With the days warm but not as hot as they were a few weeks back it’s time to think about working outside again. I’m not a fan of heat and so have not done much work outside since November. The vegetable garden is a real ‘trial’ to me, I can’t seem to get the growing right for any of the vegetables I try although the herbs, potatoes and lavender seem to be thriving. The ground is very cold right up till about October and then the rains come for about a month. The only growing period seems to be from October to March and even then the nights will start to get cooler by mid February. I think if I relied on my garden to survive – food wise- I’d be a very hungry person.
Next year I think I’ll concentrate on herbs and dye plants instead of vegetables, I seem to have more luck with those.
The woad and weld grew well and I have a good supply to try dyeing wool or materials such as cottons and linens.
The lavender will be used in scented bags for clothes and baths, and some will be used to make teas and infuse in oils. When I get a bigger supply of lavender I will take it to a lavender farm nearby so that they can turn the flowers into lavender oil.
Nico is growing up nicely and is now exploring on his own, although still quite close to the house.
The flock are also growing up and soon it will be time for them to start thinking about ‘babies’.
I went to visit a very nice boy yesterday and so he will be arriving in the middle of March. He is young, but I am assured, he will quickly pick up ‘what to do’.
Here are a few photos of him (he doesn’t have a name yet, just a number). He is a very nice ram, beautiful colour and nice temperament.
silva kurls 