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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2 January 2014

Getting back to normal

Back home again
Well Christmas is over and we're back from our Irish travels. The girls are back from their Hen Hotel where they went to stay with Sarah over at Newland Grange (http://www.newlandpoultry.com/)  Despite all the rain, Sarah really does run a 5 star facility over there.  The girls came back with 15 eggs all laid in our absence and boxed awaiting collection.  
chicken boarding
Newland Grange 'Hen Hotel'

After a few days in one of Sarah's egglu's, they are now re-installed in their own wood chip carpeted Bamboo garden having had their quarters thoroughly disinfected and cleaned in their absence. Sarah's guests are always inspected for lice - ours were completely lice free. Obviously for them, hygiene has to be a priority. Let's hope we can keep ours lice free despite the attentions of a pair of Magpies which have recently moved in to their area.  In case any followers are wondering - hens catch lice from wild birds! It will be interesting to see if egg production dips following their change of routine.

Meanwhile, we still have half a ton of woodchip on the drive so no prizes for predicting the next garden job! With all the recent rainfall, it's a priority.

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