what are you doing ?

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simon
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#151 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by simon »

Phwoaaah!!!
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Ray P
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#152 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by Ray P »

ed wrote: Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:02 pm shame we don't live closer Ray, and a shame we can't go down to the pub.....
That would've been nice Ed, maybe this'll tickle your fancy - satellite derived bathymetry - We do this sort of thing within my team - I can't share our specific work because of the sensitive nature but you'll get a flavour. This is a commercial company - ours is better!

https://www.tcarta.com/

In simple terms, it's using the data collected by satellites in orbit about 700Km up to measure the depth of coastal waters based on the penetration of light - blue light will penetrate deeper so by measuring its return you can calculate the depth - in good conditions it's pretty accurate to around 30m deep - obviously one aspect of good conditions is clear water so it's suited to tropical waters rather than somewhere like the coast of Yorkshire. We've 'ground truthed' an example against a conventional sonar survey.
Sorry, I couldn't resist!
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Ray P
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#153 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by Ray P »

I spent the morning in the garden today, just some general tidying up, weeding etc. I'm amazed at the level of greenfly infestation on the roses already - just added some bug spray to my essentials list for the weekly shop as there's no sign of any ladybirds yet.
Sorry, I couldn't resist!
simon
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#154 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by simon »

I moved a rhody today, amongst other things. Only a small one, maybe 1300mm tall, but it had been in the same place for a very long time so fingers crossed it likes it's new home.
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jack
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#155 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by jack »

We have a small fernery on the north side of an old Victorian vine wall. After my cycle, spent an hour tidying it up. The ferns, some of which we planted 25 years ago, are now quite substantial. About 20 types in there... Also a lot of Lily of the Valley just coming through...

The border edge is old small logs and the moss on them is beautiful and soft...

A very satisfying job...
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Ray P
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#156 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by Ray P »

I'll do a bit more tidying today, mainly sorting out the pond plants and removing some of the oxygenators that have rather taken over. The problem I have is what to do with all the garden waste; my garden is too small to have a composting regime so I rely on the local recycling centre to do my composting but its shut for the duration. Looks like I'll just have to leave it bagged up for now.
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simon
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#157 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by simon »

With so much shade we do have a few ferns, but most are only a few years old. We're always growing our range of hostas too.

A pond is something I'd really like. There's something I find very calming about watching fish. But it's not practical in our garden with so many trees, we spend a fair proportion of the year clearing leaves. Just when I think we're on top of it lots more accumulate. Right through in to spring.

Our green bin is half full and we're being careful what goes in - all the rooty stuff I don't want to risk in the compost, and lots of ivy I shredded. I've plenty of composting space with 4 bins, but it's a job in itself to turn them all in to the next one to make space at the beginning of the process. But I should be mulching the beds so time and tide waits for no man.
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ed
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#158 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by ed »

here's one for the greenies...
I've never seen the yellow outnumbered by the blue before.....won't be long before that pollution thing will be a thing of the past...what a healthy place.
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Ray P
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#159 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by Ray P »

simon wrote: Sun Apr 05, 2020 9:11 am A pond is something I'd really like. There's something I find very calming about watching fish.
A pond is an essential to me for the same reasons. I managed to squeeze a small raised pond in next to our seating area at the back of the house.

Here's a picture from spring time a few years back. Sadly we've lost the beautiful purple-flowered shrub since - don't recall its name of the top of my head, just that it was Australian.

Image
Last edited by Ray P on Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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JohnG
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#160 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by JohnG »

Yesterday I almost completed a two year old chore.
A pile of approximately 200 Dense Foam Insulation Sheets were stored in a manner that is much more fitting than the way I had left them a few years back.
Preparing the new storage space almost ruined me, Hacking down well established Elder Flower Bushes that had intertwined through Pallets, and then hand balling 3-5mtr x 1mtr timber pallets, I was plum tucker flummoxed and in need of a sit down, before the logistics of the insulation began.
My Wife assisted and she is a Happy Bunny, as until yesterday, they were sitting in full view of our Main Patio Doors, about 30ft away.
Probably one of my worst dump and scarper moments that one :roll:

We will hopefully complete today, but not before we head of to the Grand Sons to deliver a 'Happy Birthday to You' Drive By.
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Ray P
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#161 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by Ray P »

Yuk. I've just given the pond pump and filter a full service - lots of stinky sludge encountered and a new UV tube required.
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jack
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#162 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by jack »

Just given the bees their first proper inspection of the year.

Changed over all the brood boxes and varoa floors to cleaned and sterilised ones. Moved the hive numbers to the new boxes so that the hive inspection records reflect the correct colony - it's law now to keep proper records.

Didn't see the queens but then I wasn't looking for them - just wanted to check that the bees are bringing in pollen - means there is brood in the box and therefore is highly likely to be a queen too...

Checked for eggs, brood & temperament - if there are eggs, a queen was there in the last couple of days... however, if the colony is docile, it's highly likely there is a queen in the box. There are several other indicators of a colony being "queen right" or otherwise too.

Lovely day for the bees. They behaved really well...
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jack
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#163 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by jack »

Just rescued two Peacock butterflies from the office. Must have overwintered and woken with the lovely day we're having...
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Nick
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#164 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by Nick »

There must be a bumble bee nest some where in the office (basically a wooden shed that’s in the process of falling down), as we are getting at least one a day appearing and needing gently escorting outside.
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pre65
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#165 Re: what are you doing ?

Post by pre65 »

Nick wrote: Sun Apr 05, 2020 1:55 pm the office (basically a wooden shed that’s in the process of falling down),
You are too modest. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
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