered the new piece which has come to the end of this pathway where Speedy and myself had placed bricks. Time to move to another spot when this grass has germinated. I think nearer the entrance where the weeds are now rather serious. The grass will eventually choke them as it grows.
The last task was to do some brush cutting around the edge of the Lab. That done I was out of energy. I am happy to see how many grapes have survived and not in the easiest of growing conditions either. A couple were surrounded by weeds and hard to find.
Things are really growing well. The two pots I put on the pole last week are Oreganum and Mint. I was not sure last week because they did not have any leaves then. This challenge is rather interesting and to see the water dripping from pot to pot and then into the containers at the bottom for re use is so rewarding. The pots being red also add a little colour to the place. When all poles are "occupied" and have plants growing on them it should look rather "different."
That is going to take a while because there will eventually be 9 poles with 8 pots each. 72 pots will take a while. I now need to plant some veggies that will hang over the pots so more "studying" to do regarding that. The two new Strawberries I put into the pots should have started rooting by next week so I can cut them from the mother plant and add them to the next pole.
All the work had been completed by 11.30 and we got on the road at around 12. Not bad working almost 7 hours without a break. (I am a little stiff sitting here but am rather pleased at what we were able to achieve.)
Oh, the rain gauge had approximately 30mm of water in it. Not nearly as much as we have had here for the week which has been almost 100mm,.
Enough to make things grow and be happy though.
A rather nice day all in all..................................
6/1/2013
I could not go to Underberg on New Year due to my dairy work so decided to go over the weekend. I woke up a little later than usual but then it was Sunday a day of rest.
Arrived at 4.30 and could tell that it was going to be a little warm.
I had a lot of planting to do with the last 2 Carob trees as well as Spring Onion, Cancer Bush a couple of Rosemary and a Lemon Verbena. I also wanted to plant some Wheatgrass but never got around to that. There were also more buckets to hang. More Mint, Oreganum and Strawberries.
My intention was to start planting pathways which I had completed in 2012 that were being taken over by weeds. This is a HUGE mission because the weeds in those areas have become serious.
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| My work will be cut out getting this under control again |
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| The new area with compost bins. |
So the thought came to me to do some "instant composting" in these containers. Put one near to where I am weeding and put the weeds in it to break down. As they do and it settles I can add more to it because it does take a lot of material to make a little compost. Also I will leave the top exposed so when it rains hopefully the water will seep through and add nutrients to the soil below.
This is going to be an experiment in progress but yesterday it seemed very possible that it might work.
One Pole Garden is now full of pots so I have started in a new area. had a chance to almost finish drilling the poles I have planted and that is starting to look rather "different."
There are Tomatoes, Strawberries, Oreganum, Mint and a herb I forget, growing there now. I still want to try Thyme as well as a few more "hanging" plants. So far so good. The only thing that worries me is that the pots might be too small.
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| First pole completed |
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| New pole with completed pole in the background. |
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| Tomatoes |
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| A different variety of Catnip |
A hard day but again very rewarding. Oh, 25mm in the rain gauge.
9/1/2013
I think it is almost time to start a 2013 blog because from now on things are going to change once again as the weeding and clearing as well as planting and bricking of the pathways goes ahead.
Also the "Pole Gardens" will change as I learn from my mistakes.
I had to go to Maritzburg so as is the norm arrived in Underberg at around 4.30. The road was very busy this morning with all cars going the other way. Mostly taxis taking people home after New year.
My main intention today was "tidying" up weeds. I was quite keen to see whether any of the compost bins had settled.
There was also the rest of the Spring Onions to transplant as well as a couple more buckets to hang. More Mint and Oreganum as well as some Dahl I am experimenting with. Apparently it is not going to handle our winter but I want to find out for myself.
There was also Wheatgrass seed I wanted to start planting for drying and making powder from.
Well, I got into the weeding first and ran out of bins. A couple had settled a little but the weeds are so bad that I had to put most in piles in the pathways. When funds permit I will make some more containers but also still need to see whether the ones I am using are actually big enough and do work.
Before getting on the road I managed to dig an area and plant the Wheatgrass as well as removing hessian etc from areas where the grass had germinated. Next time I will be able to plant more grass seed in the areas I am now weeding.
One nice thing is that ALL of the early trees I planted are growing. The Pears and Apples as well as a couple of the Olives were very wet in their bags and the soil collapsed from the roots. I am really glad to see them all with new leaves.
I managed to do a bit of brush cutting on the top plot before heading for Maritzburg.
On arriving back I had to water what had been planted as well as the pole buckets. (both Tomatoes have little flowers so lets see whether anything is produced by them).There are now 2 poles with their 8 buckets. (the herb I could not remember last time was "Bulbinella" which grows very well up here.)
Oh there was another 15 mm in the rain gauge. We had had nothing here in the same time so Underberg seems to be getting their rain later than we do. This is why the weeds are so bad.
It was really hard work today and I struggled a little with the heat. I had to push myself and keep on saying "Just 5 minutes more." By the time I had had enough it was 3 o clock and I had to leave anyway.
By this time I had almost completed cutting the top plot. There is very little to do there now but I once again have to start from the bottom.
A hot but once again very rewarding days effort.
No photos this time.
The next time will be the start of a new blog. "Phase 3."
PLEEEEEEEEEEEZE STAY AWAY FROM ANY GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS.............................
www.wheatgrassandcancerbush.blogspot.com
