Natural resources

I confess that I like to use natural materials sourced locally wherever I can in the garden.  Hazel is one of Hampshire's great natural resources but it is such a pity that such large areas of woodland are no longer managed properly. 


The hazel I have used to make low hurdles around the garden comes from a managed woodland south of Stockbridge.  My contact, Jonathan, coppices the hazel and the woodland he manages is beautifully cultivated and he tells me alive with many varieties of rare butterflies in Summer.  An environment managed by man but in complete harmony with nature.  What's not to like about that!


Anyway, having had my delivery of hazel rods I spent a most enjoyable afternoon on Saturday weaving a low hurdle fence to divide off the original border from the Vegetable Garden.  I am a complete amateur but even I can make a decent rustic fence!

Time for a mulch

The weather is lovely.  The sun shining and what's not to like about this time of year with a Summer ahead and promise in every swelling bud and unfurling small leaf.

But it is also time for a good thick mulch of compost to lay across the beds and borders like a blanket of dark brown snowfall.  This will supress weeds and seal in moisture while also making the beds look neat and tidy for months to come.  It also improves the soil composition and long term that can only be good on our chalky fast draining soil.

The delivery of municipal garden waste arrived on Friday and Saturday was spent with me barrowing the compost back and forth to the beds while Vanessa spread it around amongst the newly emerging plants.

Allium leaves are now in abundance - Purple Sensation, Nigrum and Mount Everest leaves can now be seen in drifts amongst the beds.  There is a freshness in the air and a clear crisp light now and the days are lengthening. 

Spring is in the air!