New Allotment

[Dorothy rouse]

The robins are so friendly and just love it when you start digging, they seem to just watch you, waiting for that worm'

[Sheneval]

Dotty, I have had one come pretty close on the plot before but I think this one may have taken up residence - I have a bale of hay under cover behind the compost bin and a couple of watering cans lying there on their sides - I have seen pics of robins using teapots as nests and am wondering if this little fellow has done something similar as he/she returned to the same spot after snatching the worms.

I will take up some suitable bird food next time I go up as well as digging up a little patch here and there to provide worms but we have resident crows and magpies on the site not to mention buzzards circling overhead on a regular basis so I don't want to do anything to stir up their interest.

[Dorothy rouse]

You may find there are actually 2, hopping about with their heads on one side, don't seem to notice them in summer, but def in the winter months. There is a bit of folklore attached to seeing robins, I can't remember exactly what, but, is lucky I'm sure.

[Sheneval]

Dotty,

I picked up the following on the Internet:

"Animal Symbolism of the Red Robin - A Quick-List
Joy
Hope
Clarity
Renewal
Pleasure
Simplicity
Happiness
Satisfaction
Rejuvenation
Contentment
Bright future
New beginning

Native American Plains' tribes attributed the return of the sun (inception of spring) with the red robin too. Indeed, many Native American beliefs attributed solar symbolic meaning to the red robin because its rosy red chest is symbolic of the dawning sun. Also, its bright yellow beak is symbolic of sun rays lighting the earth with hope. Omaha tribes believed the sun rose and set on the wings of the robin.

The robin's bright yellow beak is also symbolic of sun rays to the Native American. Native Americans attributed their beak color with being mindful of the spoken word. The robin was a sign to only present the highest truth when speaking.

Further, Iroquois and Shoshone tribe lore indicated the white ring around the red robin's eye was symbolic of prophetic vision, clarity, and great wisdom. The robin would be called upon during ceremonies when clear understanding was needed, and quality judgments needed to be made."

Just Goggle: 'Are Robins lucky'

[Sheneval]

Three hours on the allotment today - another couple of loads of woodchip - took the soil and weeds off the path dividing my neighbour's plot from mine and spread a load of woodchip over the path, (got between 20 and 30 worms during the clearing and these are now in my plot Also spread woodchip on the 1st path dividing beds 1 & 2 on my plot - still need to tidy the edges.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Looks good, Shen - did you see Jim? I know you will have given him a hand with the woodchippings too if he needed it.

[Sheneval]

Hazel,

Thanks - unfortunately he failed to trap - possibly was not up to it but equally might be because I gave him a half bottle of Glenfiddich 12 year old malt to take home with him - if the latter is the case I'll need to keep out of his good lady Linda's way as he does like his whisky and wine so I may be in the doghouse

[Hazel at the Hill]

Hazel,

Thanks - unfortunately he failed to trap - possibly was not up to it but equally might be because I gave him a half bottle of Glenfiddich 12 year old malt to take home with him - if the latter is the case I'll need to keep out of his good lady Linda's way as he does like his whisky and wine so I may be in the doghouse

I think you should have confined Jim to a warming nip in the shed, rather than sending him off with a half bottle. It's probably good for his chest though - you can certainly claim good intent if you fall foul of the lovely Linda.

[Sheneval]

Hazel,

I phoned to check - he is ok - rain stopped play - probably better for his recovery from bronchitis in any case

Linda is generally good natured and a real grafter - she got most of my woodchip for me last year and filled my water butt several times during the dry period - all because I helped them a couple of times and helped dig out the base for the shelter in time for the allotment show which Jim was organising last year - just goes to show 'what goes round comes round'

[Sheneval]

Daughter and self went through DT Brown's catalogue today - amazing how it mounts up - I will need another allotment

[Sheneval]

Just a quick visit to the allotment today - got one load of woodchip - Jim arrived just as I was opening the gate so after I spread the woodchip over one of my daughter's paths we had a wander round the site and then locked up - weather permitting he will pick me up tomorrow and we will do a bit of work and tidying up.

Found some rather strange looking creatures lurking on one of the plots - reminded me of VC.

[Dorothy rouse]

What are they? Seriously.

[Hazel at the Hill]

What are they? Seriously.

Gotta be beetroot gone feral, I reckon!

[Sheneval]

Nope - Swedes or Turnips - take your pick

[Sheneval]

3+ hours at the allotment today - helped Jim collect 4 loads of woodchip for his path - collected molehills to top up his sister's raised bed - he was puffing a bit so we had a gentle amble round the site picking up a number of items which had been blown in the wind.

Afterwards he planted some alliums in one of his sister's beds whilst I dug over and weeded one of her beds as she only wants to use half her plot next year. Jim and I will split the other half taking a bed each.

Once I have made a ph test think I will lime this bed as it as it has been used for potatoes these last two years.

Excuse photos - they are a bit blurry.