The Critters are waking up.

Slowly, things are warming up, and with the micer weather, so the little creatures are comming back to life. Whilst doing some spring cleaning, I came across these ladybirds, hibernating in the corners of the windows in the spare room.

My message, is 'Leave them alone'. I say this as I did once hear one shopper in our local shop asking for fly killer for these lovely aphid eaters. I did explain that they were organic pest control, but some people don't like to be told what to do in thier own homes. She was a tad shocked when I told here how much ladybirds cost to buy as organic aphid control.

One of the others which like to over-winter inside our houses are Lacewings, if you see these, please leave in peace.

An Island of Fire?

Two Ducks, and a Duckling.
In a charming village betwen Bath and Bristol, on the quieter and more pleasant road to drive along, there will be something rather special to have a look at later this year. Yes, we at Simpsons Seeds are teaming up with the ‘Duck’s at Upton Cheyney Chilli Co, that is Alex and louise, plus Jessica, (the duckling).
They have been selling the book Chilli, Chili Chile, (http://www.simpsonsseeds.co.uk/shop/copy_of_Books.html ) for sometime at the farm shop, however after a few late night conversations the idea of a special show tunnel came up. I am able to supply about 100 different types of capsicum, note I say capsicum, as some sweet peppers will be on display, some of their cousins , the tomato, will also be on display, along with a few other plants, companion or useful flowers to help keep pests down.
This project is something for us all to get excited about, currently I am sketching out designs, based on two central island, the first as you enter the tunnel will have some of my favourite chillies, the Rocoto’s, both the red and yellow, and the two pod shape, long and squat. These will be joined by my other ‘favourite’ chillies, the baccatums, tall growing chillies, very tall, in some cases well over 6 feet tall, these shall be central in the first island, some edging will take place. Perhaps some sweet peas? Seriously, they help to reduce pests.
The tunnel will be edged with annuums, and a few frutescens, leaving the final island to host the chinense’s, an island of fire? Island of Fire eh? Sounds like something from an Arthur Conan-Doyle tale. The Upton Cheyney Island of Fire...
All this within a few minutes drive for the good people of Bath and Bristol. 2011 is going to be a great year I believe.