June 2025

10 June 

Agreed to look after the Oakwood Edible Bed on behalf of REAP.

It had been somewhat neglected of late and lots of stuff had gone to seed, or had self-propagated in inappropriate places. Thistles, Daises, and Poppies were especially prevalent, and had started to go to seed.

OBJECTIVES FOR JUNE:

• Deadhead all weeds to stop them dispersing seed, but keeping them flowering [especially thistles] for the bees, with a view to removing completely when the last flowers had gone. 
• Separate all seed heads from normal compostables and seal them in large plastic bags to be left in the sun to ensure no risk of germination when eventually added to compost heap
• Dig over the whole plot to one spade depth, removing weeds. Tap root weeds [eg dandelion and docks] to be left aside to dry out in the sun. Leaving the self-seeded Marigolds in for the bees, and because they brightened up the place, and leaving the multitudinous chives to be sorted later in the season.
• Turn both compost heaps.
• Locate and uncover the wooden block path

11 June 

To aid in this, a spade and fork were provided by REAP and were lodged amongst the greenery by the compost heap.

Help gratefully received from other members in identifying a couple of specimens which had gone quite over the top.

19 June 

Most of larger perennial weeds now extracted, but two large thistle outcrops and several poppies which were still flowering left in place for the bees. The large fennel left intact as it looked so striking marching across the plot.

Deadheaded sage and chives.

20 June

J refreshes the information signs. Starting to look a bit smarter now.

23 June

Treated the blackfly infestation on the Globe Artichoke to a soapy water bath.

26 June

About one third of the plot now dug over.

Erected a wigwam for the runner beans made from willow wands extracted from RAGA hedge, and prepared ground for them by adding compost from compost heap.

Prepared similar composted spots in anticipation of the arrival of Cavallo Nero and Pea plants