A willow planting session took place yesterday
Alpaca poo was spread along the fence line were the windbreak hedge was going in
weed suppressing membrane was pegged down and the willow cuttings were planted through it, I ave done it 2 deep , some f the cuttings were just starting to break bud, there was 10 different variety's with some interesting colours of bark from yellow through to purple, I have tried to keep there labels with them so I can swap some cuttings at a future date, although I might have to draw a little plan up, there was suppose to be 5 of each variety, in some packs were there 6 or 7 cuttings the extras I am going to put into gaps in the existing hedges.
Mole hills were next on the list
This area is were I want to plant up a coppice Mr Mole has been busy with 100's of mole hills
The soil he has been throwing up is lovely and fine, I am collecting it up and putting it into one of the raised beds
were the mole hills were I am putting in some willow trees for coppicing,
I do also have some trees that I have grown from seed that will be a more permanent planting, we don't have a rabbit issue up here there are plenty of predators around keeping numbers down
I tried to get a photo of the Red Kites circling yesterday
While I was working away in the sunshine the Alpacas were relaxing
Kara joined them for a sunshine snooze,
after her visit to the vet on Monday she is now allowed to go barefooted again.
she celebrated with a treat hidden in a box, she was very happy tearing the box apart to find a treat, best of all she will pick up the bits for me after she has scattered them around the floor.
You do have a mole problem, but the soil is useful. Glad to hear Kara is getting there, handy to have a dog who clears up after herself.
ReplyDeleteas long as it continues to work in the top field I dont mind, if it ventures down to the vegetable garden then measures will be taken :-)
DeleteGood work on the willow! I think our holdings are quite similar in some respects, you'll have to come over for a visit sometime. What trees have you started from Seed. It's something I keep meaning to do. I did plant some eucalyptus the other day for shrubs that you can use like bay leaves, but we'll see if they come up or not.
ReplyDeleteI have some Giant rRedwoods that i started two years ago they are now ready to go out, also some pine trees dont know what variety they came from some giant pine cones a friend gave me :-)
ReplyDeleteI used to collect the 'mole soil' too - perfect for pots as well as the raised beds. Moles do have a use !!
ReplyDeleteSo glad Kara is on the mend, it must have been a terribly stressful time for you.
Mole soil is so friable I wonder if you could train moles :-)
DeleteI'm looking forward to seeing the willow grow, you will have to make a basket :)
ReplyDeleteI would like to make a basket will have to see I could bundle it up and send it you :-)
DeleteWe get mole hills and yes the soil they leave is amazingly fine. Just right for planting up. Lovely to see Kara snoozing in the sunshine and having fun working to get her treats. Your plans for planting look great and it's wonderful to follow your progress.
ReplyDelete