The Giant Spinach Didn't disappoint!

Sometimes what is said on the packet doesn't always translate to the plant. But I think this one did. 

 Labelled as giant spinach it certainly ticked the box!

Make A Gabled Roof For A Beehive

A few weeks back I noticed I could have another complete hive out there if I had an extra rood made up, so I used some pre folded sheet steel I bought last year to make a gabled roof for a national hive. 

They normally have flat roofs, but I thought this would be worth making one of these and seeing how we like it. 

There are pros and cons to each type. The video above shows me making it up, step by step. 

Which roof do you prefer for a beehive? Flat or pitched?

 

Hellen's Garden Festival this weekend

 The years seem to fly by, and I find it hard to believe it's time for Hellens again already. Always a highlight of the year. 

This year I'll be back in the garden Question and Answers tent, on Saturday at 12 o'clock. 

Really looking forward to it. Be great to have a day out of the workshop! 

Miniature Display Cabinet

 Not really homesteading, but I realise I do probably need some hobbies that don't earn money. One that's been nice is my lads interest in models and model making. I was into this when I was about his age (and older) and so a few months back we got all my old stuff out again. 

It's really reignited something in me, and it's been lovley to sit on an evening and do some painting with him and watch his skills grow. 

As always with me we've gone all in on this. We have a 3D printer (although this will be for work as well), and have a lot of models we've been putting together and painting up. Of course that means we need somewhere to keep them. 

The downstairs loo is just painted brickwork, so I thought it could do with brightening up with a few models on the walls. I made up a unit from some good quality ply and ordered some glass doors to protect the models. 

A fun project and a good way to make use of a narrow bit of space. I'm going to build a second one of these units for the opposite wall next I think. We've already filled this one! I've been told we'll have one each then. 

Busy Bees

 Sorry I've been so neglectful on here, we've just been so busy lately! 

My Online stuff has gone crazy again with lots of gooseberry scoops being sold as well as my other items. there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. I've also had a few talks, as well as a day at Hay Festival and lots of bee stuff to do as well. 

I love this picture above, we were trying to capture a swarm for a friend who is a beekeeper, who was on holiday. We thought we had the queen, but she was tucked up under a roof and so this was a failed attempt. Good experience, although a bit disappointing. I took one daughter each time I tried with that swarm. A real shame for my friend, but we did try our best. I think I needed some sort of vacuum to get the queen out. 

So tomorrow will be in the workshop, and I'm going to get my eldest to do the jobs I should be doing in the garden hopefully, and Middlest making some sourdough!