For the most part, the weather last week was rather gloomy. We had planned another day out, but in the end decided to stay closer to home.
We did, however, manage to spend quite a few afternoons at the allotment. The available daylight is becoming increasingly limited, and by the time we set off for home, the sun is already beginning to set.
There is definitely a feeling that we are racing against the clock as we try to get things done before winter really sets in.
I also received an update about the little cat that had been living in our garden, so there is a little more to report on that front.
In the Garden
I previously mentioned that the foxes visiting our garden to feed had stolen two of our ceramic dishes. We decided it was time to try a different approach. Instead of using ceramic dishes, we put the food in a plastic tray, which we pegged into the lawn. It is shallow enough to allow the hedgehogs to access the food too.
Unfortunately, one of the foxes managed to pull the first tray off its peg and wreck it, so we are now on our second attempt. So far, this one has survived. The foxes seem rather wary of it, and I suspect they don’t like the noise it makes.
I doubt they will have appreciated the persistent bangs from the fireworks that have been going off over the last few days. Ruby isn’t too keen on them either and becomes quite edgy when she hears them. At least she doesn’t get quite as panicky as she used to, which is a relief. I do worry about people’s pets and wildlife at this time of year, though. It must be a frightening time for many of them.
I’ve just checked the trail camera and, unsurprisingly,, there have been no signs of either foxes or hedgehogs visiting while the fireworks have been going off. Perhaps the noise has been frightening them away.
On the subject of pets, we also had an update about the little cat that spent several weeks living in our garden. Sadly, her owner hasn’t responded to the appeals on Facebook, so she will shortly be put up for adoption. I really hope she finds the sort of loving home she deserves.
At the Allotment
We have managed to make quite a bit of progress at the allotment. At the moment, it’s a race against time to get as many beds dug over as possible before the ground becomes too wet to work.
Perhaps I should say that Martyn has managed to make quite a bit of progress! He is doing most of the digging, while one of my jobs is to clear away the weeds before he gets started.
Of course, the definition of a weed is often simply a plant growing in the wrong place, and that was certainly true of one of the beds I cleared. It was covered in Cerinthe plants that had self-seeded rather enthusiastically. We have never actually planted them ourselves, but they clearly like our allotment!
It was a shame to pull them all out because, once in flower, they are loved by the bees. However, they had spread across the middle of a long bed, were becoming rather invasive and were also covered in whitefly. They really had to go.
The Cosmos had also self-seeded and taken over an entire bed. On this occasion, though, I was quite happy to let it have its way! Unlike the Cerinthe, which had become a nuisance in the wrong place, the Cosmos was a welcome sight. They are still producing buds but is it too late for them to open?
I also tidied up the remaining brassica bed, removing the roots of plants that were no longer productive. We still have some cabbages and Brussels sprouts growing, although these were also affected by whitefly. In an attempt to get rid of as much of it as possible, I gave the plants a good wash with the pressure washer.
Once the unwanted roots had been cleared, we replaced the enviromesh to protect the remaining plants from the pilfering pigeons.
I removed the netting from the raspberry and blueberry beds, as there is no longer any need for it at this time of year.
I also cut out this year’s fruiting canes from the thornless blackberry and tied in the new canes ready for next year’s crop.
I removed the suckers from one of the pear trees, another little job to keep things tidy.
We dug our first leeks of the season, although they were much thinner than usual. Like so many things this year, they seem to be on the small side. We also cut a cabbage, and while Martyn was digging over one of the beds, he unearthed a few potatoes that had been left behind.
It’s always a bonus to find a few unexpected potatoes! Especially this year.
Out and About
Local Park
The trees are looking increasingly bare now. Some are just managing to hang on to a few remaining leaves, while others have already lost them all. There is no doubt that autumn is moving on and winter is getting closer.
Temple Newsam
While walking around the lake at Temple Newsam, we spotted one of its occasional visitors: a little egret. Whenever we see it, it seems to be in much the same spot on the far side of the lake.
It’s always lovely to catch sight of it, even if it does seem to have a favourite fishing spot!
Following the recent gales, which had brought down a large bough from one of the trees, work was underway to check the surrounding trees and make sure they were safe.
There was also a beautiful display of chrysanthemums in the greenhouse at Temple Newsam.
Ruby wasn’t quite so impressed, as dogs aren’t allowed inside and she had to wait outside while Martyn and I took turns looking around. I’m not sure she thought the flowers were worth the wait!
Nostell
As we arrived at Nostell, a young swan flew overhead. We wondered whether it was leaving the lake to look for pastures new. When we reached the lake, only the two adult swans were there, so perhaps the youngsters have now moved on.
Ruby was soon enjoying her favourite game of Chase, which provided plenty of entertainment. There was also a little unexpected drama when we noticed a fire engine approaching with its blue lights flashing. It stayed for a short while before turning around and heading off again. We couldn’t see any signs of a fire or anything else that might have required its attendance, so we wondered whether it had simply been a practice run.
Around the same time, the air ambulance took off on one of its many sorties. We rarely seem to have an afternoon at Nostell without seeing it take off at least once during our visit. It’s something that has become a familiar sight when we’re there.
Despite the rather gloomy weather, it was another enjoyable afternoon out with Ruby, with a few unexpected happenings along the way.
Finally
Although the weather hasn’t been particularly inspiring this week, we’ve made good use of the afternoons, getting on with jobs at the allotment and enjoying some familiar walks.
There is plenty to keep us occupied as we prepare the allotment for winter, and the shortening days mean we need to make the most of every available hour.
It was good to hear that the little Ragdoll cat is moving on to the next stage of finding a home. We still think about her and hope that someone comes along who can give her the love and care she deserves.
Meanwhile, the foxes continue to keep us on our toes, Ruby is gradually becoming less bothered by fireworks, and we are enjoying the last of the autumn colour before the trees lose the rest of their leaves.
Don’t forget to check out Martyn’s diary page.
Until next tine stay safe and stay well.
