Lawn taming

I didn’t expect to be doing another post about lawns so soon. There is so much in between. But you have to start somewhere. And as I’ve just come in from a few hours mowing, then this is where I launch in.

First of all, well done mum! Not only have you read my blog on your new ipad; you’ve worked out how to send a comment and use an emoticon. Brava.

It’s lunchtime and I’ve been having a blissful morning of manure and mowing.   I decided to get a few wheelbarrows of compost (horse manure) from the lower terrace first off before it was too warm.

The manure is destined for the hedge at the furthest distance from the heap. But that’s not unexpected – just a lovely long cool trudge. I also stopped en route to add a bucketful to the new cherry tree I planted at Christmas.   I has spotted it on a walk earlier and thought it looked a bit unwell.   Leaves going reddish and yellow and dropping.

Duh, it’s autumn for the cherries here, and if I only looked up I would notice this happening to most of the other trees around.   But the one in front of my office window is still sparkling and green and showing no signs of autumnal fall.   But at least the tree had a good water and a mulch.

The rest of the manure (two wheelbarrows full) went onto each shrub in the hedge.   The soil is very sandy and free draining here. And I have the added excitement of a mole who insists on burrowing right under the roots of the young trees.

So every bit helps.   I had a nice chat with both Jean Daniel and his brother Claude while I worked. Ulysse had escaped again (now there’s a surprise) and Jean Daniel rode him back while Claude came by (with two lovely little dogs on his lap) in his car to take Jean Daniel back.

Lots of to-ing and fro-ing just because of a horse; but Jean Daniel never minds. And at least now he can ride the horse back rather than have it follow behind in his car.

Another reason why I needed some manure was to plant some ivy.   And believe me, I’ve never lavished so much care, compost, manure and fertiliser (belt and braces) on any plant on this property.

The front of the potting shed is not painted (I couldn’t reach it without having to invest in scaffolding), so I’m letting it fade naturally.   But it’s slow. The treated wood was a glaring bright yellow at Christmas, and it’s fading a tad.   But it needs help.   So I brought out two beefy ivies from Camden Garden Centre and they have been (lavishly) planted at the foot of the main pillar in front of the shed.   May they grow fast and clothe the wood.  

After that it was all combustion engines and rattling great mowing.   So much fun. Especially as I’m trying to mulch areas where I want to plant next year.

I’ve covered the olive trees in front of the house with more mulch, the apple tree on the lawn. And anything else goes on the steepish slope in what is called the olive orchard.   A glorified name for a steep bank with small olive trees and lots of weeds.

It’s in front of the house and is crying out for a re design. Or any design. Or any attention at all.   So mulch I shall and then come up with a plan.