We have had a minor disaster this week in that strong winds (not even a storm, but a gust of strong wind during some heavy rain) felled one of my favourite apple trees. Both in 2017 and in 2018 it was also our most productive tree so a big loss.
Annie Elizabeth apple tree
Here in the west of Ireland we have had a very wet spell with what feels like constant rain. So while there are good blackberries and autumn raspberries, many are going rotten because of the rain.
Blackberries
We have a reasonable crop of cob nuts, but each year we loose a lot to nut weevil grubs. We wait to see what this year brings.
Cob nut
It’s all a bit negative isn’t it – so here is some positive news. The chicks are growing. They have been moved out to the polytunnel during the day, and are enjoying consuming chickweed which tends to seed itself in the poly and greenhouse!!
Growing chicks
While in County Clare I really saw the value of scabious as a pollinator plant. We do have a small patch of wild devils-bit scabious but it is one thing I will try and grow more of next year. I also hope to try out some of the cultivated forms too.
Finally for this weeks six, Osteospermum. In one of my previous gardens, this plant did really well, but it has failed to thrive here in the west. This time I bought a potted plant and just re-potted it in a larger pot. And this is its second flowering. I will over winter in the greenhouse or polytunnel and maybe keep it as a pot plant for next year.
Osteospermum
Thank you to The Propagator for hosting Six on Saturday.
Murtagh's Meadow 
Too bad about your favorite apple tree. Over the years I’ve lost many… too many critters like them and I don’t spray.
Your chicks have really grown fast!
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I will try and replace the tree – but yes it is a sad lòss
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I am very sorry about your apple tree but very jealous of your rain. I have not enjoyed my garden as usual because of the heat and lack of rain. Oddly someone gave me a packet of wild scabious seeds yesterday! Amelia
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Weather patterns seem to be changing everywhere. I hope the autumn brings you some rain and some enjoyable times in your garden
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It’s sad about the apple tree especially as has been such a good one, but that’s life! We have had a few windy days here, but not so much rain. Last few days have been sunny but with a nip in the air. I am trying to keep up with the plums at the moment.
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Enjoy your plums. I have a couple on my other tree, which I will enjoy
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It’s a constant struggle out there isn’t it. Making the successes and the beauty all the more magnificent. So sad you lost your apple tree – they become like an old friend don’t they.
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They do indeed and I will miss it but am on lookout for replacement.
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I really love Osteospermum, but we have so many favorites these sedans it just gets pushed out. Currently my wife favors Scaevola also called Fan-flower for its full sun ability,
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I know what you mean, so many wonderful flowers to choose from
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So sorry about your apple tree, I hope you’ll be able to plant a new one that will give you a good harvest 💚 Your blackberries look way ahead of ours and it’s lovely to see how well the chicks are doing 🤗💖🐤 xxx
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Yes I have every intention of getting a new one
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Sorry about the apple tree but they do grow again quite quickly so I hope you find a nice one to replace it
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Thanks, I am already looking out for one
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Pity about the apple… I hope you’ll retain the trunk and have something carved/ made from the wood!
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We may well do that 😉
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Can’t believe the wind blew your lovely tree over. Was it a rare variety and will you replace it with the same?
Have promised myself to get seeds only from wild organic sources if I can – so it’s scabious and your lovely osteospermum..
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No it isn’t rare, so hope to find a replacement
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