Wednesday 8th October 2025 - Are They Late?, Gardening Club and Quinces

I completely forgot to mention, in my last blog, our first sighting this year of the pink foot geese.  This was on the morning of 1^st October, while we were walking on the beach.  I was only thinking, the previous day, that we hadn’t seen or heard them this year.  Both in 2023 and 2024 we first saw them on 14^th September.  Are they late this year or is it, we just haven’t been in the right place and the right time to have seen or heard them?  They migrate down from Greenland, Iceland and other northerly locations.  It could be, these areas have, like us, enjoyed a warm summer and early autumn and therefore, the geese have delayed their flight south.  So far, the skeins have been smaller than earlier years but these birds are still a delight to hear and watch as they make their way across the skies.

A very interesting and informative talk, titled ‘Trees for all Seasons’, was given by Jim Paine at the Gardening Club, yesterday afternoon.  He kept our attention for over an hour as he covered the various tree types as well as how to plant them.  It was evident, Jim has a larger than average garden which is home to a number of different trees; currently colour is being provided by crab apples.  Jim told members, if chosen wisely, a small garden could accommodate one of the columnar varieties of trees providing additional interest and perspective.  Jim brought with him, a small selection of plants to sell, plus free cucumbers and quinces.  I purchased a small allium plant with flowers yet to open, and when I asked if I could have some of the quinces (see photo below), he gave me a bag of them!  Quinces are not easily come by but with a good supply, next week I’m going to cook my Greek pork with quinces recipe and I may try making membrillo (quince paste) which Jim said goes very well with hard cheeses e.g. cheddar.