Husqvarna Automower Challenge Day 1 - Installation

We were delighted to have been one of hundred participants selected to test the new Husqvarna Automower in our garden in return for feedback and video reviews via social media.

A garden survey was undertaken by Grahams Garden Machinery, who will also be installing the Automower. Our garden, which includes gentle slopes, a huge ornamental rock and an orchard will apparently be no match for the Husqvarna 430X, so let's see......

We have kept the lawn cut short in preparation for the Automower's arrival and have had an electrical supply fitted to a central location within the garden. Upon installation the friendly chaps from Grahams Garden Machinery connect the Automower docking station and cut a groove (using a nifty machine) around the perimeter of the garden to sink a guide wire. A wire is also fitted centrally guiding the Automower back to the docking station.

A quick set up chat, a pin code is required to access the control system, which is all pretty straight forward. Options include setting time parameters, cutting heights, which days you would like the mower in action and number of times per week, etc. We have set the mower to work during daylight hours as we generate electricity onsite via 216 solar PV panels, so it makes sense to make use of the solar generation. 

And we're away.....the Automower springs into action, gliding across the lawn quite happily (and so quiet!) although it doesn't have much grass to cut for the moment. It rather feels like we have another pet, so we have named him Malcolm the mower. The dog and pet donkey aren't sure what to make of him! 

 

Thanks to Huqvarna for giving us this opportunity, so far we are delighted with the Automower. It will be saving Darrel so much time, whole sunny days can be lost mowing this monster of a lawn! We'll be updating everyone with our video reviews on our YouTube channel, also look out for posts on our Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to check out the Husqvarna Automower website too. Please also feel free to share this information with anyone you feel would be interested in this product.

 

Thanks also to Grahams Garden Machinery for a smooth and friendly installation.

Brighton Cross, Truro TR2 4HD. Tel 01726 884001

 

*Trade in any petrol, battery or electric walk-behind lawnmowers, sit-on or robotic mower that are in working condition and save 10% when purchasing a Husqvarna 420/430X/450X at your local participating Husqvarna dealer http://www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/robotic-lawn-mowers

April Giveaway - organic apron set from Ochre & Ocre

Merlin Farm loves the beautiful range of organic textiles for the home from Cottage in the Hills, home of Ochre & Ocre. You can be in with a chance of winning the new 'Roost' apron, tea towel and oven glove set by visiting www.facebook.com/merlin.farm.cornwall simply like & share the post and answer a simple question. Competition ends 30th April 2016 and the winner will be announced soon after. Good luck! Make sure you check out Cottage in the Hill's website too

Suggestions for a Windy Wet Easter Saturday in Mawgan Porth

Guests arriving yesterday were teased by beautiful sunshine, although bittersweet after experiencing heavy traffic on their journey down to Cornwall. So you can see how lovely it can be, but what to do when the weather turns and it's wet and windy? Don't be down hearted there are still lots of lovely things to do. Here are a few suggestions....

(I have compiled this for our guests staying at Merlin Farm in Mawgan Porth so have tried to suggest places as nearby as possible)

HOT CHOCOLATE/CREAM TEA STOPS:

The Merrymoor Inn overlooking Mawgan Porth Beach http://www.merrymoorinn.com

The Beach Hut overlooking Watergate Bay https://www.watergatebay.co.uk/food-and-drink/the-beach-hut/

INDOOR ATTRACTIONS

The Eden Project, St Austell. The biomes offer great shelter, we often go on wet days and wander round the tropical rainforest biome. Great food, fun and educational for children https://www.edenproject.com
Lobster Hatchery, Padstow. Quite small so won't take long to get around. http://www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk
Pirate Quest, Newquay. http://piratesquest.co.uk
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay. http://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/newquay/

SWIMMING

Waterworld in Newquay http://www.tempusleisure.org.uk/waterworld-newquay/

Oasis, Hendra, Newquay http://www.oasis-hendra.co.uk

CINEMA

What's on? Batman v Superman, Kung Fu Panda...

Nearest Cinemas at Newquay and Wadebridge, for more details visit: http://wtwcinemas.co.uk

OTHER IDEAS

Kernow Chocolate Factory, St Eval http://www.kernowchocolate.co.uk/index.php/

Disco Beads, Mawgan Porth. Make your own jewellery https://www.discobeads.com