Only the Perpetual Spinach (Leaf Beet) had survived as a complete row. The Turnips and Komatsuna (Japanese Mustard Spinach) had disappeared. Only a small number of Beetroot seedlings could be seen. I resowed the rows, covered them with small branches to stop the cats digging there. and crossed my fingers. In the same plot the Rhubarb is doing wel lin a slightly shaded spot up by the compost heap. I transplanted it last year from the border by the fence because it was too dry and the poor plant was wilting in the sun.

Allotment May 2012

The frame is for the climbing Snap Peas and behind it is last year’s sowing of Perpetual Spinach which will be removed once it bolts. The frames protect the salad crops from marauding cats and passing Badgers. The empty spaces will be filled with Outdoor Cucumbers, French Beans and Courgettes once the plants are big enough to go outside.

Allotment May 2012

In the greenhouse the Tomatoes, Chilli Peppers and Cucumbers have been transplanted into their final pots and I’ll erect supporting canes once I have taken down the plastic bubble wrap.

Tomatoes, Chilli Peppers and Cucumbers in pots

I still have some flower and herb seedlings in the greenhouse and while checking some Cosmos seedlings I noticed about five had suffered damage, stems still there but no leaves. They were on a shelf five feet off the ground….the culprit must be agile and not afraid of heights.

Damaged seedlings

Or perhaps not so agile but slow, steady and persistent! On a pot to the left of the seed tray I found the culprit. I carefully removed it and put it into a clump of Achillea in the garden where it could do less damage.

Sleeping snail

I quite like snails but for such slow moving creatures they can do a lot of damage. Nevertheless I admire their resilience and ability to turn up in unexpected places despite having no legs and only one foot.

Those of you with a Kindle and a relaxed attitude to snails might like to read a lovely book called “The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating” by Elizabeth Tova Bailey. The author suffered a long period of debilitating illness and a friend brought her a pot of violets which was home to a small snail. This snail became the focus of her attention while she was bedridden. I highly recommend the book. It is available as a download from Amazon. You might also like to visit the author’s website too which has some lovely photos and videos.

Book

Of course her snail is a delicate little  thing while mine is more like the King Kong of snails….. but I say  but live and let live…..just do not come back into the greenhouse.

Waiting for frogs to arrive

For more Wordless Wednesday posts visit here.

Of course it was too cold to work in the garden but I did tidy up the potting area in the garage so everything is ready for the beginning of the gardening season. I have also ordered my vegetable seeds so am feeling on top of things garden wise. This feeling never lasts once the season starts but I am savouring it for now.

Potting area

Later on, as the sun was shining, we went for a walk. We have some small lakes nearby that attract a great many birds.

Winter walk

Winter walk

The birds all appeared to be sprucing themselves up reading for the mating season. The birds in the far distance were actually standing on ice as part of the lake was frozen.

Canada Geese

Looking good! Canada Geese and two Swans

Looking at the birds in the freezing water I was glad I was wearing warm boots.

Here is a metal sculpture which stands in the centre of a grass lawn. It is in the garden of a manor house which I visited last year.

Sculpture at Chenies Manor

Every year the glass house at Wisley garden has a Butterfly event where butterflies are allowed to fly amongst the Tropical plants growing there. It is an amazing sight and a chance to see these beautiful butterflies up close. I took a picture of this one as it rested in the centre of a plate of fruit.

Owl Butterfly

The wildlife in my garden is less exotic. At present he centre of my bird table is always occupied by Pigeons….Pigeons….Pigeons. All the food disappears in an instant.

Pigeons on the bird table

Visit Katarina at Roses and Stuff to see more Blooming Friday contributions.

Cloches in the vegetable garden

Slow worms (Anguis fragilis) in the compost heap

Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan'

Georgie & Halki watching squirrels in the garden

Visit Katarina at Roses and Stuff to see more Blooming Friday contributions.

Bumblebee on Dahlia 'After Eight'

Bee on Dahlia 'Smarty'

Hoverfly on Sisyrinchium palmifolium

For more Wordless Wednesday posts visit here.

Mr White: What do you want me and the boys to do boss?

Mr White, leader of the boys

Mr Squirrel: Give me a shout if you see the gardener approaching. I want to grab as many of these peanuts as I can.

Mr Squirrel with two of his gang

Ten minutes later.

Pigeons: Boss! Hey boss….I hear screaming…..I think the gardener is here. She looks mad (and ever so slightly crazy)

Mr Squirrel: Time for one last peanut before I go.

The Boss snatches a final peanut and the Boys fly away

Off to the woods, until next time

Easygardener: Aaaaarrrrgggghhhhhh!!!!!!

Bee on a flower

For more Wordless Wednesday posts visit here.

Malachite (Siproeta stelenes)

Tree Nymph (Idea leuconoe)

For more Wordless Wednesday posts visit here.

Wildlife Tower (Chelsea Flower Show)

Allium seed head (Artdejardin sculpture garden)

Hungry Crocodile (Flaxbourne Farm)

The Illuminator by Tach Pollard (Pashley Manor)

Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria auracana) at Plant World

For more Blooming Friday posts visit Katarina at Roses and Stuff.

Have a good weekend.