My Rain Plan...
The Koru Brick Courtyard
So it keeps on raining. But I will not let the rain dictate what I do. I want to be in my garden. Sensible time limits and warm, light-weight, easily washed clothing are needed. And a Rain Plan :
Rain Plan
- Light drizzle - three hours max, merino layers, quick-dry trousers.
- Light rain - two hours. Same clothing
- Heavy rain - one hour, swap the quick-dry trousers for waterproofs.
Keeping the legs and bottom moderately dry is the trick. The arms etc. eventually get wet, muddy, and cold, but gardening arms are always on the move, and the merino layers insulate. Wear a cap, to stop the rain from dripping down the back of the neck. I cannot wear heavy-duty wet weather gear and do gardening. Get my expensive Goretex jacket all muddy? No thanks.
Tinsie Camellias
Have rewards ready in the house : warm, dry clothes, the wood-burner already lit, a cup of coffee, food, etc.
Monday 24th July
Good morning to more rain. My bellbirds are at their noisiest in the rain, whistling and chiming to each other. I should embrace the rain like a bellbird. Whistle while I work, perhaps? Actually I am off now to embrace the drizzle in the exceedingly boggy Island Bed.
Two hours later...
Did lots more digging in the interior, removed more Alstroemeria roots. Tried to manouever the new rhododendron properly into its planting hole - no way. It's too heavy. Will need ropes and Non-Gardening Partner.
Tuesday 25th July
Have been for a wet walk with the dogs in the morning mist and drizzle to check on my new chooks in Henworld. All is well, chicks still with their mums, nobody had face-planted.
Good Morning Hens
Noticed that the water race flow was well down - blast! That meant water race action for me. Put on my tall gumboots, and grabbed the kitchen breadknife. Chopped down the remaining Gunnera clumps - AND carted off all the mess to dry out under the hedge. Then cut back Carexes, Phormiums, and ferns. Alas - left all the mess in piles on the back house lawn.
My Rain Plan is working!
Am pleased to report that my Rain Plan is working really well. So can I sustain it? It's certainly more satisfying that sitting inside watching the drips roll down the windows.