The green and rolling countryside of Worcestershire, England, is home to the cider apple orchards which surround the gardens of Pear Tree Cottage. They enjoy a sunny south westerly aspect with sweeping views across to Martley Hillside, Woodbury and Abberley clock tower. The Teme Valley lies just over the hill and, not far away, is the Herefordshire border. Although our climate is temperate, our seasons are often uncertain and always a challenge to a gardener! This began in 2010 & follows the weekly ups and downs of garden work chronicling both successes and failures but, above all, demonstrates the fun enjoyed by three people who regularly garden in all weathers

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15 January 2013

Beating the weather!



A dusting of snow
Snow washed away enabling work to continue

Check out those quoins!!















Despite snow, sleet, sunshine, rain, mud and now, heavy frosts; demon builder: Chris has pressed on regardless and undaunted.  The weather was so bad, he even came shopping.............. to the reclamation yard at Norton for more materials!  As soon as he suggested it might be a little too inclement for work to continue, an invitation to lunch was issued and, immediately the weather brightened! By then, the rain had washed away most of the snow and although the temperatures plummeted to well below zero, he has just carried on.  Today, the sun came out and conditions were just a little more conducive despite the frozen ground!  Chris often arrives in the dark and then departs after dark working under artificial lights - again!  Occasionally, he can be persuaded to stop long enough for reviving bowls of homemade soup but as soon as the steaming bowl of soup has disappeared, he rushes back out to work again.

Yesterday we had both Chris's.  Chris (The Younger) was busy putting in the oak posts  (after Chris The Elder had sculpted their tops into elegant detail!) in readiness for replacing the trellis panels and then laying out and positioning the stepping stones before completing two more fingers depicting Edinburgh and HMS Victory for Al's sign post!  It was time to do some serious thawing out by the end of the day!

From the very outset, there has been much banter and ribbing over a certain lack of plans!  For once, I drew out a plan of the 'granary/barn-like' ventilation gaps in the wall and GUESS who went a tad astray!!!!!!!!!!!! Disbelief!!   A few minutes later, needless to say, all was rectified.  A section of oak from Al's old barn has skilfully been given a new lease of life as the lintel and Chris has cut it very cunningly enabling the best side of the oak to be viewed from both sides of the wall.  A piece of slate, donated by the other Chris, has been cut to perfection with the ends returning around the bricks and is now the window sill.  Building an arch in a curve was never going to be easy as bricklaying has to happen in 2 different planes and is requiring much thought and care.  


Our Busy Builder at work






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