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Christmas horses courtesy Wiki (see entry on Dalecarlian horse) |
So, Codger has been a-thinking: Is their anything we can do? The answer is: YES! Let me tell you about Toylink. This is an annual project that BCM have been running for the past 50 years. But it is needed more now than ever. Quoting BCM directly:
Every Christmas, Birmingham City Mission gives gifts to thousands of children in our city. Many of these children would otherwise not receive Christmas presents
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The Prime Minister announcing Lockdown 2.0 |
If you would like to help financially, there are two ways. (1) You can go to the BCM website and give directly. The details are here (2) Alternatively, you can give via Codger. I would really appreciate your help with this. I have already taken initial steps: First, I have raised our target from £1500 to £2500 – as we go to press, £1962.57 has already gone to BCM as a result of what we started with the first lockdown
Second, all donations during this present lockdown (ending 2nd December) will be allocated to Toylink (perhaps I should also remind readers that absolutely no expenses are taken – every penny goes to BCM). Third, I shall try to come up with some timely incentives – the first of which is already under way – please see next item and also please see the STOP PRESS.
To make the donation online you simply click here and follow the on-screen instructions. If that is not convenient, just get in touch with me and we will make the necessary arrangements - no problem. Please think seriously about supporting this second lockdown initiative. You can make a start by viewing this excellent promotional video about Toylink – well worth a couple of minutes of your time …
Spring bulbs
for Toylink
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Spring bulbs in a good quality planter - they will look good after Christmas! |
Anyone who asks may have one,
fully planted up, of course. The bulbs are a mixture of different varieties of muscari, allium, crocus, and sparaxis. Usual
conditions: we do not make a charge, so we are not actually selling. We simply
ask that you consider making a donation to BCM, preferably through our account here
– or by cash direct to me
Getting lit
up
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Grow lights in the greenhouse - looking eerie at night |
Off-the-shelf products are
available. Just search the web for <grow lights> or <grow lamps>
and you will encounter a host of products that are ready to plug-in-and-go.
However, the more ‘oven-ready’ the product the more it is likely to cost. So,
let me take you through Codger’ very own home-brew solution. This cost me £13 –
the amount that I laid out for a pair of 5-watt LED lights plus fittings
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Codger's grow light contraption Mk II |
As I say, many products are
available off the shelf. For example, there are types you can put over a houseplant
– just look around on Amazon – there are loads to choose from. If you want more
details on my DIY approach, feel free to ask. Having only just made mine I
cannot yet speak on lamp-life but, according to the spec, it looks promising.
Incidentally, the metal tubing used for the legs is from the remains of a cheap
plastic greenhouse. These legs slide in 16mm holes drilled in the wooden frame.
I will spare you the other technical details
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The bits - cost £13 approx |
First frost!
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Patio as of today ... |
Most of my dahlias are done flowering.
Many are in pots so, as a temporary measure these are being given some
protection. In due course I shall explain, with photos, how to store them over
winter. Meanwhile the chrysanthemums have put on a great show – see the photos
at the end of today’s blog
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... having had a bit of a tidy up |
Second, I have removed summer bedding
– that is now on the compost. Was mainly begonias and petunias – lobelia still seems
happy. Thirdly, where appropriate, the bedding has been replaced by violas and
the odd pansy – I find that violas do best for me. I have found that those I bought
online are better quality than those bought at the supermarket. Next year I am
hoping to grow my own from seed – and hope to have plenty available for readers
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We are still picking tomatoes |
The fried egg
With the threat of another
national lockdown I was more determined than ever to be in church on Sunday
morning. But for the reason just mentioned, we were at home. Left to my own
devices for lunch, I decided to settle for a fried egg (not that far distant
from roast chicken, when you think about it). Perhaps I was influenced in my
dietary choice by an odd memory that had somehow been triggered. It goes back
to 1960, or thereabouts – let me tell you the story …
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Old Rotterdam |
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I cannot track down any image of the church mentioned - this one is far too smart |
Thinking back, I feel very humbled to remember a poor family sharing the little they had. Today, we are accustomed to think of the Dutch as well-heeled and well-fed – but remember, this was only 15 years after the war. Perhaps we had cake with our coffee, but my outstanding recollection is the fried egg. I can never eat one without thinking of Rotterdam in 1960
We only had a tiny band - not at all like this one! |
Just
remembered
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Toad Lily - Tricyrtis formosana Dark Beauty! |
Toylink again
Let me finish off by again suggesting
that you look at the video above about BCM’s splendid Toylink. Two recent news
items come to mind that I think are pertinent. Not long before the new lockdown
was announced, charities were reporting a huge drop in income. For example,
medical research charities fear a £7.8 billion shortfall due to coronavirus.
Then, just this morning, an awful report of an increase in harm being done to
babies during the first lockdown. You can get the details here. Sorry to
finish on that very sad reality. Let’s do what good we can, while we can …
… my very
best wishes – the old Garden Codger
STOP PRESS
Whilst doing the final edit on
today’s post, I had a brainwave - yes, I know, that doesn’t amount to much.
However, I think it might be of value. The Spring bulb planters on offer have a
slight drawback – by definition, you need to wait until Spring for the flowers.
So, I have come up with an instant alternative. Fancy the same but planters
with an instant display? Well, that is now possible as I have sourced some
nice cyclamens and hellebores. I just need a breathing space to do the planting
up. I shall do that as soon as I can and put up a couple of photos - look out for Toylink Extra. In the
meantime, here are a few shots from the garden this week
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