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Posted by daisy_host (U14285225) on Tuesday, 4th May 2010
Good Afternoon all. Welcome to the Potting Shed, the thread that's usually opened every Monday for all your off-topic discussions.
This week's birthday list is as follows:
01 Margi
05 Jessum
06 Rhoda Dendron
Happy Birthday all and slightly belated birthday wishes for you Margi.
Gem it seems that the bargain of the week idea went down like a lead balloon but well done on your Christmas tree finds, even if a little early.
Lots of mention about Remoskas last week, something I could’ve made use of this weekend when our oven decided to pack up! It’s lasted 8 years though, so I think it’s safe to say it’s done its time.
Was lovely to see everyone’s pictures - what a cat loving bunch we all are. Mummyduckegg, hope Susie is settling in well.
Anyone off to Malvern this week?
Daisy
Hi Daisy, hard luck with the oven. 8yrs doesnt seem very old to me- our free-standing belling cooker lasted 24yrs! & I miss it! Next kitchen I will have duel fuel type.
Have come in from greenhouse where it's boiling hot even with the door wide open. The leaves on the shading trees not fully out yet, so it's sun all the time today. Have finally planted the beans & Morning Glory & Black-Eyed-Susan. The last 2 I will have in the same pot scrambling up an obelisk in the border- the pot being hidden by other plants. no tying in needed & they go on all season- cheap & easy.
Am cross as have probably 'done for' the tomato side-shoots I potted last week. what made me put them on the hottest sill in the house?! I'd never put any cuttings there normally. Despite having cloches on the pots they do look miserable- oh well good job parent plants happy in the greenhouse. Guess I'll be using those now anyway.
I debated going down to see Dad & going to Malvern this w/end, but OH not that keen on going to the show, plus I really do not need any more plants at the mo!! J.
My washing-machine broke down last week, Tesco were the speediest to deliver, the cheapest and double points too, so i was less than two full days without a machine, I was so thankful as i am washing all my sister's stuff as well as my family's, until she has moved later this week.
The digi-box then went, and then, my OH's mobile 'phone. He said i was being silly when I had said 'I wonder what else will break this week?'. So it served him right.
MDE, please don't throw things out. Join Freecycle (Freegle in some areas)! It's very easy to advertise your stuff and I have met some really nice people from my clear-outs. It's amazing what they have taken away over the years. In return I have obtained enough wooden blocks to parquet my hall floor, and two lovely old wooden ladders which are now a garden arch.
The other site that is good is Preloved. Unlike Freecycle, you can charge for your items.
, in reply to message 3.
Posted by grandcottagegardener (U14258183) on Tuesday, 4th May 2010
With thoughts of household repairs/replacements in mind, the big issue in this household is choosing a shower cubicle. Plumber has tasked me to find one and then order it. There are so many the choose from, but it's what included in the price that really matters. It's fair doing my head in!
Jo - A big thank you! I bought a packet of climbing annuals last year and morning glory is included. You've now given me the idea on where to put it while the clematis is still growing.
Been out to inspect the plants after last nights cold temps and they are fine - thank goodness.
Yes our digi-box/recorder went last week. OH took it back to Macro, where purchased before Christmas, but all they did was give him the manufacturer's phone number. It is sat on the hall chair, plus details- does someone expect me to deal with I wonder? OH will come back Thurs night this week so he can vote & the help-line is Mon-Fri, problem solved!
I debated getting a new washing machine as have always hated this one, but it's the first repair & if we are moving sometime I'll wait & see. Had forgotten how good the little spinner is though, must be 40yrs old? So if any emergency I wont be completely stuck. Luckily OH has plenty of work shirts, but would need another pair of thin work trousers. I was planning on getting him another pair later this week anyway- 1 to wash, 1 to wear.
We seem to have escaped the cold night, let's hope it stays that way as all the other tomato plants are now in the unheated greenhouse. Am growing Tumbling Tom for the first time this year, to put on staging & hang down. They were getting too vigorous for the porch.
GCG, I always do a spare pot of Morning Glory to scramble up my CMontana trellis- I will need to start some more off, probably later in week as propagator full again! J.
Hi everyone,
It is the time spent on the phone that gets me when something needs repairing.
Jo, my kitchen plan that covers "white goods' and cooker and hob, sites 8 yrs as the cut off age. I am glad to be covered because the washer, tumble dryer and dishwasher all needed attention this last 2 years. They don't make 'em like they used to. None of these will last 40 years.
BTW your gaura, mentioned elsewhere, sound exciting.
Summer
I tried to register with my local Freecycle, janerowena, but they refused to let me join for some reason. Perhaps they had heard about my million brocolli seedlings.....
A couple of years ago I had to replace my old washing machine. It was completely dead and sat outside my back door waiting for me to get around to paying the local council to take it away. Imagine my surprise when I arrived home from work one day to find that it had disappeared. No idea where it went.
, in reply to message 6.
Posted by grandcottagegardener (U14258183) on Tuesday, 4th May 2010
It is the time spent on the phone that gets me when something needs repairing.Â
and I'll second that. Spent over an hour waiting for someone to pick up on my call this evening to make a motor insurance claim (windscreen repair). I was jumping up and down in a mixture of anger and frustration when OH said ......that's nothing - I once hung on the line waiting for 4.5hrs!! In his case he was winding up his brothers estate and needed to book a meter reading.
Shower cubicle and tray is ordered. Got it through Ebay for £129. Not a bad price and delivery should be Thursday. Included in the price is an insurance should anything get damaged in transit.
Another little bargain today concerns Sainsburys meal deal. Bottle of decent wine, Main meal, side dish, and dessert for £10. Gave me a saving of £6.98 ooff the full value and after redeeming £5 off my nectar card got myself a really good deal.
I'm planting out more peas tomorrow. Have to sow them in seed trays due to squirrel invasion. Once they get to 4 leaf stage the squirrels tend to leave them alone. There's a few more things to plant out in the flower boarder too.
Re kitchen equipment only lasting approx 8 years. I tend to purchase Bosch appliances as they seem to have lasing power. My dishwasher has been going on everyday for 23 years and nothing has ever gone wrong with it. Washing machine was purchased about 8 years ago and The only thing that's gone wrong is a rubber ring replacement.
Well some better news- daughter has booked a day off on the 1st day of Tatton show! She wasn't sure if it would be possible this year & I was resigned to going on the Saturday, probably with OH in tow- not a good idea! Being an RHS member means it's quieter & everything fresh on the first day.
I deal nowadays with a local company, whenever possible, for 'white' goods. Brilliant talking to a human being straight away. Weather forecast not as good for tomorrow so shall be busy inside whilst waiting for repair man. Washer is 5yrs old,just! No they dont last any more do they?
The gaura is gorgeous Summerchild. Yes it was an impulse buy but well worth it. I hadnt even dug out the border when I bought it, but I hoped that it would be fine as put it in the sunniest bit of that new bed. Must remember to see if the Verbena bonariensis in the patio crack is still alive, the others in the beds are no more. J.
Evening all, I do use freecycle a lot already. Trouble is have been stacking things under the stairs ready to post on it, and it got completely out of hand. It's a bit damp under there so bags of clothes going mouldy etc. i will put the dolls house on though - hopefully some one will take care of it!
Susie on my lap as I type - bit more adventurous each day. I'm getting a new phone tomorrow so will post some photos off that.
morning ladies well more ash looks like chelsea flower show nocked on the head flights and hotel booked have not booked show tickets yet i think you can pay at the gate daughter stuck in USA due back in work on friday well heres hopeing
I would like to apologise to everyone for this cold weather. Our boiler packed up 2 weeks ago and I said to OH "thank goodness the weather is nice" ..................... Now you know who to blame - we still have to wait another 2 weeks for replacement to be fitted, we have a gas fire in sitting room and a small fan heater we take from room to room. Thank goodness for the electric shower !! Silly isn't it, I grew up with no central heating, but guess I have been spoilt over the years and hate having to boil kettle for washing up,etc. Nan x
Hard luck Nan, at least the worst is now over- I hope. It's the first year I've not turned the heating off before May, but it has sometimes come on when the temperature gone too low. Am thinking about knocking it off completely now though. Like you we didnt have central heating until 1968, so remember the ice on windows etc.
Been to tip with a car-load. Surprised at how busy it was being mid-week. I can now see part of the porch floor that's not been visible for years & boy does it need cleaning! Still more of OH's boxes in there, but at least I can now move things around & there will be room for the house plants that live there over the summer. J.
, in reply to message 13.
Posted by Rainjustlearning (U12861332) on Wednesday, 5th May 2010
orderd 2 x 12 inch and 2 x 14 inch saw them on Ideal World with postage at £6.99 suttons charge £3.99, they are so easy to fill and will last about 10 years and there is no need to squeeze the roots on the plants.
Rain
Those look a good buy Rain. I have to admit am not a hanging basket gardener, but I do love the sight of a well maintained one. I have got a 'kit' in the shed, think Dad gave it me & a hook, from previous house owner so you never know.
Have managed to skin my knuckles again on the shed door whilst unlocking it, you'd think I'd have learnt by now....J.
Eek no washing machine until next Wednesday! Man hadn't any of parts in van & knew needed to order them & guess who's working, so next free day wed! Will have to get OH those work trousers now.
Managed to break, beyond repair, a standard lamp that we have on the landing- all I did was bang into it with the Dyson! Bet I've done that before as the stand snapped cleanly. Something else for the tip next time.
Have eaten a choc bar to console myself. Oh well, back to the grind. J.
James, Hope you and your family do manage to get to the Chelsea Flower Show. So awful to miss it for such a bizarre reason. The first time I went I met Dan Pearson, and you would have thought I had had a chat with royalty I was so excited. Not been for last few years but it is on my list of "Treats to come."
Nan and Jo, commiserations re your equipment/heating failures. My fan oven keeps on whirring loudly long after it is turned off. Strangely it does not respond to bad language, nor to pleading come to that.
Summer
Evening all,
Bad luck about the washing machine, J, had a spin dryer many years ago and it was marvellous. This year I have a line to dry my clothes and never realised how better it is the clothes dry in half the time.
Friend came to look at my bathroom shelf with was leaning. Found that the fittings are broken which would of happened when last removed when I had the bathroom tiled, painter had cemented the fittings so now looks a mess as will need to remove the works which will bring several of the tiles off. J, I'll join you with a chocolate bar.
Hiring a carpet shampooer to morrow, have not told the cats yet in fact not sure what to do with them will just have to chance it regarding muddy paws.
siamese
I was determined to turn my heating off before May, Jo, but I have been putting on extra jumpers in the evening and last night I put a blanket over my legs whilst watching the TV (felt like an old lady!). I also was brought up in an unheated house and remember ice on the inside of my bedroom window.
It seams a bit warmer tonight. I've just been out on the slug patrol with my torch and salt.
hi ladies daughter stranded in manchester her morning flight canceled until 7 oclock tonight she is nackered from the flight from usa to manchester she has booked into raddison to get some sleep heres hopeing
Oh James, how frustrating for your daughter, lets hope she gets some sleep.
Was going to shampoo the carpet to day but decided against it the weather being so cold and wet, plus 2 siamese running in with muddy paes
The garden is enjoying itself though, especially the plants I planted yesterday.
See you later
siamese
Evening all. Tea in oven & am waiting for OH to get home & then we'll need to go & vote.
Managed to get OH a pair of trousers this morning, hope that they fit, should do.
Worked this afternoon & came back to various answer-phone messages, all bar one for OH, the final one being from OH! Why couldnt he text me?
Still not sure if we're going down to Dads this w/end & if so, when. I would be ok about leaving the greenhouse & coldframes at this stage for a couple of days, especially as no warm weather expected!
Hard luck on your daughter James, something makes me think this is going to keep happening & mess a lot of people about. Hope that she gets back ok soon. J.
I've just been out in the garden replenishing the bird feeders. I came back via the apple tree which is absolutely smothered in blossom. It smells just fantastic in the late evening, but during the middle of the day and in the early morning it has hardly any scent at all. I've noticed that in previous years too. I was standing out there just now for several minutes just drinking in that lovely smell.
, in reply to message 23.
Posted by Rainjustlearning (U12861332) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
The only thing I can drink in here at the moment is baltic cold, it's like winter again, I'm trying very hard to harden my plants off, sunflowers are so leggy they look like triffids when will it end, the gh's are overflowing and I don't have room now to get the cold frames out because of the water butt and compost bag.
Rain
It's not too bad where I am but we keep getting cold winds. My tomatoes are still stuck in the conservatory and getting far too tall. It's lucky that I will be able to plant them deep in their pots once they get outside.
, in reply to message 23.
Posted by grandcottagegardener (U14258183) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
Evening all - what started out to be an overcast but mild day suddenly blossomed into a beautifully warm and sunny day. Jumper came off in preference to a cotton sleeveless top! The appleblossom is out on my neighbours trees. The Bramley has a rich two tone pink blossom and the eating apple blossom is soft white. I always look forward to seeing them. One of the blackbirds has made the Bramley his territory and as night falls he sings his socks off from the tree. It's such a strong, happy tune.
Runner Beans are romping away and I have some more seeds just germinating. Last of the Dahlias have been put into the flower borders today and one tray of peas finally went in.
Finally bit the bullet and got myself a Wilkinson Sword Swoe. Got it at a very good price from Wyvales for £15. RRP is £25! Now wish I had also bought myself another hand trowel as I managed to snap off part of the metal on my old faithful this afternoon.
James - bet you'll be more than pleased to have your daughter back home safe and sound.
The blossom on my trees is white on the Cox but pale pink on the James Grieve. There is so much of it this year, much more than usual, and it is lovely. My choisia is also in full bloom, another one with a lovely frangrance.
, in reply to message 24.
Posted by grandcottagegardener (U14258183) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
Rain - just noticed your message. You must be really brassed off with the weather. I'm in the south and last year I planted everything out 4 weeks earlier and I'm thinking I'm hard done by!
, in reply to message 27.
Posted by grandcottagegardener (U14258183) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
My neighbours trees normally yield on alternate years i.e. Bramley yields year one and Eating Apple year two, but this year both trees are laden. Maybe, despite our moaning about the weather conditions it's been ideal weather for apples!
The lovely smells coming from my garden are a thick bank of bluebells and in another part of the garden wallflowers. Honeysuckle is just about to come into bloom too. Ahh - pure happiness
Talking of nice smells, I have just made some flapjacks
hi afternoon all postman arrived with my Â鶹Éç DIG IN SEEDS french beans -courgettt -basil-carrots-salad good man my daughter arrived in dublin at9o clock last night was to return to manchester on saturday for concert thats nocked on the head
Glad she made it James. No matter how old they are, we still worry about them.
Oops have set off the fire alarm with grilling the fish, but it's a new alarm & neither OH nor me could work out how to shut it up! We did eventually.
Visit to Dad postponed as next door will also be away this w/end & we look after their house. Hadn't told Dad anyway, so we hope to do a flying visit next w/end.
It's the Keswick to Barrow walk tomorrow, so watch out people in South Lakes. I think daughter is planning to do it again this year, but dont think she's done much training! J.
I wish my dig it seeds would arrive, its been ages.
I bought a kit from the factory shop...one of these "all you need to grow" kits for some courgettes. Well it had pots, compost, instructions.....and no bloomin seeds! I woz swizzed!
Rain. It must be really fustrating the weather you have been having.
It's been cold here the past week, frost in the mornings and little warmth during the day. Most of my plants are now showing roots at the bottom of their pots, thing is I can't pot them up as there's no room for the larger pots unless they retreat into the house again.
My courgettes(sown far to early) are flowering on the window sill, they are threatening a harvest before they go out
On Saturday 24th April it was that warm I went down the town in shirt sleeve order, which for me is most unusual as it has to be very warm before the coat comes off, and now I'll have to get the thermals out, I have in my hall my new store shed as it's too cold and windy to put it up, so hopefully at the weekend it will get done even if the wind drops would help, I can cope with the cold I just want to get things done before I retire please.
Rain
, in reply to message 35.
Posted by grandcottagegardener (U14258183) on Friday, 7th May 2010
Rain - I can understand how you feel. I don't know whether I am coming or going re what to wear, and for me it can change during the course of 24 hours! Yesterday I started off the day wearing a jumper, but by noon was in a lightweight top. Today I have worn a jumper with a heavy weight cardigan over the top of the jumper!
As for the plants in the garden the soil warms up and the plants gather momentum, and then suddenly it turns colder and the plants mark time.
However, I would say from your description of life in Middlesborough that you're getting the worst of the weather and I really do feel for you.
If memory serves me right it's your birthday on 13th May (got lodged in my brain as it's also my friends birthday). Here's wishing that by your birthday the sun shines, and the cold winds go away.
Thanks for the birthday wishes GCG I do appreciate it, am sat here on the laptop (not literately), 1 cat asleep on the table and the dog spark out in her bed, what a life they have, Aki is sat on the shed box asleep and Tara is zonked out in her bed, its wonderful all these animals and no one to talk to, never mind, have just given my 2 large tubes a coat of PVA glue so they are set to go out in the garden to be planted, what with I'm not sure at the moment but watch this space, the first one outside has strawberries in it which are in full bloom so at least something in the garden is growing, veg ok so it's not to bad I just want to get the plants in, next couple of weeks should see it through, well I hope so, am off to bed now so catch up with you all tomorrow, nite nite all.
Rain x x x
Evening, anyone still about? Why do your tubs need coats of glue rain, bit confused!
Hi MDE, I've been catching up with 'The Good Wife' on 4od. Just going to watch GW on iplayer.
Hi Amazing, how's things up there? Still busy with all the different jobs?
Well br me it's not on iplayer cos its being shown tomorrow on bbc2 @ 7.30. Might as well go to bed then. steam>
I never manage to see it - kids monopolise the telly till 9 pm, then I don't get round to it on iplayer. Still seems wrong to me watching TV on the computer!
, in reply to message 38.
Posted by Rainjustlearning (U12861332) on Saturday, 8th May 2010
MDE the tubs get a coat of PVA glue to make them water proof that way they should last a good few years, I can give them a coat next year and so on till they get past it, the problem is I have one that's 5 feet tall, what can I put in that one it has 11 holes in it, guess I shall have to raid b+q on Monday, but I managed to get the shed up but boy the air was blue as I had a battle with the wind and it was cold but by the time I'd been out there for an hour I didn't feel the cold that would explain why I bent my thumb backwards clicking things into place, oh boy did I swear and some.
Rain
Morning all,
May I ask what MDE stands for, Rain. Hope your thumb is not to black.
Just moved my sink out to a move open sunny position, 6 snails sound asleep on the side, have not the heart to kill them. My garden must be snail heaven as prey cannot get in as the garden has strong green netting accross so also cat proof against excape?? But saying that the folage does not show much sign of damage.
siamese
, in reply to message 44.
Posted by grandcottagegardener (U14258183) on Sunday, 9th May 2010
SW .....MDE is an abbreviation for a user name i.e. in this case mummyduckegg. You will find that I am called gcg.
Rain - any chance of some compressed cardboard rolls coming my way please. Have to say that I'm really impressed with your idea of using them as planters and the pva glue will keep them water tight. An idea for next year .......how about using one of these rolls for hanging basket sweet peas.
No gardening for me this weekend as the damp weather is giving me grief. I really wish my body didn't act as an early warning weather system
Had an amusing conversation yesterday with plenty of Hilda Baker moments coming from my friend. Shouldn't laugh too much as I do it myself now and then. It's our turn to arrange another re-union meal and we were discussing pub meals. How about that pub called the white horse. Hmmmnn Black Horse actually. Within seconds the name of the pub suddenly became The Black Hole. Hmmmn- now that's where my brain goes to when I'm having a Hilda Baker moment! . Our discussion went further afield ......how about The Red Fox, says she. It's the Red Lion!! We've finally settled on the Dukes Head, but hoping this doesn't change to The Earls Bottom before her email goes out. tee hee
Those snails are going to munch away at your plants SW
I must get a little hand on this watch......
I loved her!
Thanks GCG, Regarding the snails, my garden has been snail heaven for approx 5 years now but apart from a nibble or two I have so much greenery that any nibbles do not show. Mind you the cats nibble to, have had to move a rose and a hebe out to the front much to Willow's dismay.
siamese
Personally I love the sound of snail shells crunching under foot Slugs are an entirely different matter. I once trod on one when I nipped out without shoes. It was absolutely horrid! Last year my lawn kept getting covered in slugs. The dog dashed out one night and kept skidding as he slipped on them.
It was too cold to do much gardening today. I did a bit of compost maintenance instead. Emptied out the last of the compost in my big bin and forked all the decomposing stuff from the small bin into the big one.
Yes I do dislike slugs. Have done nothing in the gaden apart from moving the sink.
siamese
Evening all. Any chance I had of watch ATitchmarsh's program completely scuppered by OH watching some WW2 film he's found! At least am 'taping' Landscape Man so should be able to see that sometime.
We now have replacement digi box installed downstairs & the other, older one is now set up for the TV in our bedroom. Means that I can now go to bed & watch TV if I want!
Daughter only managed 26miles of the walk, I think it's 40ish in total. She twisted an ankle early on so sensibly gave up. At least the weather was good this year. Havent heard anything today, which I dont know is good or bad!. She's supposed to be back here tomorrow for a course on Tuesday, hope that she can drive ok. J.
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