There is a mole in the system - just like every year

Another year and a fresh set of mole tracks.

Lucky for the moles that I think they are cute, otherwise there could be problems.

Maybe I can blame the moles for the pathetic looking winter leeks.

Apple canes and local plant centre

I have given the apple tree a major prune.  It was a nice shape until last spring and then it sent dozens of thin runners vertically upwards on all the branches.  I have got it back to a reasonable shape and size, which led to two nice side effects:

• I got to use my ultra-powerful electric garden shredder.  It is a fantastic thing even if I can barely lift it (33 kg) and it uses too much power (2.2 kW) for my generator.  All the thin bits of tree gut chopped up and used as mulch at home on the new flower beds.
• I managed to create a bunch of decent apple canes which I can use for my peas, dahlias, whatever next spring.

Apple canes ready for Spring 2015

Also, I enjoyed a visit to the new-ish local garden centre (Löwer).  We were there for a tour from Hrn Löwer where he explained to us all the latest technology used in designing, building and operating his business in Roßdorf.  And we got a little plant to take home at the end.

Plenty of primulas

Nearly finished for winter

Beds ready for frost

The last parts of the beds have now been dug over ready for winter.  Just the dahlias and leeks are left.  And a couple of winter hard herbs.

Herb still in flower

Just in front of the leeks one last flower is on the lavender.

Currant bushes

The currant bushes are also pruned but I still have to chop up the branches.  Maybe in the new mulching machine.  Next weekend I might prune the apple tree.

Cow in allotment

It was probably a cow.  But maybe a pony (http://www.echo-online.de/region/darmstadt-dieburg/muehltal/Entlaufene-Ponys-halten-Polizei-auf-Trab;art1293,5517172#).

There are deep prints about 12 cm across scattered around the lawn and vegetable patch and most of my pile of grass cuttings has disappeared.  A steaming pale brown pile of shit was also in evidence about one cow length from the grass cutting pile ...

Lucky for me that the cow (or whatever it was) that it didn't squash anything.

I am pretty sure I can't blame the voles this time.

Results from EHS SHow

Here's how the prizes went from the show:

Best Root Veg - Richard 

Best Other Veg - Peter 

Best Fruit - Self

Most Attractive Bunch of Flowers - Richard 

Most Unusual / Funniest Shaped Fruit/Veg - John 

Best Junior Exhibit - Myla 

Best Home Made Produce - Sam 

EHS Special Prize (Sun flowers) - Richard 

Helernus Award for Biggest Specimen - Richard 

Best In Show - Peter

And for the first time this year we had the “rode lantaarn prijs” for the most pathetic entry in the EHS Special Prize class.  This was won by Sam for her completely rubbish sunflower.

Thanks to our friends who let us move the show inside out of the lashing rain.

EHS Summer Show 2014 this Sunday

Redacted flyer

It's that time of year again - and this year there is so much to play for.  I have my eye on one or two categories, and the Best in Show prize is definitely worth grabbing.

See you on Sunday.  Don't forget the picnic.

Spot the plasterer

This morning the plasterers were out in force, trying to get things done before their summer break.

Can you spot all five of them?