Now onto a few tasks I find boring, but quite pleased when they are done! It's a bit more maintenance and tidying which doesn't sound like it's greatly financially rewarding. However, with these jobs off the list it means that a whole host of bits and pieces are put to bed for the winter in a way that means they won't need replacing next year - and that can only be a real life saving!
Month 10 - Bite 8
Driving home yesterday and noticing that one of the running light bulbs is out reminded me that a proper winter check is due. Not the drive-it-into-a-main-agent just to hear a whole load of expensive 'you-ought-tos'. A simple checking over at home so... I need to test all the lights (including the fog lights that I so rarely use) and pop out to replace any that are needed. A search for the ice cover, scraper, screen wash and so on are on the list so they are ready and waiting when the time comes. Then an oil check and washer bottle top up and I should be good to go.
Month 10 - Bite 9
The garage is today's port of call.
Since we've now finished the decorating all those tools and materials can be safely cleaned up and stashed away. I know there's a growing pile of paint cans, but I've got a plan for those in next month's round up so it's just a matter of storing them away along with a collection of sheets, towels and tennis balls. Sounds an odd selection but bear with me on this one.
The garden chairs, ladders, outside table and lawn mower can be cleaned and put in their hibernation locations - although I know the mower will be called into action again before the final winter slowdown in growth.
Month 10 - Bite 10
Now onto the shed while I'm in an outside tidying mood!
There's still a number of gardening tasks to be done, but I'm getting started on checking and cleaning the tools and equipment, sorting out the bamboo canes, that kind of thing. As I mentioned earlier, keeping what we already have in good condition is always going to be cheaper than having to go out and buy new because it's rusted or blocked or whatever. I'm not talking about replacing worn out stuff, just making sure that what we've got lasts as long as possible in good condition.
By hanging much of our stuff on hooks it doesn't rest on the floor and has good airflow around each item to keep off the mould, damp and wet - it is a shed after all.
The secateurs, shears, etc. need attention today for sharpening and then we know they'll be ready for action in the spring.
Month 10 - Bite 11
Finally, in this section, it's the cuttings. The plants we saved last year meant that we didn't have to spend out to fill all our pots. They are far too large to save this year by bringing them inside - the shed isn't that big! So, as I've mentioned previously, cuttings have been struck and planted.
They are thriving well and growing strongly at the moment. Of course, they'll need protection as the weather gets colder and darker, so today's mission is to track down and organise the insulating materials used before. This comprises of wood or small crates to layer bubble wrap on to cover the cuttings without touching the leaves - and the bubble wrap itself of course. With that to hand the plants have a fighting chance of gracing the garden next year.
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