Horse ploughing without a horse

Boxing Day and I finally planted out the Sweet Williams. Probably not the optimum planting time but had to wait until the rabbit-proofing was complete. The weather is still unseasonably mild so, hopefully, I'll get away with it. Our initial purchase of wire mesh proved to be of too short a length to finish the task. Rex told me that it had run out but it would be okay because he had put up a sign saying 'No rabbits beyond this point!' So, that's alright then.

Before we put up the mesh fence (which reduces the space and makes it more difficult to get in and out of the plot) we finished the ploughing. After an abortive attempt with the horse (as soon as she felt the drag behind her, she charged forward with the plough skidding along behind) we finally added a further three beds using the horse plough behind a garden tractor. The horse did succeed in something though. Technically, she was the first flower to appear in the garden as her name is 'Fleur'. And very beautiful she is too.

Getting Started

First post and first ploughed furrow. This was back in the summer. Decided against using the horse as Rex not sure that she would manage a straight line. As it turned out, the tractor didn't either! Rex most unhappy with his efforts as he is something of a perfectionist. Assured him that the flowers wouldn't care and that his efforts were not visible from the road. Managed four gracefully curving beds. Since then have rotavated and planted winter wheat and alliums. Thought the alliums would be safe from the depredations of the sheep which shared the field but the drumstick type popped up almost immediately (whether they always do this or whether it was down to the unusually warm autumn, I don't know). It was a race against time then to stock-proof the section of field. Large animals can't get in now but rabbits still can and do. Bare root roses that were planted recently are suffering as a result but the paeonies we have put in are still safe below ground. Rabbit-proof fencing next on our agenda. Bought a bench to put together so that I can sit and enjoy the flowers. Rex horrified. Apparently farmers don't have benches. I'm beginning to see why.