Monthly Archive: January 2009

Abutilon Bella Mix – Scented Roses

abutilon bella mixToday I am sowing seeds of Abutilon, bought from Lidl. Abutilon Bella Mixed F1 Hybrid. A half hardy perennial that grows to about 16″. Bella Mix gives a selection of pastel colours blooming continuously. Sow February to April in pots of moist seed compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or warm place and keep at a constant temperature of between 20-25. Do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist. Germination will usually takes 21-30 days. When large enough to handle transplant seedlings into 3″ pots. Harden off before planting out after all risk of frost.

 

greenfinchThere was a beautiful greenfinch hanging in the top branches of the Silver Birch tree this afternoon. With the sun shining behind him he looked almost lime green with a darkish tail. He was singing away, the most lovely song, even though the wind was waving the uppermost branch about so much. We have been told to expect snow in the next few days so I hope he has a warm nest to go home to. https://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/greenfinch/index.asp

 

Burgandy IceRosa Caring For YouThe bare root roses that I ordered from Harkness have been delivered today. The Roses are Rosa Burgundy Ice, a scented Floribunda. Rosa Caring for You, a pale pink Hybrid Tea. Rosa City of London, a deep pink scented Floribunda. Rosa Compassion, a climbing rose with a strong heady scent. Rosa Belmonte, a perfumed pearly blush bedding rose sold on behalf of the Prince’s Trust. Rosa Helen Robinson, a deep pink Hybrid Tea. Rosa Susan Daniel, a translucent apricot blush Floribunda. https://www.roses.co.uk/acatalog/section_hybridteas.html

 

Appenzeller Spitzhauben for a Spring Hatch

appenzeller-spitzhaubenemma.jpgThis is the national breed of Switzerland. The feathers of the crest are forward facing. Spitzhauben means pointed hat or bonnet. The plumage markings are black-tipped feathers. With their crest, V-comb, and spangled plumage, these birds are very attractive. They lay a beautiful white medium sized egg. 

I have bought six hatching eggs of the above breed for hatching in the incubator. (Sorry Sean)

2009

The new year has arrived and it is very cold. An icy mist is hanging in the air and the ground is rock solid and dusted over white, like someone came in the night with the icing sugar shaker. All the pets water is frozen solid and the ducks are ice skating instead of swimming. I enjoyed the morning jobs today and soon had them all cleaned, fed and watered with plenty of clean bedding for them to snuggle into.

We had a bit of a family get together last night at Adam and Kelly’s house and we were late to bed so we have had a quiet day today and I made an apple pie as a change from all the rich Christmas food we have eaten recently.