Ticking of the garden tasks

Mike and I were talking today about how we both feel that this year might be 'the' year we get that bumper crop

We seem to be on top of those yearly tasks....especially the winter ones

Today we got another ticked of the list, by spraying copper on our stone and pip fruit trees...just in time too! as the flowers are starting to swell!

 There's still time if you've forgotten....heres a great article on all those tasks

 And we finally got on top of a pest problem on one of our lemon trees...it's had ants all over it along with scale insect....

so using Neem Oil, Mike made up the following concoction

10ml of Neem Oil

2 cloves of crushed garlic

Tbsp of grated sunlight soap or similar

1 litre of warm water 

Whisk together ( or use a stick blender ) and strain through a teatowel for easier use in you spray bottle

 I also used it on the army of slaters living in my artichokes....they've been enjoying the dry sheltered conditions inside the crown of the plant.....but with new buds starting to emerge, in large amounts I've read they can potentially cause harm.....I've read you can also wrap the base of the plant with corrugated cardboard and each day remove it to another area of the garden....

but for me this mix has worked really well.

 And look who keeps popping into my photos!

When I pointed out to her that she was wearing clothes all made by me....she gushed and said " Wow!" I love you Mum....you're the best boss ever! ( her favourite saying....don't ask me where she got that from )

Such a darling.....always happy when she has flowers to pick and a bag for her latest precious things......that and a piece of fruit within reach!