Beaver:

Scotch mist turning to rain today. Neighbour (L) cleaned my strawberry patch and attained a whole bunch of excess plants to replenish his dead ones. While he was here, and with the precipitation, I burned a pile of stuff; part way through I realized: this was not my idea; it would have been less time/energy consuming to take the branches over the hill into the woods - 30 feet and the trash lumber to the dump. But it is done and I did not set anything on fire! Now to clean it all into a garbage bag, move the stones - it was once a "fire pit" and prepare for a couple more raised beds - for the raspberries. The big pots are full of soil for the cherry trees and I took a wheelbarrow load of soil out of one bed so good neighbour could share his peat moss. Tomorrow, rain permitting, I can plant the blueberries and cherries. Sent a message to Dan re building more raised beds for the raspberries. The ground is too moist and L says the roots will rot. Possibly, I could have lumber delivered and do it myself. I'll check on Tuesday.

I managed to extricate the mass of Siberian Iris (about 2 SF!) but could not lift it; it does NOT come apart. I took a few plants to the horticultural society plant sale and showed a pic of this plant; was told of someone using an axe to separate a clump! L will come back for the heavy pile tomorrow; I suggested a chain saw. I have a small clump still and started some from last year's seeds. The two I took to the sale were newbies. Yes, I shall be watchful of these and of the comfrey!

Two days of no potting but vacuumed the house and sorted a pile of gardening papers, turfed out some. Some interesting stuff, including a page on Verbascum/mullein: the plant the guys destroyed last year thinking it a weed! I was anticipating its beautiful growth ---- and then it was gone!!! How could they not realize that if I had not removed it myself it was because I treasured it? I hope at least one will come up this year. L has some on his bare hill so maybe I can cop a couple when they appear.

I have hope that frost is finished for this year so I can plant tender stuff tomorrow. Putting a tomato and jalapeno in pots - just in case. Lavender and sage tomorrow.

We do lock the house in Montreal! Next to a bus stop and people sit on our steps to wait. But in the country, with few neighbours, my theory is: if someone wants to get in, they will, breaking whatever to do so. The neighbours are mindful of strange cars in the drive and Jim would come and check if he were home. So make it easy. No family silver here! I am sure we will be locking the "new" house.

The same with the car. I never lock it in Bancroft until this long May weekend when the influx of outlanders makes it seem wise. In the city - always!