SHINY CD'S

We have planted vegetable seeds all over the garden and unfortunately we have lost the piece of paper with the layout of where they have gone. It is surprising just how quickly you forget where the rows have been planted. We scattered most of the seeds in straight lines though so we should be able to distinguish them from weeds. We put loads of compost from the compost bin into the peas and bean beds. The mixture was full of small brandling worms that have been a massive hit with the blackbird that comes into the garden. The bird has taken to using its claws to dig into the soil and fit as many of the worms into its mouth. At one time it flew away with about ten of them, presumably to feed a big family. There are harmless deterrents that can be used in the garden such as wind chimes. The one that I settled for, to safeguard both the seeds and worms, were CD’s. I have collected up the CD’s that newspapers give away free and pushed them lightly into the soil around the edges of the beds. They seem to act as a vanity mirror for most of the birds that come into the garden though. I think if they are to be effective they need to be dangling on string to catch the light, otherwise they appear to be an attraction. It’s our own fault though as we have been feeding our feathered friends all winter. All being well there should be enough worms and seeds for all of us. I wouldn’t dream of trying to scare them off by any other means that might harm them in any way. Just think of the added trauma of my lad waking up one morning and finding injured birds flapping around on his vegetable patch!

Horticultural.