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Why is it so hard for people to help?
If you come across someone obviously needing help, do you jump in or wait for someone else to do it? This question came into my mind today because of a situation I came across and the outcome really surprised me (and made me a little angry if I’m honest). I was driving into the car…
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Summer pruning fruit trees
It was time to prune my cherry and plum trees as the weather has warmed and their appearance was unruly to say the least. Stone fruit trees should be pruned in the warmer summer months as they are prone to infection in the winter when they can’t heal the cut wounds so well. This can…
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A tired brain, a hyper dog, confused weather and other ramblings
My brain can’t settle at the moment. I feel like I have 1001 thoughts whizzing through my head like a train that doesn’t stop at a station. I’m more tired than usual which explains my tired but over-active brain. The reason for this, I believe, is partly because of the house next door. I have…
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A mixed weekend of progress, rain and gardening (plus some blog news)
At the beginning of the weekend, I didn’t think I would be getting much done. We did get a thunder storm on Friday afternoon and I was sure that was to set the tone for the next few days. I wasn’t far wrong! Some indoor jobs were necessary so I was pleased to get the…
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You can’t trust ants (they are in cahoots with the aphids!)
When I saw an aphid infestation on my willow tree, I thought to myself ‘don’t panic, there will be a biological control along soon enough’. When I saw the ants I thought the problem was solved. I was wrong. It turns out when you see something like this: It is a beautiful example of a…
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Making a fairy garden (part 1)
If you listened to this weeks episode of my podcast, you will know I have decided to turn part of the front garden into a fairy garden. There is a patch at the side which just has a lilac and bits and bobs and doesn’t look particularly pleasant. So, I got my thinking cap on…
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Watching ‘Outlander’ as a Highlander
I’ve heard about the Outlander books and associated tv show but it wasn’t something I had followed – until now. I bought the first season dvd at a second hand place we go to regularly, thinking if I didn’t like it at least it hadn’t cost me much. But I do like it. I like…
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Finally transplanting tomatoes and cucumbers into polytunnel
Thanks to the great Scottish weather we’ve had for the last few weeks, my plants are really suffering but I’ve finally managed to get some tomatoes and a few ill-looking cucumbers transplanted into the polytunnel on the plot. I’ve used the string method, where you tie the string to a bar at the top of…
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Wolves, Tigers and Bears….oh my!
This weekend found us visiting the Highland Wildlife in Kincraig as part of birthday celebrations for Dearest son. We loved it – here’s why: I could have stayed there all day. I’ll admit, their signposting to the place isn’t great; we drove past it and had to take a back road to get to it.…
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The Horse
On the hill, in the distance as the sun’s rays poured on the land. Regally overlooking his admirers while standing out for his own brilliance. A horse. The white horse, needing no knight nor shining armour. Dazzling in his own beauty, an outstanding reminder of natural good. A fleeting moment never forgotten. Burned into my…
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How am I supposed to grow with this?
I can’t stress enough how desperately I need to get my tomatoes and courgettes etc planted out – but – the weather, oh the weather. Ok, I know it’s a cliche that us Brits go on about the weather but if you’re not from here there are 2 things (probably more) that you need to…
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The Siren
The song of the siren wails in the distance. And yet, even now when it is heard backs shiver, eyes dart and all minds thinking the same – ‘Please let it pass’. For a moment, just a brief moment we are all the same. Children listening, imitating the high tuneless pitch. The young harshly reminded…