I had a super productive weekend with the help of Hubby the Un-Gardener.  Last season I did a trial windbreak halfway up the garden and had great results, until the winter wind gave it the bash.  Its temporary trial materials were no match and for the weather and it was torn to shreds and tatters.  But encouraged by its effectiveness while it was working, we made a more permanent structure and I look forward to an improvement in the conditions at the back end of the garden.  So much so I even thinking of a few fruit trees back there. 

Then I started working on getting my structures up ready for planting.  I have finally found a system that works well, but importantly it is easy to put up, and at the end of the season back down again to store when not needed.  I think I’ve halved my structure set up time by not having to untangle string netting! 

I’ll start hardening my seedlings today.   The extended forecast shows a couple of nights at 8C so there will be no sneaky early planting – even though I was a tiny bit tempted.  Because I have a little bit on in the coming weeks.

Next Wednesday I have a garden club coming to visit by the bus load!  I need to have the garden looking at its best and all planted out.   No pressure. 

But after that, knowing my garden is in the best position possible for the time of year (but with the spares tucked away safely for ‘just in case’) I will be leaving the garden for 3 weeks.  It is such a long time to be gone in the heart of spring, but it is so worth it.

I will be hosting a bus load of Australian tourists as a Botanical Tour Guide for Botanica Worldwide Discoveries. I’m really excited about it, but a tad nervous as my training was done back in 2019 before covid.  I’m sure I’ll be fine.  We will be traveling the length of the country stopping at so many wonderful gardens.  It is such an amazing opportunity.

But I won’t be leaving you all behind.  I’ll still be popping in to read all of your posts.  I may not have time to comment, but you’ll know I’ve been because I’ll hit the LOVE emoji (or the sad one if necessary but hopefully not).  The team from Yates will also be popping in and keeping an eye out so if you have any problems or questions someone will be able to help out, so you won’t be completely abandoned.  I’ll try and post a few updates and show you some of the cool things I’ve seen, to share the inspiration! 

So, I’ll be gone from the 30^th of Oct and will be back in my garden on the 20^th of November.  My Handy Helper will still be coming to look after the garden once a week and Hubby the Un-Gardener will have strict instructions and he will be too afraid not to follow. There have been issues in the past… 

But I can’t stand about here chatting away – I have so much to do!

Oh, and this week’s free seeds go to Jungle Jane  Congratulations.  I’ll get those seeds off to you as soon as I can.

Happy gardening and as always – if you want to get in touch leave a comment below.

Sarah the Gardener  : o)

Photo:   My melon trellis