Rhododendron - a countryside scourge.

Rhododendrons are a pet HATE of mine. When they have been allowed to spread rampant throughout the countryside they become a menace. The roots put chemicals into the soil around the plant to 'inhibit' the growth of other plants [ apart from the few trees which were already large enough before the Rhoddies arrived], and these chemicals are also present in the plant itself. The flowers although 'big and blousy' and visited by many bees, are only around for a short time, and any honey containing the pollen from large numbers of blooms, can end up containing so much of the chemical that it can poison the bees in the winter time when they eat their store of honey. The branches and stems also contain the chemical and there have been a few cases where dogs which chew and 'munch' sticks of rhododendron, thrown for them by their owners, can end up with stomach cramps and severe stomach problems caused by the sap.

This is just a few of the reasons why I think it is an excellent to eradicate as much Rhododendron ponticum [the wild purple variety] as possible, to allow the natural flora and fauna to flourish instead. This is what I have been helping with in Kilmarnock with Scott the Clydesdale Horse, assisting us by removing the cut branches to a place where they can be burned safely. [see previous posts] I do have to admit that the thicker stems are excellent wood for burning on fires producing very little smoke and a lot of heat, once they start to burn. The wood from the thicker stems is also good for carving as it is very dense and can be cut into shapes which will not snap easily, in fact I made myself a walking stick from one length, cut out at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.

Time for a clear out?

I have been helping a friend of mine, who is also a blogger, move recently, not only her home but also her business premises!
She and her partner were definately hoarders and the amount of stuff they had to sort through and pack, very carefully, was phenomial.
However, I shouldn't really talk as I have a three story Victorian semi-villa which is packed with 'stuff'. Much of this is things I have collected over the years, when I would go through phases of collecting different things, or I would just see something that I liked, and then try and find somewhere to put it when I got home, however I also have the majority of furniture, ornaments, etc., which belonged to my parents and other relatives, most of which I like [antique stuff] but there are a few things which are kept purely for sentimental reasons and some because I don't like 'waste' and I would rather they went to someone who would appreciate them. I also have a load of stuff from some of my previous jobs - which may come in handy someday - but I have slready been going through that stuff and 'recycling' all the papers, etc, which takes quite a bit of time. It is much nicer when it is a sunny day and I can do it outside, and enjoy the sunshine at the same time!!
I should really have a go at 'carbooting' and try to sell a few things too.
I really could have an EXTREME clear out and try and clear some space, especially in my basement. However I shall probably clear the space only to fill it once more with other things.

Summertime .......and the living is easy!!!!!!!!!!

Well, it is the summertime, and we have had some good weather over the past couple of months. I like the fact that when the sun shines people smile a lot more. Everyone seems to be happier and we all go outside a LOT more. [probably because we do not get wet!!]

We had a fun day where I work recently, where people could get their photos taken with the Clydesdale horse, for a £1 - which was going to the local hospice. We managed to raise about £60 ourselves, and I believe the whole day raised over £2000 for the hospice. It was a lovely sunny day, with a cooling breeze and everybody enjoyed themselves -- including the horse who really likes people, especially children.



This is a photo taken towards the end of the evening. I had come out of our office and could hear voices on the lawn next to the building, when I looked around the corner this was my view. And it appeared as if the dogs were talking

[It was just because it was still warm and they were panting and moving their mouths - their owners were sitting on the benches which were hidden by the hedge!]

The garden is looking great as well

at the moment with lots of purple

flowers in bloom at the moment - Aqueliga

and some globe flowers too,

this is a close up of one of the

huge heads.