New year slow snowy start

2010 Happy New year.



The trees are all standing and sleeping no damage from the rabbits thus far. Which is good, I can't tell how the bees are doing and with temperatures down to -7 some mornings, it is worrying.

I was due to attend a demonstration on how to apply oxalic acid with the Sutton Coldfield Bee Keepers Association but because of the weather it has been postponed until the temperatures pick up.

The land it self is fine I can see lots of tracks from rabbits and foxes and other animals, no human. I haven't seen any ladybirds or other insects. I can seen small birds flying around especially around the bushes. I haven't put additional food out to attract animals either.

I have started looking at trailers to carry the mower, Ifor Willams are specialist but smaller trailers are just to small by about 4cm internally. The commercial ones are double the price, I have been monitoring ebay for a decent one but no real joy. Cost is the other factor although the investment in a trailer would bring long term benefits the initial outlay is daunting. I have the option to take the mower apart and put it into the trailer, this may waste some time but would save me money and space, as the commercial trailers are much bigger.

The picture is of ice in the field which was taken a couple of days ago.

Its been a productive week

I haven't spent much time at the orchard recently however I have made up for it this week. I have actually checked on the bees I went into the hive. I didn't check the frames but checked that the bees were active. They were I gave them some additional food and they seem fine. I will make up some fondant in a couple of days and drop that off. I did it on Friday at 12:30 trying to get the warmest part of the day.

I also checked each tree and its guards, some needed new stakes and if any work was needed then it was carried out. All the trees are fine and I can see lots of lady birds etc, hiding around the branches and the guards some in nooks and crevasse . Many have gathered in small groups I guess to keep heat, and have company through the winter months.

Much of the tall grass has fallen and most if it is brown and dying. Which is good, when the mower arrives It will have to cut through it, and the first cut is going to take a while.

We have had lots of rain recently and that and the grass means that the ground is constantly wet, and I am guessing but I think it will help to decompose the grass. The grass that has been cut when we were testing the Hustler, is still lying on the ground and has not decomposed.

1 Year On

The trees have been planted for one year, this week. It seems longer to me.I have been to see the Turner Landscape people, and have used the mower they are selling me. Its has been used for 40 hours, it has a digital clock on it that shows how many hours it has been used.Even second hand its expensive and costs the same as my car.

The trees are fine and even the new tree that I grafted in Limburg is doing well. I have to get it planted soon.

A theft on the land

I know I havn't updated the site recently, but here's what's been happening. After the trip to europe I have checked the trees I have some pruning to do. The grass is long and really needs cutting, this will be done soon.

I had a couple of large 50kg bags of wood chip which has been stolen off the land. I have reported it to the police and they tell me its probably travellers. Apprently a number of thefts have occured in the area, things have been stolen like fencing chains and things that can been taken easily.

I am not spending huge amounts of time on the land as its dark early, so I only have the weekends to check on the trees etc. I know I have lots to do its just finding the time.

One of the people that attended the training in europe has won a contract to plant 6ha's of hazelnuts. That's cool.

9th October - 22rd October Eucan Belgium Trip

From the 9th - 22nd October I was in mainland Europe looking at orchards, working on them and being taught how to maintain trees (Grafting and various Pruning). I did some bush cutting using skills I picked up a couple of weeks ago. I also looked at some of the products that can be produced from the fruits, juice and syrup etc.

We also visited Europom 2009 and helped on the RHS stand and various other bits that the organisers wanted done.

Its wasn't a jolly and we did work hard; we being 14 people from around the country many with specialist skills and knowledge. The boys shared a dorm and we cooked together etc it was like being at school again. I did enjoy it.

I have loads off pictures etc

Found a Lawnmower

I have been talking with lots of suppliers that sell lawnmowers. I think I have found a suitable lawnmower. A hustler Hydro Trimstar. It was recommended and suggests by the Deere sales man.
It is expensive and may me that the landrover is going to have to be on hold for a while. It is push mower not a ride on. I am still looking at alternatives.

We are going to have a demonstration in a couple of weeks, when I get back from Belgium.

I have also started the second dose of Apiguard.

Late update

Its been a couple of weeks since I updated the site. I can only apologise. I have been busy with more conventional work.
Anyway some of the leaves on the trees have started to turn brown. Thankfully no more horse incidents. The grass is still going and I have started investigating what tractor/mower to buy and what 4x4 we will buy to tow the mower. Probably an old land rover, and either a John Deere, Mount field or Atco Mower
I did have an incident with the bees mind. On one occasion I opened the hive and they stung me three times on my left hand and once on my right, within the space of 20 seconds.
I managed to get the sting out of the right hand and one of the stings out of the left however the poison from the two remaining stings on my left had made my hand swell up enormously. It was a good thing I managed to remove my wedding ring ASAP. I had a terrible burning sensation in my hand for 2 days and the swelling doubled the size of my hand. It was freaky. It took at least 3 days for the swelling to reduce enough for me to clench my fist again.
I spoke to the people at the Apiary meeting and they informed me at this time of the year bees are more likely to sting due to the colder weather and the fact that wasps and mice, badgers etc are likely to steal the honey.
I also attended a lecture on Honey and is uses with the medical areana. The talk was fascinating, it was by a woman called Sarah Davies. Who is a associated to the Warkwickshire Beekeepers association. The information she presented, was very informative, on what illness honey and bees wax can help treat. She also told us how and why honey is good for us, and the properties that it contains which make it useful.
I have requested a copy of the presentation and the notes. I have not heard if she is willing to give me a copy, she said she would think about it.
I have applied the Apiguard treatment for Varroa and am feeling sugar to the bees in much larger quantities.