Friday 2 February 2007

POTTERING ABOUT

I am really pleased to say that the piece of ginger I'm trying to grow for the Great Pip Challenge is definitely showing signs of shooting. Libby has already got hers potted up and growing and as so far my pips and avocados have been a resounding failure I'm glad that I'll have something to contribute.hurrah, the ginger's shootingAs I mentioned the other day the Oxalis in the front garden is smothered in buds; the pleasant sunshine we're having has opened the flowers and they look a picture.
The rose bud that I brought indoors so that Mick would be able to see and smell it has started opening now. Our earliest ever!

whisky mac I'm glad to see some Ladybirds about;early ladybirdI heard last year that the Harlequin Ladybird, which originates in Asia, is posing a severe threat to our homebred variety and that scientists want gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts to report sightings of it to www.harlequin-survey.org.

Everything seems to be early this year; I even had to clear some blanketweed out of the pond.
Luckily I had some barley straw left from last year so have popped some in the pond a lot earlier than usual so that it can start breaking down and hopefully keep the blanketweed under control.

17 comments:

talj said...

It's so nice to see your flower images as I get so frustrated not getting outside and you bring me a little if your garden each day which is nice :o)

Anonymous said...

There is always colour in your wonderful garden - and seeing your pond - reminded me that I have not looked in mine for a while - better do that asap

I so love visiting your blogs and reading all your posts - sorry that I dont leave a message every day

RUTH said...

talj; that's nice I'm glad you're enjoying your visits
Lottie; please don't worry that you don't always comment, I know you have to sign in etc and even as a blogger member I can't even get into comment boxes sometimes.If it's easier click the anonymous box and just put Lottie after your message

Anonymous said...

Hi Ruth I've just had a bizarre time. I was hopping from one blog to the next. I found one by this couple telling the tale of their (adopted) Guatemalan baby ... I thought of you while reading it and thought I'd give you the url as you might like to see it (which is fairly unusual as I don't do this do I?) anyhow then I get further down and she's part of that tag-line of the 6 weird things quiz ... (I told her all this) but how weird is THAT >>??

(Actually I say she, I think it was she, judging by the photos.)

But her url is: http://thevoiceofadventure.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Yes, her name is Faith and she is from Texas.

Libbys Blog said...

That ginger is just like mine was!He he he well done!!

Women on the Verge said...

I've always wanted to try growing ginger... is it difficult?

RUTH said...

I'd have to say it is easy as it's the only thing that I've planted in the Pip Challenge that's worked!

Jeanette said...

Hi Ruth
Lovely to see some of your plants and your 1st rose of the season. Oh and the oxalis is a noxious weed over here always digging it out of the garden and straight into garbage bin. (((HUGS)))to you and mick take care

Anonymous said...

Ruth BIRD FLU has arrived - o man i knew this would happen here of all places. 500 BIRDS DEAD... We're in deep trouble. DEEP TROUBLE...

Women on the Verge said...

Ruth

Thank you for the tips on growing ginger! I'm going to try to start one today. As far as the avocado goes, my kids get them going all the time (thankfully I love guacamole!). It's best to look gor one a pit that is already showing signs of splitting cause it will feel like forever before you see signs of it sprouting.

Also, thank you for the kind words about my hospital post ( the Best Buy post was actually written by the woman I share the blog with-- I often wonder how confusing it is for people that there are 2 of us...). She's slowly recovering, but still showing signs of organ damage due to the massive blood loss...

One more thing... anyone who thinks that you're out for sympathy ( read Claire's post) would have to be a very small, cruel person. Your devotion actually reminds me much of my grandfather's. He took care of my grandmother, a quadrapalegic due to aggressive multiple sclerosis, for over thirty years, single-handedly. There are those who say angels walk among us ... in my opinion, you and my grandpa are two of them...

Women on the Verge said...

Oops... my friend is slowly recovering... just realized I made it sound like it was the woman I share the blog with was the one recovering... sigh.

RUTH said...

GW; just heard it on the news...it's in Suffolk which is where we are!!!....they say don't worry but but I'm afraid I do...not only because it can affect humans but also because it will destroy the bird population
W on the V; thanks so much for your kind words. Re: the avocado....think I'll have another try...can't let myself be beaten by the younger brigade!!!!

Women on the Verge said...

How are you going about trying to sprout the avocado? We have had the greatest luck when we've suspended it with toothpicks in a small glass so that just the rounded bottom is in water...

RUTH said...

W on the V; last time I tried sowing direct but will give this idea a try.

Nicole said...

Wow! How did you grow the ginger? I love gardens and yours is beautiful.

CG said...

I'd like to know about growing ginger too! beautiful photos, Ruth xxx

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