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 December 2014

Rat Wars

Rat excavations beneath the timbers
Rat proof flooring.
Despite all efforts, rats were winning battle after battle down in the Hennery.  They were digging under the earth floor, coming up through the mesh wire and eating the chickens food.  Despite the strategic placement of rat stations, we were getting nowhere and they were digging everywhere!  Initially we thought of concreting the Hennery floor and then Chris (G) came up with the idea of using some unwanted slabs (which he kindly gave us).  We bagged up all their deep litter then removed the wire mesh and levelled the earth. This revealed all the the full and vast extent of the rat excavations.  They were undermining the very structure of the building. This advance has now been halted as, having laid all the slabs and tucking them beneath the timber surrounds; there's no way they can excavate through concrete!  The deep litter of wood chip was placed back on the slabbed floor and they can scratch around to their hearts' content. As the Hennery serves as a breakfast room and winter quarters for our girls, they will no longer have to share a repast with vermin!

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