In the orchard

The grass has been cut and now begins the task of raking, I’m making slow progress but that’s OK. The grass is much drier this year so its lighter work than in previous times. Taking the grass off the orchard helps to encourage wild flowers to thrive and each year there are a few more. More Vetch, buttercups, cuckoo flower and ox eye daisy. More birds foot trefoil, more speedwell and deadnettle, more clover and sorrel. It’s worth it just to give the names of these plants, never mind see them thrive! I can’t wait to see what next year brings to the orchard, hopefully some new plants to add to this growing list.

It’s been a good year for the Green Gages, that have gone off to make Fruit beer at Sombremesa in Talgarth. I’ve made jam with the plums and the damsons, apples and crab apples are starting to ripen now. So much bounty - plenty to share with the birds, mamals and insects who live there.