Olives on the move

Done. I have transplanted two little olive trees.   They now form a perfect line in front of the house. One large (leaning) olive tree, and four little ones to keep it company.

The holes I dug before moving them were very, very well prepared. Compost, good soil, microrhizal fungi, water, both a good size.

And out popped the little olives with very little work with a fork and they should now feel more settled in soil that actually has room for the roots to grow.

But I didn’t get much of a chance to go back to landscaping the bank. It was market day today; so I felt like I spent the entire morning at Vernoux (good tomatoes, and fresh goats cheese, chain saw servicing, appointments at the garage for car servicing) and the afternoon seemed to have been spent in the forest. It’s cooler up there so it’s the perfect time to trudge up the steep hill (checking the source on the way – no water) and get in some nice work there.

We are cutting yet more wood for winter. Despite having about four years worth in the cellars.   The wood in the forest was cut over three years ago and has been sitting weathering and aging beautifully.   But now it’s a case of use it or lose it.   Nature will take its course.   So up we go each day to our allotted tasks. You will not be surprised to learn that I am not doing chainsaw duty.   I collect sticks.

And have been cutting my long straight chestnut saplings for the future potager fence. That keeps me busy. And active, and means I really earn that evening whisky.