In the picture I posted yesterday you probably noticed a chimney pot on the border. This is my attempt at forcing rhubarb which apparently tastes better when forced. You can get properly made pots for such a purpose but I managed to acquire a couple of chimney pots last year when they were refurbishing the chimney's on the big house. The makeshift top is a clay tile that I found lying around the potting shed yard.
As you can see there isn't a lot of action just yet but I'm sure that now the chimney pots are in place things will soon start to move.
I was asked yesterday how Tommy is doing, my initial reaction was to say that he's doing fine but on second thoughts I'm not sure he has ever been doing just fine. Anyway he is still as cantankerous as ever, still barks when I leave him for any length of time, still has stiff joints, more recently though he has become deaf as well which in someways is a blessing as he is no longer terrorised by bangs and such like. His latest affliction is to suffer a stroke, I'm not really sure what effect this has had on him, there is nothing that really stands out. Having said all that he seems happy enough and like to come out in the garden with me although I only take him now when the weather is half decent as I don't like him to lay around in the cold on wet ground. Of course he has competition now as Tess has also discovered the delights of gardening, she thinks it's all about playing ball, to her a garden is not a place of relaxation. As much as I like to take Tess I feel that in favourable conditions that Tommy should get the first choice because he has done some good work in the garden in the past and I don't think he has that much time left to spend in the garden so best to make the most of it.
6 comments:
Oh I hope Tommy gets to spend many sunny days in the garden this spring. Such a good companion.
Misty went deaf too, and it really helped her be less stressed during thunderstorms and such.
I've never seen a chimney pot. I'm sure they're not very common here in the states, but they sure do make lovely planters.
so sorry about Tommy's health issues...but that he can, on a good day, still be out and about is a good thing. Baron's 5 now and it looks like to me his muzzle is already graying a little! Your chimney pot use is wonderful...I hope your efforts will produce large, delicious amounts of rhubarb. Don used to enjoy rhubarb pie!
I am so sorry to red about Tommy!
It's great to have a bit warmer weather now for gardening, there is so much to do. The chimney pot on the rhubarb is a wonderful idea, it also looks nice in the border. I hope Tommy can be out in the garden to enjoy the sun on his body, I see Tess behaves the same as Snarf in my garden, when gardening he is always behind me with his ball.
I imagine using a chimney pot is similar to using 'wall of water'. Interesting concept. Since it's such a narrow chimney, do you remove it at some point when the rhubarb is up a bit more?
Sorry to hear about Tommy though. Poor guy, but he's in good hands.
Yes, Tommy is in good hands. Buddy had a stroke then went on just fine for another year. Send him my best wishes! xx
Post a Comment