Post Thunderstorm Potter

Really cool this morning and a bit of a breeze so decided not to oil the two benches.  Both are in serious need of some tlc and have been much neglected but its a small job that can wait for another day.  Instead decided to clean out the mini greenhouse.  Sowed some hosta seed and Michaelmass Daisies (for autumn colour and late bee food next year).  The garden is looking lovely and I think that keeping the to-do list small makes my largish space that more manageable and enjoyable.

Yup - Barleywood Blue.  Very
Alan Titchmarsh 1990s! 

So I had time for the silliest project!  Have a small birdtable that was looking the worst for wear so got a small test-pot of woodstain from Homebase to see how far it would go.  £1.50 did this! Looks pretty full on in close up by actually draws the eye nicely here:
 

Last job was sorting out the bird feeders.  Attracting as much wildlife as possible to the garden has been a central aim - one of the excuses for having lots of flowers!  I looked askance at the prices of some birdfeeders and was trawling the internet last week when I came across this kit for a £2.99.Basically it converts any plastic pop bottle into a fully functional bird feeder.  It arrived a few days ago, popped two holes in a plastic bottle and inserted the plastic hanger, poured in the seed and screwed it into the feeder-base.  You can see how it works here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bshxyaHX9k4 , and the final result...

TaDah....!

Am proper chuffed with this and will be getting some more. If you can't find a stockist, I got mine off eBay.  If you just search Bottle Top Feeder Kit, you'll find one. Must remember to start collecting as much seed as possible to add to much diminished stock.  Have a finch flocker in the back garden - have to fill it up too regularly!

Next job will be the oiling of the benches.  Using unboiled linseed oil.  Will see if it does the trick!