Sara HjelmThe amount of pollen is now massive. Luckely I’m well stocked for all kinds of asthma medicines, but every time the wind dies down it’s still hard to breath. My car is completly yellow by now and as for trees that flower early & spread seeds with the wind the air is filled with every gust.
It’s VERY dry.
#sarassprincount23
#pollen #allergies
It is now 41 days until the #summersolstice - warm, no wind, but gratefully cloudy👍🏻
So far I’ve received 1 box of kitchen stuff, sorted all #paint & am now waiting for groceries, including #frozenfood that has to be taken care of immediately
#sarasspringcount23
#sorting
#weather means I can do things outside in the afternoon
Yesterday that was impossible
#paint inventory/sorting:
Kitchen
Outdoor brown & black
Windows & patio bench
Brushes
Sanding & pasting
Etc…
I’ve reduced my paint #shoppinglist to a minimum
#sarasspringcount23
Yesterday that was impossible
#paint inventory/sorting:
Kitchen
Outdoor brown & black
Windows & patio bench
Brushes
Sanding & pasting
Etc…
I’ve reduced my paint #shoppinglist to a minimum
#sarasspringcount23
Spent time being creative using my hand mixer…
The large bucket of eggshell, acrylic wall paint had a jelly bottom layer, about 4 inches
Removed all dry paint on the sides and lid, cut it up in cubes (think cheese making), added water & mixed until smooth👍🏻
#sarasspringcount23
Today I’m super pleased with myself - finally managed to fix my best spade & give it a new handle … Top priority on my list
It is now 40 days until the summer solstice
All paint is purpose-sorted in bags
All tools from the living room are outside
#sarasspringcount23
Also 2 additional copies to give away of this book has arrived. I’m already halfway through my own copy https://tankesmedjanbalans.se/de-granslosa/
Seems time to take a break för reading. I’ve been up since 6.30. Cat Alice has been nagging me to accompany her in bed for cuddling
#sarasspringcount23
Seems time to take a break för reading. I’ve been up since 6.30. Cat Alice has been nagging me to accompany her in bed for cuddling
#sarasspringcount23
It’s very still. And so dry.
At sunset 9.30 pm I’ve watered around the patio. Rest will be tomorrow
As one magnolia drops the petals it’s time for next one
Beaches and maple now have leaves
Bird cherry flowers will burst tomorrow
We’re promised rain Monday…
#sarasspringcount23
Since it’s past 3 pm it’s now 38 days, 20 hrs until the summer solstice
A strange day that started with a delivery at 7 am 😱
Luckily I was awake
Spent some trial/error hrs on use of my new vacuum sealer, crammed the freezer with chicken & went out at 10
#sarasspringcount23
A strange day that started with a delivery at 7 am 😱
Luckily I was awake
Spent some trial/error hrs on use of my new vacuum sealer, crammed the freezer with chicken & went out at 10
#sarasspringcount23
Sure enough the bird cherry tree is in full bloom, the magnolia has way more flowers & the neighbor houses disappear behind beaches & maples
Now I watch the magpies hunt off jackdaws while the blackbirds sing…
It’s still too hot for cooking or eating
#sarasspringcount23
Now I watch the magpies hunt off jackdaws while the blackbirds sing…
It’s still too hot for cooking or eating
#sarasspringcount23
4 hrs in the garden was quite enough
I prepared my potting tables in the garage & pruned black berries
It’s hard to see what’s alive or just lacking water of the branches
Sturdy plants like Hosta have grown at least 5cm over night, ready for dividing
#sarasspringcount23
I prepared my potting tables in the garage & pruned black berries
It’s hard to see what’s alive or just lacking water of the branches
Sturdy plants like Hosta have grown at least 5cm over night, ready for dividing
#sarasspringcount23
Time to call it a day
That promised rain … I’ll believe it when I see it.
#sarasspringcount23
It’s still 38 days until the summer solstice, but not so many hours, & believe it or not, it’s actually raining … 😊
Never thought I’d be so grateful for rain …
Started cloudy & now showers
#sarasspringcount23
Never thought I’d be so grateful for rain …
Started cloudy & now showers
#sarasspringcount23
So far I’ve spent about 2 hours outside, covering the soil sacks, gathering branches in the wheelbarrow & finally blowing together all the birch pods that filled the patio. More to come, but this is probably the main part this year
Now ☕️ & watering indoors
#sarasspringcount23
Now ☕️ & watering indoors
#sarasspringcount23
I’m making mini #pies for deep frying with salsicca #mincedmeet (some of what had to leave place for all that chicken yesterday)
A flaky dough is done & resting
Very comforting…
I had plans for grass mowing today - so nice not to have bad #concise about that
#sarasspringcount23
Today it’s 37 days until the summer solstice & this afternoon we expect some rain again at 3 pm
I circle the house & consider the day - def mowing edges & under the sallow before pods drop
It’s already +15° on the patio, but clouds promise change of weather
#sarasspringcount23
I circle the house & consider the day - def mowing edges & under the sallow before pods drop
It’s already +15° on the patio, but clouds promise change of weather
#sarasspringcount23
So far I’ve not experienced one single tick 👍🏻🎉
It took 3 yrs of blocking the deer in different ways & that fence really has helped (& perhaps also the crow birds)
Plus any flowers like roses, tulips, begonias in pots, etc are left to flower
#sarasspringcount23
It took 3 yrs of blocking the deer in different ways & that fence really has helped (& perhaps also the crow birds)
Plus any flowers like roses, tulips, begonias in pots, etc are left to flower
#sarasspringcount23
Yesterday I noted that, at lest here, the time “between bird cherry & lilacs” would give that shoemaker a reasonable time off this year here. I understand both flower together in Gothenburg right now, so situated 135 m above sea level & 2 weeks later helps
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
Not all insects are gone, some have survived birds, bats & climate/chemicals. I hoped to get flycatchers in one of the birdhouses, but no sign. This little night guy just took a rest on my knee, attracted by my dark tunic.
Name anyone?
#sarasspringcount23
Name anyone?
#sarasspringcount23
I’ve gathered the support for peonies, high time, passing the magnolia on my way. Time to get going, but very tempting to just sit and enjoy …
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
It’s 8.30 am & 36 days until the summer solstice
Already +13° as I sit on the patio waiting for the help I’ve ordered today: dig up & replant bushes, moving heavy stuff around, etc (& those dandelions outside the fence before they spread their seeds)
#sarasspringcount23
Already +13° as I sit on the patio waiting for the help I’ve ordered today: dig up & replant bushes, moving heavy stuff around, etc (& those dandelions outside the fence before they spread their seeds)
#sarasspringcount23
Rereading my long priority list … not all will be done, but a lot. Most are things that take little time, but the transitions take a lot… hear his car now
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
10 am & already grass is mowed & leaves blow away in crucial places, for ex around the mahonia, now ready for pruning low & creeping branches. Next are the dandelions…
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
Ready for gravel with all leaves gone… my tiny leaf blower is just not strong enough for all that debris
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
And all dandelions gone … not a single one left along the fence. Both inside & outside. They filled a whole empty soil sack.
Plus the sprinkling hose in place 👍🏻
Comparison before & after:
#sarasspringcount23
That was a super intense day, ended at 5.30 pm & my #garden tick off list is more or less empty … All replanting done, rose, rhubarbs & sloe. The lose stone in the stairs cemented, top of the small stone table fixated + the old table got a thin clean surface
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
All gravel in the huge sack used up - outside the fence over a string of black ground cloth & behind the garage
The barrel for rain water got a tap…
#sarasspringcount23
The barrel for rain water got a tap…
#sarasspringcount23
Pretty tired by now even if I did not do any of the hard work…
I’ll watch some TV for once
@rektor_linnea is on the 9 o’clock news about Swedish results in PRILS … Then bed.
But look at this wonder
#sarasspringcount23
I’ll watch some TV for once
@rektor_linnea is on the 9 o’clock news about Swedish results in PRILS … Then bed.
But look at this wonder
#sarasspringcount23
It’s now 35 days until the summer solstice
Outside less than 5°, very windy & now, at 8 am, it started to rain
I’m still in awe about yesterday’s garden achievements. I have quite a few branches for mulching + cuttings from the honey rose, but it can wait. Plus so can any watering. Whatever outside has to be under roof. In the garage or on the patio
I’m glad I did not take chilies or bedding plants outside last week in the heat.
#sarasspringcount23
Outside less than 5°, very windy & now, at 8 am, it started to rain
I’m still in awe about yesterday’s garden achievements. I have quite a few branches for mulching + cuttings from the honey rose, but it can wait. Plus so can any watering. Whatever outside has to be under roof. In the garage or on the patio
I’m glad I did not take chilies or bedding plants outside last week in the heat.
#sarasspringcount23
Temperature is now down to +2° & the rain is turning into snow on & off … I hope the remaining blueberry bush flowers & all the wild will survive this temporary drop
I prune my dark red fuchsias & take cuttings. Smallest for a pot for a comparing results
#sarasspringcount23
I prune my dark red fuchsias & take cuttings. Smallest for a pot for a comparing results
#sarasspringcount23
Spent the time waiting for weather improvement baking, or rather deep frying, the flaky, mini pork pies & they’re awesome…
I’ll save rest of the filling for more.
#sarasspringcount23
I’ll save rest of the filling for more.
#sarasspringcount23
And there is improvements indeed… But the wind had been such that the hammock had fallen over
I uncover the cemented stone & really nice result…
As I circle the garden the squirrels follow me around closely, wondering what’s become of today’s nut treat …
#sarasspringcount23
I uncover the cemented stone & really nice result…
As I circle the garden the squirrels follow me around closely, wondering what’s become of today’s nut treat …
#sarasspringcount23
At 9 pm it’s only 33 days 18 hrs until the summer solstice & I’ve had a wonderfully restful day after finally a full night’s sleep…
Sleep helps!
I have not worried about any remaining gardening tasks, not cooked but finished the small pies, read a bit, etc
#sarasspringcount23
So, what did I do? Some cleaning, watering plants indoors, cuddling my cat
At 6 pm I went out to give some nuts & seeds to squirrels & crow birds
It immediately started a huge fight between jackdaws, magpies & wood doves before the squirrels took over …
#sarasspringcount23
A bit later I gathered the branches from Tuesday & put on the sprinkler behind the logs
I’ll let it run for yet awhile
I also put a few tubes of turmeric in wet soil & sand (next experiment, the ginger is doing really well, see below)
#sarasspringcount23
Spent about 1 hour on social media, avoiding the overall catastrophic news on war, politics & above all climate/nature crisis around this fragile globe
And that’s about it, very slow & restful .. I’m privileged, I know, right age, right place, etc.
#sarasspringcount23
After another really nice day it is now 32 days & 19 hrs until the summer solstice & it feels like summer already. Tomorrow I’ve ordered new fruit & vegetables, so tonight I really have to clean the fridge making room…
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
So what did I do?
I did start that fridge cleaning process by pealing all sunchoke tubes + planted a few in a pot for future harvest…
#sarasspringcount23
I did start that fridge cleaning process by pealing all sunchoke tubes + planted a few in a pot for future harvest…
#sarasspringcount23
I then listened to my cat & read in bed with her for some time (last chapter of your book now @asaplsnr @Skolinkvisition , really good. Already wondering whom to pass it on to. I already gave away 2 copies)
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
I then mulched all branches gathered so far - enough to cover all bare areas behind the logs by now
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
And that’s about it …
That fridge, I’d better tend to it at once! Grocery deliveries will arrive early
Outside it’s more a smell of neighbors grilling than the bird cherry tonight..
#sarasspringcount23
Still 32 days until the summer solstice, but now only plus a few hours
At 11 am it’s +18° on the patio & I watch crow birds, squirrels & doves fight under the rhododendron while I wait for the groceries to be delivered & drink coffee
#sarasspringcount23
At 11 am it’s +18° on the patio & I watch crow birds, squirrels & doves fight under the rhododendron while I wait for the groceries to be delivered & drink coffee
#sarasspringcount23
After sorting the veggie/fruit boxes bottom of the fridge I found that the amount of root fruits & potatoes is such that I could eat only that for weeks to come + today is def a day for banana bread & carrot cake
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
The birds will have a ball coming days - numerous stale apples to be exchanged for new ones to keep the food fresh.
Filled the bird feeders - the right one with bars that the woodpecker, but not the squirrels can reach
#sarasspringcount23
Filled the bird feeders - the right one with bars that the woodpecker, but not the squirrels can reach
#sarasspringcount23
Touring the garden…
Under the Bird cherry tree the scent is fantastic
The small cherry has its first flowers & the Malus tree will be next to flower. It’s full of buds & both need watering
Under the old apple tree I find a deep hole …
#sarasspringcount23
Under the Bird cherry tree the scent is fantastic
The small cherry has its first flowers & the Malus tree will be next to flower. It’s full of buds & both need watering
Under the old apple tree I find a deep hole …
#sarasspringcount23
It’s time for the ongoing fight against rodents, ants & snails/slugs. Already seen a few small ones of the latter.
I’ve ordered new nematodes, already have some for pots left plus snail granules to spread at night + 🐜 poison
And there’s that delivery…
#sarasspringcount23
After sorting all that food I drove back & forth to Gothenburg to pick up the remaining allergy medicine for cat Alice - apparently 2 of the very last small bottles in the pharmacy system that my son had secured Tuesday. Huge achievement & no more gardening …
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
That medicine really helps- less itching, fur is growing back, even slowly on the neck & no more sweater. But still on a lease after the vet’s ordination. After her dinner we went outside, she ate grass & we then watched the woodpecker together for awhile …
#sarasspringcount23
#caturday
#sarasspringcount23
#caturday
Half past 9 and very still…
There is a young couple fishing down there. Can you see them?
#sarasspringcount23
It’s 31 days until the summer solstice
I find that gardening with a cat on a leash is next to impossible
I need to unpack & assemble the 4 new benches to allow resting my back in strategic places in that same process …
Sun, +21° - perfect & the cat agrees …
#sarasspringcount23
It’s now only 30 days until the summer solstice
At 5.30 am it is +12°C. Coming 10 nights will be slightly colder, but only 1 below 10°. Plants kept indoors during winter definitly have to go outside! Begonias & fuchsias are already waiting inside the door…
#sarasspringcount23
At 5.30 am it is +12°C. Coming 10 nights will be slightly colder, but only 1 below 10°. Plants kept indoors during winter definitly have to go outside! Begonias & fuchsias are already waiting inside the door…
#sarasspringcount23
Last night, late, I’ve prepared room for them, svept the patio from birch pods (1 full bucket), rearranged & moved all herbs to their future spot other side of the bench to give room, including a new tarragon + a locally grown basil
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
In between reducing vegetables, like this kale, into a minimum with the vacuum sealer, I had already watered around the patio + the small trees & remaining breaks outside I hunted off jackdaws from the bird feeder with the hose
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
I had plans for baking carrot & banana cakes, but instead, after clearing the kitchen, I toured the garden at sunset. Time between bird-cherry & lilacs is def over. Now is the short period when most bushes & trees + lots of perennials flower simultaneously
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
I think the geraniums could very well go outside as well. Plus the chilies & ginger
Today is baking, writing a report to the vet about cat Alice’ progress, spreading manure & mulched branches
Perhaps some carpentry…
Enough … way too early!
Back to bed
#sarasspringcount23
It is now 20 days until the summer solstice & I must say weather has improved … cloudy & +15° at 10.30 am. Add to that promised rain in the afternoon
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
Yesterday was so hot that it was hard to do anything at all until late evening. The thought of baking cakes was out of the question.
I did fill the big, heavy pots on the patio with soil & moved out begonias & fuchsias … bleak & shaky after a winter inside
#sarasspringcount23
I did fill the big, heavy pots on the patio with soil & moved out begonias & fuchsias … bleak & shaky after a winter inside
#sarasspringcount23
Before the rain I cut off one more huge dead branch of the red rhododendron, to be put it in the heap for the dump. It’s looking a lot happier with the others gone. I’ll see what else I get time to do… Perhaps get the geraniums outside
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
And it’s raining… very refreshing! I had just enough time to fill the 2 wide black pots with seeds of dill and spinach + save a fallen birdhouse from the rain. It’s the chaffinches winter home behind the hammock. I’ve missed them lately. No wonder …
#sarasspringcount23
#sarasspringcount23
Perfect day for a banana cake, to travesty Salinger …
I’m off to cuddle my cat, roast some walnuts & heat up the oven…
#sarasspringcount23
I’m off to cuddle my cat, roast some walnuts & heat up the oven…
#sarasspringcount23