Herding

In April 2012, I set up a greenhouse and some ground around it as a vegetable plot. That year got some good crops but as it had been a wasteland for decades it was a struggle to cope with the weeds. Last year due to all sorts of reasons had to abandon any work on it and the weeds took over, a model thistle & nettle garden. Guess the bees appreciated it.

Thought I would try again but having spent ages digging over a small patch in front of the beehive thought I would use a hammer to crack a nut, and simply hire a big rotavator.

Found a local garden machine dealer who had a suitable machine. Mentioned it to Dr Bulldog Jürgen, and he said he knew the company and mentioned how friendly they were, regardless how small one's needs or how seldom one used them. Well, he was spot on, really excellent service from the moment I called to ask if machine available, right through to paying the bill on return.

Used the horse trailer to pick up the machine which is very heavy but also does an excellent job breaking down the soil to a fine crumble. Once one gets used to how it works, the monster was a lot easier to use than a small tiller. Of course, the weeds & roots are now also buried but will do my very best to keep it under control.

Now just need to set edging stones and erect a chicken-proof fence.

When finished, allowed the chickens to have a good scratch & pick session. As usual Flash kept an eye out on them, Luna hid behind the fence. She does try to help with the chickens but is still too hectic, causing more panic than anything else. Flash can walk among them without any problem but the chickens know from his posture alone when they have to pay attention.

Flash & I then took off to return the machine and then on to Memmingen to get some bits & pieces for the new mobiles and some cement for some work yet to be done around the garden & on horse fencing repairs. A bit boring for Flash, he got very fed up in the electronics shop and was only mildly interested in the DIY store. However not being at home he didn't see Luna & Angie set out for a ride. Still a problem getting him to accept he can't keep up. Otherwise, he seems OK although he has never relished hot weather - he was always a winter dog and has an appropriate thick coat. I suppose the shaving of his entire tummy for the operation is now proving a bonus.