Last weekend, the clocks were turned back an hour meaning the end of British Summer Time (BST) and so we can no longer deny that we are hurtling towards winter.
For visitors from outside of the UK. At the end of October our time switches to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). At the end of March, we change to British Summer Time (BST) when the clocks are put forward by an hour.
BST was first implemented in 1916, during the First World War, in order to save energy and fuel by extending daylight hours by an extra hour in the evening. This way people could work for longer in the evening without the need for artificial light.
During the Second World War, Double British Summertime was introduced. The clocks were set at GMT plus two hours from the end of March and GMT plus one hour at the end of October. The idea behind that was to increase productivity. When the war was over timings reverted to GMT and BST.
Nowadays, some argue that the changing of clocks is no longer needed. For a short while, between 1968 and 1971, there was an experiment to stay on BST all year round, but after a Parliamentary vote the idea was abandoned.
Along with it becoming dark earlier on Sunday, last week was decidely chilly and wet, so we are glad to have managed to get most of the beds at the allotment ready for winter.
Last week, more beds were covered with weed control fabric.
During the week I picked all of the apples remaining on the apple trees and cleared most of those that had fallen to the ground.
I left a few for the birds to enjoy.
The garden greenhouse is now in winter mode.
There is now space for the dahlia tubers that were dug up on Sunday.
I managed to rescue some flowers for a vase.
Over winter, we hope to turn our attention to our garden, which last year was neglected due to all our time being spent watering the allotment.
Borders have become overgrown, and ivy, bramble, and bindweed have moved in. Of course, just when we need it our garden waste collection will end after just one more collection. Why do they assume this is no longer necessary over winter?
Martyn cleared a border at the back of the house that needs a complete renewal.
I tidied a patch at the side of the house where self-sown hellebores were making a takeover bid. This area should boast a spring display as long as the bulbs have survived the onslaught.
I also cleared the summer annuals from the tubs so I can start to plant some spring bulbs in them.
Yellow now seems to be dominating the landscape. The colour brightens our walks.
The groomer visited, so Ruby was looking smart with her winter cut.
Her coat length depends on the season. With the temperature dropping she will soon need an additional layer so her fleecy coat will need to be taken out. We will also need to pack away our T-shirts in favour of woolly jumpers.
That’s all for this week so as always until nest time stay safe and stay well.
By way lots of blogs on my reading list have been quiet for some time. I hate it when that happens as I wonder whether anything has gone wrong. Anyway, I will have to delete some titles from my list. I am open to any recommendations for blogs that you think I may like to fill the gaps.
Your plot is looking great, Sue. We’ve got most of our beds cleared and ready for winter now. I haven’t blogged for a while, I’ve just been so busy on the allotment over the summer. I’m hoping to get started blogging again soon.
I look forward to reading what tou have been up to, Margaret
Ooh, you’re all prepped and ready. Well done. The aerial shots and video are great
Hopefully it will give us time to work on the garden and other outstanding jobs Belinda
It’s definitely turned chilly, I’m already looking forward to spring, haha. Ruby looks very smart after her trim.
Me too, Jo. It’s always a mixed feeling when Ruby is groomed as we love her fluffy teddy bear look too
It’s definitely turned chilly, I’m already looking forward to spring, haha. Ruby looks very smart after her trim.