[Greengage]

The days are getting shorter and the nights are closing in. With the colder nights we have had some fog and heavy dew on the ground.
Its time to give the lawns what will probably be their final cut, You could scarify now and treat for moss as it is growing now and not in the spring when most people treat it.
The last of the potatoes are in and the onions are hung. Im still digging carrotts which were covered all season but no sign of carrot root fly.
Pumpkins are up and Greyhound cabbage is in the ground. if you collected Perennial seeds now is the time to sow them.
You can now take cuttings from Currents and raspberries or Geranium and Fushia.
Leaves can be collected and store in black sacks for mulch next spring.
The bees have been bedded down for the winter and will not be disturbed until next April if they survive. Final honey shows this week, then its onto meetings and training new people for next season.
Chickens are currently going through their moult so laying has decreased, but with new plumage they will be ready for whatever winter brings, hopefully i will not have to use heater lamps. Gurteen saw the last of the big shows on Saturday with lots of breeders on site looking at new stock and planning for next spring.

[Greengage]

Well thats been a busy week, the weather stayed dry, but was cold earlier in the week,
Dahlia tubers have been lifted and left in the greenhouse to dry off, when all the leaves die down I will remove them and store them in dry compost reluctant to remove the Anthirriums as they are looking good given the slow start they had.
Got a large delivery of Tulips from Holland late in the week so next week it is all hands on deck as we get them into the ground, along with the wallflowers.
(Old fashioned I know) but they work well with the Tulips.
Roses have been pruned and yew hedges cut and lots of shredding done.
Leaves are starting to fall so that will be ongoing depending on weather and air temp.

[James Kilkelly]

[Greengage]

Autumn Leaves

[Ado 2]

Perfect picture Thanks

[Greengage]

Kept meaning to update this, but bank holiday week was not great for gardening, wet start so took couple of days off to visit kerry, Cycled gap of Dungloe and black valley very wet and windy no tourists out which was great, Lots of Red deer along fosa way, some big stags appeared out of the woods bit scary being so close but they were more interested in the hinds which was good for us. Got some nice pics which ill post later, Climbed carrauntoohil next day fab weather and views 16 degrees. Eagles nest and Heavenly gates are still the best way up and down providing you know what your at. last week we had big plans for the garden, Monday it poured rain all day here, but due to tragedy on grounds Tuesday it really knoocked the stuffing out of everybody for a few days so no not a lot of work was done. Very strong winds this morning code Yelow so far but me thinks it will be upgraded, so far two trees down a large Willow and Birch, willow crap for firewood but birch will burn good.
We just have to get the bulbs in this week or the work will pile up.

[kindredspirit]

Lovely going up Carrauntoohill, Greengage.

I always go up from the Bridia Valley. Fabulous non-stop views up AND down that way.

[Greengage]

yes did it that way too, Howling ridge is on the bucket list. (Summer only)

[kindredspirit]

Don't know Howling Ridge. Which one is that?

[Greengage]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7E6iv93TG4

[Greengage]

View of Black valley Co Kerry and Red Deer.

[Good guy]

From the noise the wind was making when I was in bed last night I'd nearly think I am living on a howling ridge! What a name! I bet it's appropriate, too.
Nice photos, Greengage. Those of the deer remind me of when the then Chief Scout of the SAI visited Donegal - winter '85 I think. We took him to Glenveagh, to a spot where they feed the deer in mid-winter. It was quite a spectacle, being only a few yards from such animals.
Black Valley looks not unlike parts of Donegal.

[kindredspirit]

Bloody Hell. I'm not going up that ridge, although I have a brother who'd fly up it. I think it's the one that we almost accidentally ran (fell) down after running up Carrauntoohill with the IMRA 20 years ago. It was in the mist and after we summited the lead runner took the wrong direction! Eeek!

The IMRA have a run up Carrauntoohill every summer. It's very enjoyable, although I certainly wouldn't be able to do it now. Lactic acid jams my thighs after a couple of hundred metres.

I noticed there weren't ANY alpine plants among the rocks in the video. Overgrazed by sheep?

[Greengage]

Well holy god I didnt know you were an IMRA head, I surly passed you on the way down sometime, that was my strenght, suffered going up. but coming down caution to the wind.

[Geranimojess]