NEW GROWTH, TREES ROCK AND WATER,

New Pages

2013-03-31T13:49:00.004-07:00

There are now new pages on this blog. By clicking on the pages link on the right hand side (half way down) you will find a variety of articles.
Page 1 Provides a brief introduction to the editor and an article by the editor on fish keeping
On Page 1a There is an article by John Sims-davies on Canada and the environment. Hopefully there will be more articles to follow.
Go to page 2 There are articles by John Boyd on Democracy and the EU and a video on the subject..
I have just added a statement by the campaign against Euro- federalism.
I wish to reiterate that some of the ideas in various articles don't necessarily the editors views.

On page 3 There are articles on the Chinese Internal Martial Arts by paul brecher. I have also added another article by Paul Brecher. which is an introduction to the martial art of Pa Kua Chang. These have been reprinted by kind Permission of the author. These articles and more can be found on his website: www.taiji.net
There is now a new article by kind permission of Paul Brecher. This article can also be found on his website.

On the Plot

2013-03-31T13:45:00.003-07:00

9th October 2011
Great news unexpectedly received the ' go ahead' to move oto a plot..

. One of the sections of the plot before I started. Further on in the season.

Note: I have erased many of the enteries for 2012 as it is now December. It would be nice it in the coming year if this section could be more interactive. People could make suggestions related to growing vegetables or ask questions.

I mentioned earlier that I have been working as a volunteer ar Akiva Primary School. The garden with raised beds was initiated by the parents. When I started the garden had some vegetables and bulbs but some beds were heavily overgrown with weeds. There is more order now.
.

Raised Beds have been erected on my allotment site, Gordon Road, N12 (off Nether Street, Finchley Central) . These are for the use of physically disabled people only. Some have already been rented out but some are still available. The raised beds are quite long enabling them to be divided up into smaller sections. People needing extra support would need to come with support workers. There is vehicle access right up to the raised beds. There are good onsite facilities such as rooms for making tea and coposting toilet.. We receive regular deliveries of recycled compost and manure at certain times of the year. For all information and questions please email Andrew Brown:

Photos from 2012

Photo taken Spring 2012

The new area planted up with potatoes. There is a pond at the back to encourage wildlife.

This area which has a pond at the far end is planted up with onions , garlic and potatoes.

8th August 2012

The tree stump on my new plot is there for training and for people to wonder why it;s there..
back soon.
Most of the entries for 2012 have been erased to make room.

1rst january 2013
Below left is a photo of the new plot. Since the photo was taken part of it has been sown with Onions and Garlic

March 2013 this area is now has onions and garlic
planted and some potaoes. There are also trenches ready for more potatoes.

25th January 2013
Despite the weather I wasn't going to let it beat me completely. i have been to the plot a few times. The last time i was there I too apart the netted tunnel meant for the brassicae as it had collapsed under the weight of the snow. I will rebuild it in a different way or use parts of it. Despite all the supports and the manaufacturers comments a plastic frame can't stand up to harsh weather.
However my new polytunnel has held up well. Today I spread bark around the outside of the polytunnel and used some to build a kind of ramp on which i placed the water barrels on each side of the entrance into the polytunnel. They will feed the drip system which i will set up on the raised beds as we are not allowed to use a mains tap for drip irrigation. I put posts around the barrels to ensure they stay upright. That's all for now.

1rst feb 2013
The phoenix has risen . The frame for the netted tunnel is back up and now really strengenthened with more supports and a central post. Thanks to Terry for using a mallet, on his own initiative. to bang the supportive posts even further! Important to help each other. The net is partially on. I may finish that today. I am growing a lot of seeds at home but this time round I ordered some brassicae plants to start off the season. I am now waiting for compost to arrive to top up the second polytunnel bed and top up the plots and my wife's raised vegetable bed. Until next time

5th Feb 2013,
The compost arrived and I have wheelbarrowed a large quantity. I finished filling the beds in the polytunnel. I went on to wife's raised bed and topped it up with compost. I have also started to set up a drip system in the polytunnel which will run off a rain barrel as we are not allowed to take water from the mains for what is termed as 'permanent irrigation'. I find it ironic considering wastes less water than the standard methods of watering.
I consulted with the neighbours and they were agreeable that I sow and plant a vegetable/flower garden in the raised bed that is between our driveways. I have already planted shallots and layed a drip irrigation system though it needs tidying up.

8th Feb
I did a lot of wheelbarrowing today. I raised the level of the path between my plot and the adjacent plot due to the dips and then went on to add another layer of compost to the first plot. At the end of the day around 15.00 hrs I set out the drip irrigation in the polytunnel and linked them to the water barrels. I haven't quite finished spreading compost.

12th february 2012
I took some cabbage seedlings, onion seedlings and a mini staging to the polytunnel on the plot. I lit the small parafin heater. I hope it will stay alight! I knocked snow off the netted tunnel. I brought two more loads of compost for the first plot and then continued to fill the raised beds which are meant for people who find regular allotment work too difficult perhaps due to a physical disability. I previously topped up four other raised beds as the soil level dropped during the season.
At home I worked in the backgarden taking out the 12 mm drip irrigation and installed new 16 mm drip pipe. I will also change the pipe layout so that the whole of the backgarden works off one tap.
That's all for now
20th February 2013
The lack of entries does not mean I haven't been on the plot. I have been doing a lot of wheelbarrowing of compost. I also took some to a fellow plotholders plot who hasn't been around due to family issues. I planted today around the pond. I have ordered a new cover for the polytunnel as I am dissatisfied with the current cover that came with the structure. It seems very flimsy and already has some minor tears and a lot of condensation. Must go

22nd february 2013
Met T and discussed the fitting of the new polytunnel cover. We also had a look at the paraffin heaters as I had some problems with one of them. We both left after that as it was rather cold. At home I potted on some tomato seedlings a bit early but i enjoy it. I also sowed another tray of red celery as the first on is beginning to germinate. I also sowed something new dalia Yams which are apparently edible

2nd March
Yesterday I tried out something that I hadn't done before to create a 'hotbed' with fresh manure and then covered it with compost and sowed seed; I then created a cloche and covered it with netting and fleece to keep in the heat. I will update you on the results.
The wood for the polytunnel arrived but some of it was the wrong size. I had to get onto the company. A disappointment as I had to pay for vehicle hire to transport the wood. Today I pulled off the original cover on the polytunnel. Must go now

5th March 2013
Today I planted a Cherry tree near the pond area and 'gapped up' the onions. In other words filled gaps where the onions which I planted last aumn hadn't come through. I also took a look at the wood that had arrived for making the doors and other for the polytunnel. I was a bit concerned as working with wood and DIY is not my expertise. I think I have found someone who can help me. Must go

7th March 2012
After reading a book on growing early vegetables in hot beds by Jack First. It stimulated me to bring fresh manure from the local community. I dug a section of the raised bed close to the house. took out soil and filled the section with manure with the intention of heating up the ground. I then covered with what I had to hand such as fleece to contain the heat. I need to find something more effective

8th March 2013
Today I removed the fleece that I placed yesterday. I sowed two types of lettuce and pak choy. I then placed a cloche over the sown area. It's early so it's somewhat of an experiment.

9th March 2013
Moved the tool cupboard to a more accessible position. Noted that I need to oil and clean tools. I cut up the prievious polytunnel cover to cover some of the wood for the refitting of the polytunnel. I took another risk today and sowed peas. I placed hoops along the rows and covered the rows with fleece.

13th march 2013
Sorted out the damage from the recent gales. Started digging trenches for the potatoes which will be planted towards the end of the month when one of the plotholders told me that wood was available. I took some to make edging for my plot. I set it up and painted it green. I will soon add some photos of the plot. I might add a photo each month to show how the plots develop.

17th March 2013
Since I last wrote I took a chance and sowed red cabbage and sprouting red brocolli in the netted tunnel and then covered the two rows with fleece. it's taking a chance. i can always resow. Planted two rows of potatoes. I have also erected a tidy tent to house the overflow of equipment. I took down the culti-tent which I have had for quite a long time as it was in a bad state and generally tidied up the wood stacked against the fence. That is all for now.

20th March 2013
Spent time on the plot the other day spreading chicken 'poo' pellets. Compost made from recycled waste will arrive at the site on Thursday. My priority is to complete topping up the raised beds for disabled people. I heard from A... who is charge of the project that he wants to go ahead installing the drip irrigation which I will install due to my experience in that area. This morning I also heard from the school where I work voluntarily that they too want to install a drip irrigation in the school garden. It looks like I am going to be very busy.

23 March 2013
Two days ago I planted strawberry plants and did my best (given the strong wind) to cover them. Probably not the best move given the weather now. I started topping up the raised beds and continued yesterday. R, a fellow plotholder is going to help build the frame for the polytunnel and the new cover. DIY is not one of my skills so I am relieved.

31 rst March 2013
I am going to try and update all that i have been doing recently. I completed topping up the raised beds though A... added even more! I brought some more compost for myself and put five loads on a fellow plotholders plot as she is an older person and finds it difficult. I spent time at A...'s house discussing and deciding the order of drip pipes and equipment for the raised beds.
I received some bare rooted brassicae plants in the post and have planted them in the netted tunnel. I strung some fleece above which I secured to the net and central pole. Topped up the soil near the edges of the plot.
I planted some lettuce seedlings under a makeshift cloche.
Today, at home, I transplanted some celery seedlings. On the allotment I planted the rest of the potatoes and sowed some lettuce seed under the same cloche.
I erected another cloche on my wife's raised bed and sowed four short rows of lettuce seed to give her a bit of head start. It's always a gamble doing things this way. I have seen some germination under the cloches. I have no doubt that in some places i will have to resow.
That's all for now

2nd April 2013
The new area planted up with potatoes. There is a pond at the back to encourage wildlife.

This area which has a pond at the far end is planted up with onions , garlic and potatoes.

3rd april 2013. Changed drip irrigation at the front of the 2013 house and installed larger diameter drip pipes 16 mm. and changed part of a drip line at the back

10th April 2013: I removed the cloches on the plot and took out some compost from the compost box and spread in the netted tunnel. I have decided to use the tunnel for tomatoes this year and grow brassicae outside with a netted cover. R said I could use his greenhouse until my polytunnel is up and running which is relief as the seedlings at home are spilling over.> Brought some trees cabbage. and a purple cauliflower

13th April 2013,

Lately i have been adding some of the things that i am doing at home i the garden as i think it's added interest. Despite the late night I was busy today. This morning, in the garden, I finished clearing the branches of two unproductive camelias. Only the stumps are left and then I cut down the Choisya which was interlaced with other things and cleared the branches. I then went to the allotment site. Watered the pots i had left in R's greenhouse. Headed for my plots. I decided to replant the strawberries in a square with less distance between them to mak it easier to cover them and to free up more space. I the sowed two rows. One was a 'nursery bed' for winter cabbage, a dutch variety. I will transplant when they are big enough. Next to that row I sowed red spring onions which can grow into big onions if thinned out.

16th April 2013

I have planted some pea seedlings along the edge of the plot. I erected a fence of netting for the peas to climb up. I have set up a dripline connected to a water barrel which runs along the row of peas,

I sowed a some chard and scorzenera seedlings and watered

20th April 2013

The rebuilding of the polytunnel is progressing> R is waiting for staples before continuing.

I have been busy sowing and a lot has germinated. The plot is alive! I brought a lot of seedlings and have temporarily put them in R's greenhouses. I dug over the around the pond. I have decided to use that area for squashes as it is raised. I also dug over the area where I had originally planted Dahlia as it seemed to me that they had been affected by the wet weather. I intend to use the netted tunnel for tomatoes, cucumbers as well as the polytunnel.. I sowed a few more rows. That's all for now

24th April 2013 The polytunnel is nearing completion. Yesterday I started to fill the beds inside. Today while at a garden centre I noticed some well developed cabbage plants greyhound and red cabbage I was really intending this year to rely on my own seedlings but I couldn't resist these plants especially as I love eating red cabbage. I planted them and covered with a net.

27th April 2013

The polytunnel is close to completion. R who is working on the polytunnel made some suggestions regarding the flooring. Today I took a bit of a risk and took a number of young Asturian

Tree Cabbage seedlings and planted them; I know them to be quite hardy. In the past I have sowed them directly into the soil. I thought them to be quite hardy.

30th April 2013

The fact is that I don't log every visit to the allotment only when there is something a bit more to say. Yesterday was clearance of bits from the polytunnel and other rubbish. I also dug over the far corner where the pond is situated and erected canes in the form of a tepee for climbing beans of some sort or other. I am also intending to plant courgettes and squash around the pond. Today I planted some lettuce seedlings and sowed Salsola

In the polytunnel I followed on from R who is rebuilding the polytunnel. I painted the finished raised be a and topped it up.. Sowed some outdoor cucumber seeds in pots and left them to germinate.

Extra news

The person in charge of lighting bonfires (which is fairly close to my plot) of wood didn't keep a watch and some of my signs were burnt and a row of lettuce. The grass around about was burnt. I have made my point about the issue

5th May 2013

I improved the soil in the polytunnel by adding John Innes and fish, blood and bone meal as recommended by R and have started to plant. R still has some bits to finish off. it was nice that a load of friends came to visit today including my taiji instructor Paul Brecher and son Z. If anyone is interested you can look at his website www.taiji.net

8th May 2013

I have planted up tomatoes cucumbers and melon seedlings in the polytunnel. The melons were given to me by R.

Where support is need I have used string rather than canes as I think it too risky. Finished laying the decorative stone and slabs (slabs provided by R). I planted some brussels sprouts and cabbage. I finished by netting. R told me something interesting that he first soaks his melon seeds in soapy water and then ordinary water. He gets very good results.

9th May 2013

Some of the plants in the newly rebuilt polytunnel are looking good. Some of the others it's a 'wait and see. The others are Melon seed.. I am observing closely because some were planted in the newly arrived compost made from recycled waste which comes very hot and takes a while to cool down. It is delivered free to the site.

Hoed up some rows of potatoes that had come through. Using some spare wood

. I put together a small raised bed against the fence. Planted out some courgettes put down a drip system that runs off a water barrel. It's not really necessary but more for fun. I covered them with a net. It's rather early and so it's a bit of an experiment. Must go

13th may 2013

The lack of entries since the 9th doesn't mean I haven't been busy. I spent two half days working on a fellow plotholder's plot. Noticing that he lacked the experience and the fact that now he doesn't live in London I thought I would rectify various thing but after an exploratory dig I discovered more than I bargained for. Not human bones but bricks silver foil rotten wood wheelbarrow loads of grass. At least that section is cleared! I will leave the rest to him.

Otherwise I have watered a fellow plotholders greenhouses/polytunnel (while he was away) and my own. I have been planting in my polytunnel and potting up seedling. I am hoeing up potatoes more frequently. Just as reminder that my blog contains a variety of articles and I am looking for other contributions not only on horticulture.

15th May 2013

The polytunnel is now brimming with plants. Despite the rain and breaking the rules about treading on soil in wet weather I transplanted calabreze and 'stray' cabbage in the netted tunnel. I covered the celery as it was looking a little worn. I was well aware when I planted them that it was a bit early. The brassicae planted outside are looking good.

20th May 2013

I couldn't possibly log all the changes on the plot. Amongst other things I put up more canes for climbing beans in the centre. Today Planted courgettes around the pond.

24th May 2013,.

I haven't posted anything in the last few days as I have been particularly busy with some work at the school where I work as a volunteer and a lot of work on the allotment site. I recently mowed around my plot, the lower carpark and the main path

I have sowed climbing beans, French beans, Chinese cabbage, blood red Holland Spring onions (though I may thin them out in order to allow them to grow large bulbs. I am really in need of more land.

I then put together the drip irrigation the raised beds. I would say I am half way through the task. I will probably continue today if the weather clears a little.

2013-03-03T13:45:00.001-08:00

A New Update from my mate Menachem and Yehudit

Menachem Vinegrad posted in ‎Jacobs Ladder Festival פסטיבל סולם יעקב‎

Menachem Vinegrad

7:00am Mar 3

We have posted a Jacob's Ladder Spring Festival Event page.
If you are coming to the festival please join it, and share with your friends,
Thanks
Menachem & Yehudit Vinegrad

Menachem Vinegrad

7:24pm Feb 26

Begorrah! An all Irish programme today. Live in the studio with The Bloomers- lovely lads who will be appearing at Jacob's Ladder Festival in May.
הקשיבו לתוכנית שהיא כולה אירלד עם להקת הבלומרס- מנגנים ומספרים על עצמם- חי באולפננו ברדיו קול הגליל העליון
Listen here: הקליקו כאו לשמוע את התוכנית
www.tinyurl.com/radiouppergalilee

שומעים עולם Shom'im Olam-WorldWaves

www.icast.co.il

‫ברוכים הבאים ל"שומעים עולם" תוכנית המשודרת ברדיו "קול הגליל העליון" 105.3 FM בגליל ובגולן. מוסיקת

Garden Scenes

2013-02-22T12:58:00.002-08:00

2013-02-22T11:57:00.001-08:00

2012-11-23T07:04:00.002-08:00

Something about Tanya Seifert. Tanya is a rising star in the world of music. She will soon be bringing out a CD of music which she has composed.. She will soon be go going on tour together with an opera singer to various countries including Europe and the middle East. Tanya is a graduate of Queen Mary College, London University where she studied film and literature.

Tanya is in the process of making a video to accompany her most recent song, 'siren' which also features the rapper Eek It will be out in the New Year. The song tells of the Siren, a mythical creature that lures men to their death with her beautiful looks and her voice. Tanya has 14 performances booked in December with Soul Symphony at the Brewery for corporations and Christmas dinner.

Tanya has written three new songs which will be made public in March.

If you would like to book her for an event please go to her website: www.princesst6.wix.com/officialtanya

Tanya also teaches intensive English to foriegn students. To know more please contact her directly

To see Tanya performing go to: http://youtu.be/bx-7ycaBtUQ If you can't get to it here just post the link into your address bar.

An island of Sanity

2012-07-23T02:37:00.003-07:00

I would like to recommend looking at the site. www.yahadbagalil.org.il The site explains the work of a community for adults with learning difficulties based on Kibbutz Mahanayim, Israel. The work of the members and their mentors is exceptional. The aim of the community is to bring out the best qualities in every individual. The most recent project which is in the planning stages is anglasshouse where herbal are grown for sale which will funtion with a mixed workforce of members and local residens of the neighbouring town of hatzor. . There is an English translation button. One of the residents; Matan Peles, has become a prominent artist. He has had exhibitions held in various cities in Israel. Below is a small section of his work. More can be seen in the gallery section on the site. The originals are on sale.

2012-07-23T02:23:00.003-07:00

Some of Matan's paintings

Plot News

2012-01-20T07:33:00.010-08:00

9th October 2011
Great news unexpectedly received the ' go ahead' to move oto a plot..

8th August 2012

The tree stump on my new plot is there for training and for people to wonder why it;s there..
back soon.
Most of the entries for 2012 have been erased to make room.

1rst january 2013
Below left is a photo of the new plot. Since the photo was taken part of it has been sown with Onions and Garlic

.
March 2013 this area is now has onions and garlic
planted and some potaoes. There are also trenches ready for more potatoes.

25th January 2013
Despite the weather I wasn't going to let it beat me completely. i have been to the plot a few times. The last time i was there I too apart the netted tunnel meant for the brassicae as it had collapsed under the weight of the snow. I will rebuild it in a different way or use parts of it. Despite all the supports and the manaufacturers comments a plastic frame can't stand up to harsh weather.
However my new polytunnel has held up well. Today I spread bark around the outside of the polytunnel and used some to build a kind of ramp on which i placed the water barrels on each side of the entrance into the polytunnel. They will feed the drip system which i will set up on the raised beds as we are not allowed to use a mains tap for drip irrigation. I put posts around the barrels to ensure they stay upright. That's all for now.

1rst feb 2013
The phoenix has risen . The frame for the netted tunnel is back up and now really strengenthened with more supports and a central post. Thanks to Terry for using a mallet, on his own initiative. to bang the supportive posts even further! Important to help each other. The net is partially on. I may finish that today. I am growing a lot of seeds at home but this time round I ordered some brassicae plants to start off the season. I am now waiting for compost to arrive to top up the second polytunnel bed and top up the plots and my wife's raised vegetable bed. Until next time

5th Feb 2013,
The compost arrived and I have wheelbarrowed a large quantity. I finished filling the beds in the polytunnel. I went on to wife's raised bed and topped it up with compost. I have also started to set up a drip system in the polytunnel which will run off a rain barrel as we are not allowed to take water from the mains for what is termed as 'permanent irrigation'. I find it ironic considering wastes less water than the standard methods of watering.
I consulted with the neighbours and they were agreeable that I sow and plant a vegetable/flower garden in the raised bed that is between our driveways. I have already planted shallots and layed a drip irrigation system though it needs tidying up.

8th Feb
I did a lot of wheelbarrowing today. I raised the level of the path between my plot and the adjacent plot due to the dips and then went on to add another layer of compost to the first plot. At the end of the day around 15.00 hrs I set out the drip irrigation in the polytunnel and linked them to the water barrels. I haven't quite finished spreading compost.

12th february 2012
I took some cabbage seedlings, onion seedlings and a mini staging to the polytunnel on the plot. I lit the small parafin heater. I hope it will stay alight! I knocked snow off the netted tunnel. I brought two more loads of compost for the first plot and then continued to fill the raised beds which are meant for people who find regular allotment work too difficult perhaps due to a physical disability. I previously topped up four other raised beds as the soil level dropped during the season.
At home I worked in the backgarden taking out the 12 mm drip irrigation and installed new 16 mm drip pipe. I will also change the pipe layout so that the whole of the backgarden works off one tap.
That's all for now
20th February 2013
The lack of entries does not mean I haven't been on the plot. I have been doing a lot of wheelbarrowing of compost. I also took some to a fellow plotholders plot who hasn't been around due to family issues. I planted today around the pond. I have ordered a new cover for the polytunnel as I am dissatisfied with the current cover that came with the structure. It seems very flimsy and already has some minor tears and a lot of condensation. Must go

22nd february 2013
Met T and discussed the fitting of the new polytunnel cover. We also had a look at the paraffin heaters as I had some problems with one of them. We both left after that as it was rather cold. At home I potted on some tomato seedlings a bit early but i enjoy it. I also sowed another tray of red celery as the first on is beginning to germinate. I also sowed something new dalia Yams which are apparently edible

2nd March
Yesterday I tried out something that I hadn't done before to create a 'hotbed' with fresh manure and then covered it with compost and sowed seed; I then created a cloche and covered it with netting and fleece to keep in the heat. I will update you on the results.
The wood for the polytunnel arrived but some of it was the wrong size. I had to get onto the company. A disappointment as I had to pay for vehicle hire to transport the wood. Today I pulled off the original cover on the polytunnel. Must go now

5th March 2013
Today I planted a Cherry tree near the pond area and 'gapped up' the onions. In other words filled gaps where the onions which I planted last aumn hadn't come through. I also took a look at the wood that had arrived for making the doors and other for the polytunnel. I was a bit concerned as working with wood and DIY is not my expertise. I think I have found someone who can help me. Must go

7th March 2012
After reading a book on growing early vegetables in hot beds by Jack First. It stimulated me to bring fresh manure from the local community. I dug a section of the raised bed close to the house. took out soil and filled the section with manure with the intention of heating up the ground. I then covered with what I had to hand such as fleece to contain the heat. I need to find something more effective

8th March 2013
Today I removed the fleece that I placed yesterday. I sowed two types of lettuce and pak choy. I then placed a cloche over the sown area. It's early so it's somewhat of an experiment.

9th March 2013
Moved the tool cupboard to a more accessible position. Noted that I need to oil and clean tools. I cut up the prievious polytunnel cover to cover some of the wood for the refitting of the polytunnel. I took another risk today and sowed peas. I placed hoops along the rows and covered the rows with fleece.

13th march 2013
Sorted out the damage from the recent gales. Started digging trenches for the potatoes which will be planted towards the end of the month when one of the plotholders told me that wood was available. I took some to make edging for my plot. I set it up and painted it green. I will soon add some photos of the plot. I might add a photo each month to show how the plots develop.

17th March 2013
Since I last wrote I took a chance and sowed red cabbage and sprouting red brocolli in the netted tunnel and then covered the two rows with fleece. it's taking a chance. i can always resow. Planted two rows of potatoes. I have also erected a tidy tent to house the overflow of equipment. I took down the culti-tent which I have had for quite a long time as it was in a bad state and generally tidied up the wood stacked against the fence. That is all for now.

20th March 2013
Spent time on the plot the other day spreading chicken 'poo' pellets. Compost made from recycled waste will arrive at the site on Thursday. My priority is to complete topping up the raised beds for disabled people. I heard from A... who is charge of the project that he wants to go ahead installing the drip irrigation which I will install due to my experience in that area. This morning I also heard from the school where I work voluntarily that they too want to install a drip irrigation in the school garden. It looks like I am going to be very busy.

23 March 2013
Two days ago I planted strawberry plants and did my best (given the strong wind) to cover them. Probably not the best move given the weather now. I started topping up the raised beds and continued yesterday. R, a fellow plotholder is going to help build the frame for the polytunnel and the new cover. DIY is not one of my skills so I am relieved.

31 rst March 2013
I am going to try and update all that i have been doing recently. I completed topping up the raised beds though A... added even more! I brought some more compost for myself and put five loads on a fellow plotholders plot as she is an older person and finds it difficult. I spent time at A...'s house discussing and deciding the order of drip pipes and equipment for the raised beds.
I received some bare rooted brassicae plants in the post and have planted them in the netted tunnel. I strung some fleece above which I secured to the net and central pole. Topped up the soil near the edges of the plot.
I planted some lettuce seedlings under a makeshift cloche.
Today, at home, I transplanted some celery seedlings. On the allotment I planted the rest of the potatoes and sowed some lettuce seed under the same cloche.
I erected another cloche on my wife's raised bed and sowed four short rows of lettuce seed to give her a bit of head start. It's always a gamble doing things this way. I have seen some germination under the cloches. I have no doubt that in some places i will have to resow.
That's all for now

2012-01-16T14:20:00.001-08:00

Websites to look at for the New Year

2012-01-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

A new year and new resolutions. I highly recommend taking a look at the sites of Lucy Seifert and Paul Brecher. details on the right hand side of this blog.

Thoughts of Paul Brecher

2011-12-23T23:58:00.000-08:00

Telling the truth means that you never have to remember what you said.
Taken with kind permission from Paul Brecher's website: http://www.taiji.net/

scenes from vietnam

2011-11-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

Trees Rock and Water

2011-11-17T05:13:00.000-08:00

Scenes of my bonsai and our garden

Yahad Ba Galil

2011-11-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Yahad in the Galil - A Taste for Colour

The Yahad special needs community is based on Kibbutz Mahanayim in the Upper Galilee. One might wonder what is different about this community there are many special needs communities. The community works on an individual level trying to bring out the best in each individual. I would recommend going to the site and watching the video and then going to the wall posts to see the stunning pictures produced by Matan Pelles. To use the coloquial term 'I was blown away' The pictures very much reminded me of Gauguin's style. Here is the link: http://www.yahadbagalil.org.il/ The site is in Hebrew but look for the translate button on the top right hand corner. The English is somewhat unusual but bear with it

photos from the garden 19th April 2011

2011-04-10T04:31:00.000-07:00

The bananas have started growing with the onset of the warm weather.

A Comment By John Boyd

2011-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Comment by John Boyd – Editor of the Democrat

Common EU austerity policy does not care a damn about the social consequences
The so called austerity policy of the Coalition Government is a common EU policy being applied across the EU. This common policy is an attack on living standards of all those who work for their living and a blatant transfer of the public sector to privateers. There is a deliberate transfer of money to the rich from poorer sections of society through taxation, diminished pensions and increase in the pensionable age under the totally misleading “tough but fair” ConDem slogan.
The introduction of privatisation in the form of ‘free market’ competition rules into the NHS is the conduit to privatise the NHS on economic ideology enshrined in the European Constitution (Lisbon Treaty). It is also in line with EU legislation on health service directives.
All this is being done in line with the EU Constitution and the four freedoms without a damn for the social consequences for the peoples of Britain. Transferring large sums of money to bail out the banks and the continued payment of grotesque bonuses is only a small part of the picture and a distraction from the overall picture. The peoples of Britain have been largely kept in ignorance of the full implications of EU membership and in particular that the European Union became a superstate on 1 December 2009. We are all now citizens of the EU. The government of the EU consists of the Commission and Council of Ministers. Since December 2009 ministers who go to Council meetings in Brussels are first and foremost responsible to the EU and secondary to their national government and parliament at Westminster. For instance the national budget of Britain has to be approved by the Council of finance ministers to ensure it is line with the common austerity policy.
It does not have to be that way.
The economy needs to be based once again on manufacturing instead of the disastrous financial sector and banks and services. This would provide many jobs but would require the Government to control the export of capital and instead encourage investment in Britain. This would be the basis of trade across the world instead of being truncated by membership of the European Union to the Single European ‘free’ Market.
The call by trade unions to ensure that immigrants who seek work in Britain are not used to lower wages and conditions must be heeded.
There must be a return to accountable and state control of national industries, services and resources including railways, energy, water, waterways, fishing grounds, forests, health services and the financial sector. This requires offending or disregarding EU policies, directives, regulations and legislation.
This leaves only one genuine course to guarantee the rational future of Britain and her peoples and that is for Britain to leave the EU. To help achieve this objective our Campaign fully supports the demand for a referendum to be held on whether or not Britain remains a member of the EU.

Jacobs Ladder Folk Festival

2011-03-13T05:36:00.000-07:00

Those of you planning to travel to Israel and like folk music here are the latest dates for the greatest folk festival. You can also hear Menachem's (founder of the folk festival) programme on the address given below. There are regular broadcasts. You can easily sign up for them.
The original site of the festival was on Kibbutz Mahanayim but has since moved to accomodate it's growing popularity. For more details go to the website below.

For Menachem's Folk Podcasts on Radio Upper Galilee go to:
www.tinyurl.com/radiouppergalilee
The next two Jacob's Ladder Festivals are:
Jacob's Ladder Spring Festival Thurs-Sat 19/20/21 May 2011
Jacob's Ladder Winter Weekend Fri/Sat 2/3 December 2011

Please join website mailing list for updates.
http://www.jlfestival.com/
.Jacob's Ladder folk Festival

Jacob's Ladder, Israel's best, biggest and oldest folk music festival, is held in Ginnosar every year, usually on a weekend in May. You can listen to folk, country, bluegrass, Irish music, blues and some world music as well. The festival is extremely well organized (by Yehudit and Menachem Vinegrad, who have been doing it for about 30 years), and takes place on a weekend. You can camp on site, or stay overnight in the Nof Ginnosar hotel or one of the many B&Bs / homestay accomodation in nearby Migdal, Huquq etc.

The atmosphere in Jacob's Ladder festival is unique. People are relaxed

Read more: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Middle_East/Israel/Haifa_District/Ginnosar-1708992/Local_Customs-Ginnosar-TG-C-1.html#ixzz1GTxwzJW2

Scenes from Vietnam Taken on our visit

2011-01-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

The Scenes in this slide show are a mix of Kua Lalumpur and Vietnam.

We visited Vietnam in 2009 with some friends. That visit left a profound impression and a deep respect for the people. The effects of what they call 'The American War' can still be seen. Ironically the socalled 'greatest power on earth were not able to subdue this 'peasant people' even with the ghastly methods used. Vietnam has never, to my knowledge, been compensated by the US government.

There are some scenes of the presidential palace. Ho Chi Minh went there to receive foriegn guests but chose to live in a simple abode. The pictures of the bird sanctuary were taken in Malaysia.

Trees Rock and Water - Some scenes from our garden and other Interests

2011-01-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

Scenes from Vietnam

2011-01-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

Thought for the day

2010-12-18T05:47:00.000-08:00

Confucius – “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for life.”

A few simple tips about bonsai care

2010-11-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

I have added the following as I was asked today for some advice about a bonsai. There seems to be a common concensus thaty bonsai trees are difficult to look after. I don't think that is the case and it isn't time consuming.
The most common trees to be found on sale are Fukian Carmona, Serissa Foetida (tree of a thousand stars), Sageretia Thezans, Chinese Elms,
The first three are best indoors. Chinese Elm can be kept outdoors. If kept outdoors and sometimes indoors it will loose it's leaves. Sageretia Theezans is not a good tree for a beginner they can be temperamental. but they often have wonderful ancient looking trunks.

Watering.
Often labels on bonsai will tell you how often to water. This is incorrect. The tree roots take up water according to a variety of external factors. During the winter there is less need for water and if you followed the instructions you would be 'drowning your tree'. I generally use the finger test. If the upper crust of the soil is dry. Than watering is needed. I prefer submerging the the pot until the bubbles have stopped.. Lift and let the water run out.It is also helpful to spray the leaves daily with water.

Feeding.

Feeding is best carried out from March to Sept.
There are special bonsai feeds though I tend to use regular feeds such as tomato feed, bio feed etc.,

Repotting
Is more of an annual task if needed. I will talk about it on another occasion

Placing the trees.
Indoor trees: An area where there is plenty of light except when it gets really hot. Then move to a shadier spot. Do not place near a radiater. Outdoors : I have found by trial and error that during the summer it is better to keep the trees in semi shade. In both situations it is worth turning the trees around occasionally. Though trees outside need less care they still need checking for watering during dry spells.

An Update

2010-11-01T04:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't created any new trays for quite a while due to raw materials being too costly. Occasionally I will make small adjustments on the existing trays and because the landscapes change as the trees grow I felt it worth revisiting them.

Tanya

2010-10-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

I would like to mention my older niece Tanya who has a wonderful voice. Tanya was a favourite choice of the singing coach on X factor. Tanya fits in her singing at gigs and other in between her university studies. Please key in her name on google or take a look on Utube; tanyasmusicchannel