Welcome to the SRT blog No. 57 

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18th June 2021 – Welcome to our blog post No. 57 

June facts……

  •  June was called sera month by the Anglo-Saxons, which translated into “dry month”. June used to be the fourth month in the year. Before Julius Caesar came to power, the calendar year only had 10 months. In 46 BC he created the Julian calendar by adding two more months to the year, which made June the sixth month.
  •  It is the first month of the summer season. June in the Northern Hemisphere is similar to the month of December in the Southern Hemisphere.  
  • June is known as a great month to get married.  
  • The famous tennis tournament Wimbledon is played during the month of June.  
  • The longest day of the year is next week on the 21st. the summer solstice

  • Billy Connolly famously said: ‘There are two seasons in Scotland: June and winter’ 
  • There are 2 zodiac signs for June. Born on or before June 20th then you’re a Gemini, said to be passionate, adaptable, and smart. If you’re born on or after the 21st of June, then you have the Cancer star sign. Those born under the Cancer sign are said to be loyal friends with great emotional depth. 
  • The birth flowers of June are the honeysuckle and the rose. Both of these flowers are symbols of all things relating to love, desire, generosity, and affection. If you were born in June, then there’s a good chance you’ll be a bit of a hopeless romantic! 
  • June has three birthstones – alexandrite, moonstone, and pearl. Alexandrite is said to represent longevity and health. Moonstones on the other hand are said to bring good luck and are associated with love and passion. Finally, we have pearls, the main birthstones of June. Above all else, pearls represent purity and faith. 

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Annette and Noreen were mowing the grounds at the Rectory Cemetery in Berkhamsted. The first session for the Activity Centre who are helping Northchurch with this contract now. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The range of essences labelled up and ‘brewing’ nicely. 

 

 

 

 

 

Drying out elderflowers in the greenhouse to make some elderflower essence. 

 

 

 

 

 

Left over gravel from the recent contract job at the Kings Langley garden, were put to good use at the Activity Centre, filling potholes on the approach to site and in the Sunnyside Church car park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was also enough to finish off around the polytunnel.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Katie was checking that the chickens had plenty of shade at Hemel Food Garden. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More harvesting – good looking garlic and pulling the rhubarb. Great technique. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A four legged visitor joined the Hemel Food Garden team his week – Toby.  

He helped out supervising George loading bedding going to Kings Langley 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The plants unloaded and planted out. Good job Toby (and George)!  

 And later on he also took a break with the purple team – lots of drinks this week as it’s been so hot. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Lots of watering was also needed – of plants  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

….and trainees! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The pond has more wildlife joining the community – a female smooth newt at Northchurch. Close up of the meadow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside one of the ant hills that are been left as part of the conservation project. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some more new moths have been identified from the successful moth trapping exercise.  They all like semi natural grassland and herbaceous plants.  

White ermine – spotty white one 

Burnished brass – golden coloured one 

Heart and dart 

Middle barred minor 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sheep – last week, with full fluffy fleeces still.

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they were sheared using hand shears which helps to reduce the stress for them. This does mean they don’t look so neat but it’s an ancient heritage skill that is still alive and they were glad to be done before the hot weather.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sheep with their new, lightweight, summer coats on. 

 

 

 

 

 

The regular check to make sure the piggies are also keeping cool. 

 

 

 

 

 

Ian came by to collect the plants for Hampton Court that Northchurch have been growing. Bon voyage! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New path creation to the Age UK space.

 

 

 

 

 

And still putting up fencing around the site

 

 

 

 

 

The garlic has been dug up and everyone is really pleased with it this year. Steff and Terry helping to dust off the dirt and arrange them in the bubble greenhouse to dry out. They will then be sold in the farm shop and in the veg boxes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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So glad we have now had some rain.