Green Patch

Year of the dragon

2012-01-23T14:30:00.004Z

It is funny what you notice and how you can apply significance to it afterwards. A week or so ago I did some messy painting with the boys. Trying to get Huw over his phobia of putting marks on paper and to stimulate Owen into being more creative with his. We tried blowing runny paint with straws. The one I did reminded me of a dragon shape, once it was dry I drew the features on it with a pen. Then I realised that this year was the year of the dragon so I decided to post it for fun today. I wonder what the year will bring prosperity hopefully, as I think that is what the year of the water dragon is supposed to herald.

Being welsh I do like dragons anyway.

Echinacea art work

2012-01-08T21:56:00.008Z

I have had a little bit of a theme going on since before Christmas. It has been about these echinacea type of plants. Back in February I did a great workshop on reduction linocuts but had not really put the ideas into action on my own at home. I thought I would give it a go using this sort of echinacea flower. I still need to work on my registration but there you go a little more practice might help improve. My mum seemed to like the one I gave her.

I was doodling and messing about the other day and seemed to return to the theme again then I filled the doodle in with watercolour pencils. Anyway it got me thinking and the word embroidery was in my head. I have bought calico and thread and think that I might give embroidery echinacea a go. I am not sure if this is me loosing it a bit, it may only be a one minute wonder project we will have to see.

The first planting of the year

2012-01-03T13:03:00.003Z

What could I be planting out at this time of year I hear you ask. Well to be frank in an attempt to be green we have planted out our Christmas tree in the hope of a bigger tree next year. Hopefully it won't break the allotment rules if we harvest it within the year.

My helper will grow too by next year, so I wonder which will be bigger in December.

New year and a restart

2012-01-01T20:26:00.003Z

I have made a bit of a new year resolution in the style of many previous years. However this time most of the things I have resolved to do are the things I already do. Sort of. I just want to do it with a bit more oomph.

I need to grab the gardening groove again.

I need to take even more photos.

I should do a bit of art work each week.

I should blog more.

I want to turn my random walks into fitness walks.

So here is my first blog of 2012, a good start to the resolve. Accompanied by some trial pictures with my new lensbaby today.

My word for the year is going to be 'organised' and I need to be to stop me getting so irritated with my progress.

Happy New Year.

Santa

2011-12-02T22:42:00.003Z

Today's activity on the advent calendar was to go to the school fair. My eldest is in his last year at first school and one of the year 4 perks is to help in Santa's grotto. He dressed as an elf and this seemed to be more special to him than I imagined. He put his costume on very early today he actually came out of school wearing it. So he caused a stir when I quickly nipped into Morrisons.

As for his little brother he just enjoyed seeing Santa.

Advent has begun

2011-12-01T22:23:00.003Z

With all its chocolate goodness and a full activity calendar.

Half term hopes

2011-10-23T20:57:00.002+01:00

The weekend has passed in a flash, it is the weekend at the start of half term. My son has plans for his week, I suspect he wants to mooch in the park without me or flop in front of a wallpaper of cartoon network. He has a distinct lack of years to be a pre-teen but he is forging a moody sort of Independence already. For once I am off work and accompanying him for the week in its entirety. Although there is a day he will be doing football.

I have plans for my leave and some good activities up my sleeve. I'm expecting quality time.

He will have to join in to some extent. At the end of this week I want to have something to show for it, a cleaner more sorted house, some art work/photography completed, the allotment a little bit more spruced up and some good memories of fun. Hope to catch up with some old friends too, if not in person.

Might even carve a pumpkin in preparation for Halloween.

We are booked to do some Cambridge festival of ideas events. So hopefully when I review the week there will be lots to tell.

Snatched time

2011-10-09T22:54:00.003+01:00

I really shouldn't be doing things this way but as ever the limited time of a weekend is significantly squeezed. It is not as if I want it to be this way I have to be and that is that. I'm lucky as I will shoe horn in some things I want to do over the next couple of weeks but that will rob me of gardening time I am sure. This weekend I visited the allotment and that was great but tinged with a little dissatisfaction. Taking a four year old so that John would get space to fix a light switch and put up a curtain rail was less appealing. You know you are not going to get much done before you started. Ho Hum.

Each week I think I might go down there after the school pick up one evening it is a bit of a pipe dream I fear.

At the allotment I realise that I have definitely grown the smallest squashes in the world. Then turban one was a reasonable size and that was the only one that made the grade. It's shape and strong colours are fantastic I can feel a little photography and even drawing coming on, if I get time. Oops I'm pushing the theme here.

Still I cleared the tomato plants and the recent warmth has rushed the fruit from green to red, so I had loads more tomatoes than I had banked upon. I have turned them into passata this evening. So this weeks menu might be tomato soup, meatballs with spag the rest can go in the freezer.

I did buy my little helper some chocolate on the way home, not for his help of course, but for his upbeat and positive attitude about going to the allotment. He was also amazed to see what happened to the tomatoes.

Sorry about the pics only the mobile to hand today.

Endings or beginings

2011-09-04T12:42:00.006+01:00

A visit to the allotment today and the impending start of the school year gives me that feeling that the growing is over and it is time to start again and to look forward again to changes in the season. It is that time of year of slightly mellow regrets and thoughts of not letting it happen again next year, but I will. It is as inevitable as autumn following summer that I will repeat the similar planting blunders as before but there may be some lucky breaks as well.

Today, I harvested some tomatoes and beetroot and seed saved at the same time. I collected from the sweet peas and swiftly took a seed pod from someone elses Hollyhocks, it was Celia that put that thought in my head and I want those for the garden. Despite seed collecting I also did some some sowing today some japanese spinach which according to the packet you can grow all year round, I'm not sure what it will be like. I have also bought my over wintering onions today.

When I looked around the plot today I realised that I have a lot to do just to tread water. In my head though I am brewing a little dream of upgrading the storage box to a proper shed. Then wouldn't a little greenhouse be just nice too. Dream away.

Auricula

2011-08-21T21:26:00.004+01:00

I think that I might be about to develop a new little obsession. I knew it was coming as the 'seeds' of it were sown in the spring when I visited Bridge end gardens in Saffron Walden and my eyes fell on this terracotta display. The sun was too bright to get any good photos, but I wanted to try again on another day as they were such little bright pots of joy. Then that idea got lost in the waves of life's busy bustle.

I felt it rekindle when I visited the Fitzwilliam Museum a few weeks back and I saw a small exhibition of flower drawings 'Redoute and his pupils'. The one that really sung out at me was a much larger than life picture of Auricula in an earthenware pot by Pancrace Bessa. I would like to photograph those I thought again.

This weekend we went away camping and stayed at Sandringham amongst the trees. We walked with the boys around the country park but did not venture into the really royal bits of the gardens and look at the house. I don't think the boys would tolerate it after the walk we had made they do. However I couldn't resist sticking my nose in the plant shop. Huh. I thought this looks like a lot of stuff that you can get in a garden centre. Then I noticed the boring looking green thing that was very specifically named by variety and I knew I was looking at a Auricula. I knew that I could only buy and transport one so I made a choice and it is now at home with me. It is 'Piers Telford orange and brown'.

If I don't kill it I am going to photograph it when it flowers next year. I might need to check out some care instructions to help with this. If they are fun and not too difficult to grow then I am likely to add to my modest collection of one.

short sweetcorn

2011-08-14T22:45:00.005+01:00

Every year we grow sweetcorn. We have never managed the success of our first year. They are not even a foot tall and they are already flowering at the top. It is probably because they have been too dry see those crispy leaves above. The weeds are lapping at their roots, I planted squash to spread beneath the sweetcorn and suppress the weeds but their growth hasn't been too vigorous either. Never mind there is always next year. Its that phase of the gardening year now the regretful one if only I could have got down their and watered more often......dream.

Huw's flowers

2011-07-24T18:40:00.003+01:00

Of my two boys Huw the youngest seems to have the most interest in helping in the garden. He always asks to help with the watering and he asks to go to the allotment, I'm not daft I know that the interest will wane. He came home from nursery a couple of months ago clutching a packet of seeds he had been given. we planted them and they grew he is now happy because they have started to flower in lots of orangey and peachy colours. You have got to love nasturtiums for their simple, effective and reliable performance.

Just a quick update

2011-06-26T16:50:00.004+01:00

It was commented to me in person this week that I hadn't blogged for a while.

It makes me think about why. I have not really felt that I had much to say, or perhaps it is that things have been moving on so quickly I have let blogging about it pass me by.

I do have lots to say in that the lotty is the best it has looked in ages.(no letter yet!) That is until this last couple of weeks when the drought stopped and the weeds got a drink and went wild. I think a week of endless weeding and a strimming session will get us back on track. I only have a few more things to put out fennel and celeriac. I also plan to sow some last min crops of peas and soya beans and squeeze some rocket in some where I think.

I'm starting to imagine eating my produce already as things are growing reasonably well. But I know where that has got me before, there is still the chance of disaster yet. My spinach has gone to seed overnight, but I'll just plant another row.

We have had a bumper crop of great strawberries that I picked last monday and there are more coming so I feel it is possibly jam time. Last tuesday was my favourite session at gardening club, we harvested the potatoes from the bags. Its my third year of this session and the look on the kids faces are just priceless even the ones that have seen it before.Rudolf was a surprise with its red skins for some of them. My spuds at the lotty have just flowered I can't wait to see what is hiding beneath after their frost damage earlier in the spring.

I've been busy with the boys, football tournaments, photography things and a bit of art 'me' time as well as all the usual work and home things. It doesn't look like it is going to let up any time soon, but maybe I can squeeze a post in more regularly. Excuse the mobile phone shots again, but this wasn't a planned post.

Padlock

2011-05-16T20:58:00.006+01:00

I have a bit of a problem. My storage box at the allotment is now padlocked shut. How can I be such an idiot?

This is how it goes, for more than two years I had a lock with a key. The lock recently started to get very stiff and I was scared that I would not be able to unlock it. So I took the lock off. Then I visited the allotment after the bank holiday to notice that a window I had been saving for a cold frame had been taken. I was pretty certain that somebody had also opened the storage box, nothing was missing but I was a little unsettled.

I went out and bought a new combination lock, set it, put it on, opened it a couple of test times all is well. I visited the lotty on Sunday no problems. Locked it back up and had a little struggle with the lock but all seemed well. Entered the code today which I could happily tell you now for all the good it is, and nothing happened.

I think when I struggled with the lock I accidently must have reset the combination and now I have no idea what it is. Hacksaw time I think.

Oh and my picture of a lock is beautifully saturated with rain something I am worried that I will never see again.

When madness takes hold

2011-04-11T20:32:00.004+01:00

Occasionally I find my self in crazy scrapes of my own making. I picked Owen up from football and without consideration for what was in the car (car seats, toddler bike, stroller and camera tripod at a glance, oh and now two just purchased bags of groceries). I decided to just pop in to Wickes next door from the supermarket and buy that wheelbarrow I've had my eye on. When I looked at it a week or so ago I thought there would be no problem getting it home. Now that the wheelbarrow was along side my car I was not sure. Owen had a look of concern. Even he could see my ancient clio dustbin might not be up to this.

I made an attempt to get it in and panic began to rise. No go!

I thought I'm going to have to make a phone call and he is going to kill me, I can't do that. By now the eyes that were watching me from halfords forced me to make a very special move just for the CCTV. Yes, I sent Owen scuttling over to a quiet it of the car park with the wheelbarrow, then moved the car.

After 10 minutes of unobserved cursing and jiggling I got it in the car over the back seats, yes it is a two door car, and with our seats slightly more forward than normal we drove home.

Thankfully, I did manage to get it out again and it is sitting in my garden. Just remind me to think about my garden purchases a little more before I purchase them in the future. Oh and my new mantra is "my car is not a van".

(sorry for the mobile phone pics but that was all I could manage)

Quiet

2011-04-05T20:25:00.001+01:00

As you may have noticed I have been very very quiet on here. I have been so busy though. I think the allotment is ahead of this point last year (but I have been too scared to check back and see what the blog says). My spuds are in the ground. I have seeds sprouting everywhere. My aim is to avoid a dreaded allotment letter this year.

I am already eating some purple sprouting broccoli and plan to have rhubarb crumble this weekend.

The problem with spring it is over in a blink of an eye so I have also been enjoying its distracting beauty with my camera.

There is so much going on with family life too which will keep me busy for the foreseeable future, but if anyone wants to help let me know. As I don't think the home salad beds are going to be up and running soon and I am cultivating a back garden of thistles again. Never mind eh, its always swings and roundabouts.

spring

2011-02-13T08:47:00.003Z

There are definitely some huge signs of spring happening and I know that I must not get too over excited. I keep noticing how light it is in the early evenings. Little green shoots are appearing. Yesterday was one of those bright days and we took the chance to visit Bennington Lordship gardens a place that I wanted to go to for a long time. It is only open for a few weekends throughout the year, and February for the snowdrops is one of its main times. There were lots of people there photographing the snowdrops and walking the grounds. I was unable to resist the temptation to get out my quirky camera, and caused the usual amount of curiosity with it. I didn't get the best results with it the flare of the sun on the glass but for me it captured the joy of the early spring sunshine.

Lets hope spring is on the way and there is no late snow.

It was that sunday again

2011-01-23T21:39:00.003Z

Seedy Sunday is one of those things that is becoming a fixture on my January calendar. I often carefully engineer a reason to go to Cambridge and stop off at Trumpington for the seed swap. This time it seemed so busy, it is definitely getting bigger every year.
So what did I swap for? I only took some sunflower seeds for the boys to grow and some blue climbing beans. Both of which looked like they had been saved by someone.

I also donated a small amount of money to the Heritage Seed Library for some 'Majorcan' pea bean seeds, and some 'white serpent' squash.

I didn't just get seeds from the visit but surprisingly for a seed swap I got a plant. I left clutching a Jostaberry, I think it will make a good addition for the allotment.

Parsnips and plans

2011-01-09T21:23:00.006Z

Well the sun shone today and I made my first trip of the year to the allotment. I was decked out in my new wellies a little pre-Christmas treat to myself after my last pair sprung a leak. Perhaps 2011 will be more allotment chic than last year.

I did some digging and some tidying and had a good think about how I wanted the growing year to be. I harvested some parsnips, my first, I wanted them for Christmas but they were frozen solid. We ate them this evening and they can only be described as totally lush.

In the sunshine as I commenced working I felt again that feeling the one which reminds me why I have and love the allotment. The smell of fresh air and damp earth. The peacefulness and the possibilities. I hope to keep this liberated feeling and not fall under the chore thumb. Or the heavy hand of the allotment police.

I now have a huge task list from my little look around. I will need to put it in an order and allocate some tasks to someone although the dreaded digging will have to be avoided for him.

I also feel I might spend a little money down at the patch this spring too. Plans way hey.

Avoiding the new

2011-01-05T12:52:00.004Z

Its the New Year.So I should be pushing ahead, forging the shape of the new year. Everyone else seems to be urging others to take part in new projects make their resolutions.

I can't seem to get into the swing of it. I might do some new projects but I will start them later in the year I think.

As for the allotment I can only resolve to have a better year than last. I will work harder at it. I will get some manure down soon. Fingers crossed that Sunday is a little drier and even a little warmer then I can make a start with a full assessment of the plot and one long to do list.

At home I will get the two small raised beds made and up and running for lettuce etc.

I also should resolve to not start my seeds off so early with over excitement at the first signs of spring.

I couldn't boil things down to a word theme for the year, but came up with these two words to focus my year "space and place" I'm hoping that by thinking about these things I will get some order to 2011.

Happy New year everybody. x.

Nadolig Llawen

2010-12-25T10:26:00.003Z

It is here the much anticipated day. No allotment parsnips as frozen solid in the ground. I did brave the snow to reach my Brussels at the allotment, but they are a little damaged by the weather. Never mind there is always next year.

Merry Xmas everybody enjoy the festivities.

Increased costs and less service

2010-12-05T18:44:00.004Z

I know that it is the theme of the moment with all the cut backs etc. I just didn't expect to be experiencing this trend with regard to my allotment.

Firstly there is the increased costs, imagine my surprise when we got the free paper this week. Right on the front page was this article. It does seem like a huge increase but I have paid £10 a year up until now, and I think that £52 isn't too bad. as long as it doesn't keep on increasing at this rate each year.

Secondly, my digging service has been greatly reduced, it has always been sporadic, but now it is unlikely to be any good for the foreseeable future. Somebody managed to get himself some unexpected surgery and digging is banned for a bit.

Might need to have a new year digging party at the lotty and twist a few of the invitees arms.

Things are well behind at the plot for me as the cold snap has put a end to some of my allocated lotty time. Roll on new year hopefully things will be better then

Bonfire weekend

2010-11-07T20:11:00.002Z

I really did plan to burn that heap of garden rubbish down at the plot. I thought that it would be the one time of year when no one would complain about a bonfire. I thought that it would be fun for Owen and I to have the fire around dusk on Friday afternoon after school. I wouldn't want to be down there too late as there is no lighting it might be dangerous walking back across the site.

Everything was put on hold by the rain. That heap is not even dry enough today.

I think I knew it wouldn't be the bonfire evening I planned as my search for medium oatmeal to make parkin had failed, so baking was off. Still we did see great fireworks on the Thursday night which was a lovely unseasonably warm dry November night.

I finally crawled to the allotment today, I have cleared a large enough patch to sow the broad beans next week and plant the winter onions that I still haven't remembered to sort yet. Its not too late for the onions is it?

One good job I did manage to to do was take down the bean poles, and I'm drying out these to save the seeds. Perhaps next week I'll get to light the bonfire.

As the growing season ends

2010-10-18T21:39:00.003+01:00

I am currently being out witted by weeds. There invasion is relentless suffocating my late crops of spinach and chard.

I planted a late crop of peas. I selected a variety called blauwschokker which are meant to be tall and highly productive. They have beautiful dark purple pods and brilliant flowers that look good enough to cut and put into a vase.

Looking at them at the at the allotment they are definitely tall, taller than I anticipated. the row looks slumped upon the pea sticks I had prepared for them. They are in bloom and a handful of pods have started to form. I fear though they are just a couple of weeks to late for a harvest. The cold nights predicted for this week will probably put an end to anything bountiful but at least they are currently beautiful.

(PS excuse the picture it is from my mobile phone)

Questions and Lists

2010-09-19T18:11:00.003+01:00

I paid the allotment association fees today. Whilst I was in the hut I asked a question that I had not fully expected to come tipping out of my mouth. How easy is it to down size to a half plot? As I heard the words I was already asking myself - why are you saying this.

Much to my surprise they said it could be done but then spent most of the time talking me out of the idea. These are the guys that watch my efforts at the plot and when they do their inspections, they send me untidy allotment letters. Their tune was so much more supportive than I expected.

I admit as I reflect now writing this post, I did manage to go most of the growing season without a letter. So that is an improvement on last year.

Inevitably that means I have drawn up another to do list and top of that list is to sort out the strawberry runners, I hope to do it in an evening this week ever ambitious me! I hope that means my mojo is back.

Its because....

2010-09-06T19:02:00.003+01:00

I've been spending some time with these two that the weeds have grown at my allotment

Wet warm weather makes things look worse than they really are, green patch has not galloped out of control I have been doing things. So I am not grateful for the letter about the allotment. But I am truly grateful to have had a great summer with these two.

A plan to forage foiled

2010-09-01T21:54:00.004+01:00

Just before my few days away in Wales, I had tested the ripeness of some green plums. They were not my plums they technically were unowned. They grow on the railway side of the fence which runs parallel to the main path that goes along the edge of my allotment. I felt that I could justify taking them when I returned from my mini break.

This is what greeted me when I went to the patch this week. I wonder if anyone actually had any of the plums. You think I would learn not to anticipate harvesting anything by now with this gardening game.

When the weather is against you

2010-08-13T19:37:00.005+01:00

What a week, I'm not working this week, supposed to be off on a sort of staycation with the kids. The rain has made that a little bit miserable, we were going to try and get a night away near the coast or something, but not now with this weather.

We have had a couple of dashes to the allotment picking courgettes and beans and that is it. I thought that we might do more. I have tried to clear the area in the garden for my raised beds (a little sale bargain) but the heaviest of today's showers have beaten me back indoors.

So in the quieter gaps this week I have pushed on with doing Gina's sketch book fun. I am really enjoying it as I have not drawn for yonks let alone put paint on to paper. I don't know where its going to take me and I don't care I am just going with it. Although I do feel a little nervous showing you all.

My linguine drawings

This year I have had a little thing going on with 'love in the mist' for me it grows weed like in my front garden so I have easy access. I have photographed it at all stages of growth (I may post more about that at another time). So now its very current for a drawing subject with its beautiful and abundant seed heads.

The bit that suprised me the most with how much I liked the effects was with tracing around parts of my sketches now I need to think what I can do with them.

Thank you Gina, I hope there is more experiments to come.

gone to seed

2010-08-09T16:56:00.003+01:00

Some of the garlic that I had put on the drying rack, 'solent wight' has gone to seed.

The seed heads are so beautiful that they warrant a little bit of photographic attention. I think the fact that they have gone to seed means that the garlic will be inedible. Reading around it is not recommended to plant these seeds, just to grow garlic from cloves. I am tempted to experiment. Any thoughts?

Open day 2010

2010-08-08T19:47:00.003+01:00

My experience of allotment open days has been mixed. I've had the shame of being fenced off with some other plot holders in my first year. To the fun of feeling part of the site and joining the activities last year. This year Owen wanted to enter the best scarecrow competition, the theme was superheros, our attempts were as your can see are very basic. Inevitably a last minute construction. I think he looks like a wrestler. There were only a few other scarecrows but they looked like hot competition, no expense spared on their outfits. I have no idea how the judging went but it was fun to do. I hope for Owens sake we get some feedback as his hope was high.

I bought some plants from the stall and bunged them straight in at the plot: a '9 star perennial', 'cavelo nero' and 'romanesco'

lists

2010-07-23T19:06:00.007+01:00

As we start the school summer holidays I know that I need to keep on top of things at the allotment, it is so easy to take your eye off the ball.

My plans for the next week or so (more like so) are as follows:-

dig the patch where the broad beans have been
plant leeks and savoy cabbage out
sow spring cabbage
sow some 'last chance' seeds for late crops
get some edging for the herb bed
deal with the strawberry runners
get Owens patch dug
finally put together the play house
weed around the artichokes
bonfire
cut back the area for next years planting of soft fruit
harvest onions
look for some bargain plants to put out for a final flourish

Quiet yet busy

2010-07-14T19:52:00.004+01:00

I have been very quiet on here recently but I have been very busy doing lots of things.

The end of the school year is approaching and there have been lots of things to attend or do at Owens school. As well as the panic of planning how to manage the holidays.

The allotment is chugging along. It needs a little bit doing to keep on track I need to plant out some more stuff and sow some seeds for late crops. It is currently a bit of a dust bowl we have had no significant rain for weeks. As soon as school breaks up we are going to have to think about making a superhero scarecrow if we are to enter the allotment site competition. Any useful suggestions for the scarecrow are gratefully received.

One of the things that has been keeping me busy was preparing for my exhibition, the opening night was last Monday. I have never done such a thing before and the mixture of nerves and excitement was exhausting. I am glad that I have dipped my toe into the exhibition water as it will open new doors. A lot of people came along to support me and I want to say a big 'thank you' to them all.

Huw gets hands on

2010-06-28T21:59:00.000+01:00

The last few family visits to the allotment Huw has been able to get hands on with gardening activities. He is always keen to use the watering can at home, he may even be showing more interest than his brother did at his age. Over the weekend he helped me plant some cauliflowers and he did it with such care. His brother had a pang of jealousy and joined us with the planting. Then the boys picked the broad beans with there dad.
It was our calmest visit to the plot yet, I hope this continues.

Purple podded peas

2010-06-27T20:33:00.006+01:00

It feels odd to be blogging about purple podded peas when there is an excellent blog by that name. Earlier this year I won one of Celia's giveaways, when I was picked by out by the chickens. As well as some beautiful cards there were seeds in the package, I have sown the salford black beans and purple podded peas. The beans are doing well at the allotment (after a late start with the frost). The peas I popped into the garden where I could keep an eye on them from the patio window. I am so glad that I placed them there it may not be the best growing spot but I have been able to watch them grow and change every day and I cannot full comprehend how quickly this happens. Last weekend when I met Celia during her open studio event, they had just started to flower that I dare not mention it in case I jinxed them. Within the week they have begun to develop pods right in front of my eyes.

.

Filled a pot

2010-06-16T20:34:00.003+01:00

A spur of the moment idea about the fact that alpines or succulents might brighten up a dark corner of the garden occurred to me. Before I knew it I had bought some red succulents. I had some green ones that I had transplanted from some of a plants offshoots last year. These had been festering in their pots waiting to find a home. When I thought about how I was going to arrange them and in what. I remembered the old strawberry planter I obtained on freecycle ages ago. It has never quite made it as a strawberry planter, it just waited empty but for a little gritty soil, but it might be good for this purpose. Just 10 minutes later and I had this - I'm quite pleased with it and can't wait to see what it looks like when the planted get fully established

Foxton Open Gardens

2010-06-13T19:53:00.004+01:00

I just love having a good nose around other peoples gardens. Real gardens not concept gardens created for Chelsea etc. Foxton is a small vibrant village not far from where I live. It is obviously filled with a variety of excellent gardeners with a wide range of styles. Once a year they open up their gardens for a Sunday afternoon. This year there were 16 possible places to visit. The village bustled with viewers. I managed to visit five of the gardens in about 2 hours, everybody was so chatty and friendly it was not possible to go any faster.

If I ever have tea lights and can sit out at dusk in the garden this is the holder that I want them to twinkle from,do you know where can I find one?

I love the use of mirrors in the garden, it fills small compartments of the garden with light and space. And they are great for a confusing photograph like the first one below.

Do you have an old garden bench I can use to display some terracotta pots on? It is so simple an idea that is beautiful and as the plants grow and trail further, its full beauty can only be anticipated. This garden backed onto open fields.

So you have guessed it I have full on garden envy, I'm very green but that is not in my fingers. I'm looking forward to next year's visits and will be making plans for my garden.

Gerkins

2010-06-06T21:50:00.004+01:00

I've never grown gerkins before. I planted 4 seeds as I felt that that would be enough. All germinated. I lost two plants with the cold snap and the march of the slugs into my growhouse.

The two remaining little plantlings have been separated. One has been sent to the allotment, the other remains in a pot at home (where I can keep a closer eye on it). It is not an experiment but I am interested in which one will fair better.

I think that they need to grow up a frame so the picture show the constructions that I am using. I will try to feed them at the same time. Let's see what happens.....

Panel of images

2010-05-21T15:45:00.003+01:00

Last night I put these four images into a panel competition at my photo club I thought I would share them with you! They were mid range in the scoring the judge said a lot about how I had arranged them and mounted them for the competition. I don't think he liked the subject matter much.

Finally some gardening help?

2010-05-15T19:51:00.003+01:00

This morning out of the corner of my eye I saw something moving in the grow house. I grabbed a point and press camera and stood still and sure enough she came back. I have to say her behaviour is completely bonkers, she was removing chunks of compost with out a care for the plants. I'm assuming its crazed nest building but it really is the sort of help that I could do without.

You can see Mrs Blackbird can't you?

Mojo

2010-05-09T17:31:00.005+01:00

Where do I begin, I'm not even strictly talking about the gardening me, overall I fear that I have lost my mojo at the moment. I blame it on election stalemate, cold weather and general irritations. Shockingly it means that I feel little like gardening or photography. Feel free to give me a little kick up the backside!
Something is not quite right I bought a 'women's' magazine (the first in about a year) it is still in the wrapper. What is going on!
I have a strong itch to make or create something but that means I have to leave the sofa in the evenings so I'm always thinking I'll do it tomorrow. I'll just plan it in my head for now.
Do you have any recipes for motivation?
I need to do some photography editing as I want to put a panel of images together for a club competition. All flower still life shots like above if I don't get a move on I'll miss the boat. Help!

Under the influence of Alys

2010-05-05T20:21:00.004+01:00

At the moment I am really enjoying watching the edible garden, Alys has a thrifty and loose style to what she does that is just so infectious. Each week I wish my urban garden was as beautiful and productive as hers has been in the show. Tonight she made a plea for planting more flowers in the garden and not just edible flowers. I think that next year I might have to plan some loose planting areas in my garden. This year I am still contemplating trying to put in some raised beds, but the expense is putting me off. For now I have planted my salad leaves in a wooden wine box in the style of Alys Fowler. The box has been lovingly coated with danish oil and planted up with some of my dig in seeds. Now lets see how long this cut and come again salad will feed me. My second wooden box will be sown with rocket when I get around to it, I might just chuck in a couple of nasturtiums for beauty.

just waiting

2010-04-28T22:20:00.003+01:00

At a time when every one is cracking on with activity down at the allotment I have found myself very short of time. I have snatched very quick visits to the patch and just some little jobs have been completed. The weeds are overtaking springing from no where. I might be completely over run by the weedy enemy soon. You would need a very careful and keen eye to see the subtle changes I have made to the patch.

Hence I think I know what will becoming next, I'm just waiting for one of those little letters.

Just look closely when you do the inspections you judges of cultivation, notice that I have put the spuds in this week and risked planting out some of the beans. Think back to what my plot looked like last year, it is better this year, but will you be able to see it?

The chance to strim the paths and burn the bonfire, would make such a difference fingers crossed I will get to do it soon.

Leggy

2010-04-16T08:44:00.003+01:00

Wish I was as leggy as some of my plants, I'd be over six foot tall.

This is the trouble with planting seeds too early and neglecting them slightly as they gallop away on the window sill. These squash plants should have been potted on before we went away for a few days, I returned to some very droopy and unhappy plants. Still I moved them on into bigger pots and out into the grow house. I planted them deeper into the soil hoping that like tomato plants they will develop more supportive roots from the base of the stems. They will need more support because they are so leggy. Hope they don't snap in the wind.

In the picture is my new found potting tray I didn't think it was going to be as useful as it is, I use it often on the table indoors it reduces the mess and means I can get on with things whenever I need to. A portable potting table.

If ever your in wales....

2010-04-15T11:11:00.004+01:00

I visit St Fagans many times through out the year when I pop back home to Wales. There are lots of things to see there, so each visit can be different. I never feel the need to spend all day there to get my monies worth as it is free, just need to pay about £3 for parking. That is value for money.

At the beginning of this week I went for a visit, we had lovely warm spring sunshine. We headed up towards the castle (its more of a house so little boys my have different expectations from the day) and its formal gardens first. It looks so different in each of the seasons. The late spring blooming means that wood anemones and daffodils carpet the ground, the trees are cracking into bloom and catkins are all fluffy. It is truly beautiful.

The magnolia tree is one of the biggest I've seen.

The kids ran around exploring the gardens, the grandparents soaked up the soft sun and us the parents felt relaxed. I love spring

Thank you, purple podded peas

2010-04-05T08:06:00.003+01:00

Last week I was a lucky winner. After making a comment on purple podded peas, my name was chosen by a living version of ERNIE - a chicken. No ordinary chicken but one of Celia's under gardeners who perform many tasks in the garden as well as the selection of winners. You can see the selection process here.

It was so exciting when the package arrived. It contained some beautiful cards with pictures of heritage vegetables, some hen hanging decorations with bells, a 'flower loomed' flower on a gift card and some seeds.

The seeds include some purple podded peas. I will be sowing them straight away.

I'm thinking of hanging a hen over my desk at work, it will be a motivator to not linger too long at work but leave on time and get out into the garden. I'm also about to look at e-bay for a flower loom as I want to transport myself back to my eight year old creative self, as I had so forgotten this until Celia's recent post.

Celia is so kind, as there wasn't just this bundle of goodies but a little note which gave the location of where Celia and Cliff often spot lots of hares when on their walks. I'll be planning a trip over in that direction soon I think.

Thank you.

Compost

2010-03-31T20:46:00.004+01:00

I am aware that a lot of people have posted about how to compost. For me though, it has never been about getting the right mix of browns and greens. I have two darlek style composters down at the allotment and they have been, with a little bit of coaxing, producing some reasonable compost. Where I have been going wrong is with the actual potential quantity and the transportation of scraps to the allotment. What I'm saying is I could have produced much, much more. If only........ now here is the confession, if only it didn't rot in the corner of the kitchen while waiting for transportation to the allotment. I often collect stuff and think I'll pop down with that after the school run tomorrow, but when tomorrow comes it often just doesn't happen. A smelly bucket just becomes too much to cope with so I then I just chuck it in the brown bin for the council.

So meet my solution, my new composter neatly installed in an overgrown part of my garden. I won't be wasting so much good compostable waste now. A few small steps from the back door and hey presto. I just need to restart my supply of chicken poo from the neighbours. Happy composting ahead of me, I think.

peas and freecycle

2010-03-28T20:31:00.003+01:00

What a day, I spent a good couple of hours weeding around the onions and sowing peas. I think that these were two things from my to do list.

I also spent about an hour and a half moving a playhouse from a nearby freecycler to the patch. Thank you Emma. They had taken the playhouse apart and all but two bits I could squeeze into the back of my little Clio. The other two bits I decided to carry over to the allotments which was just over five minutes walk away. I had put out a wanted post on freecycle for a playhouse but was not hopeful of it yielding anything. The reason I wanted it was to entertain Huw as he can no longer be pushchair bound when we are down the patch. Not sure if it is going to work, we will see.

So after ticking off two jobs I have a new one to add to the list - assemble the playhouse.

The serious to do list

2010-03-22T19:21:00.003Z

chop back the wild patch
dig area for peas, put in pea sticks and sow peas
hoe around garlic
burn the bonfire
cut the grass
make a bean trench
weed behind the strawberries and sow mexican hats
weed around the base of the raspberries
sow a row of carrots and kohl rabi
make a bean trench

Harvesting

2010-03-21T18:51:00.004Z

I know that it is spring. Everyone is sowing seeds and tending their new precious plants through the initial few weeks. So why am I talking about harvesting? Have I lost it completely?

Well last year when I sowed and tended to my brussel sprout seedlings and my celeriac I had great expectations of the food that I would be eating. Today I finally dug out both of these crops ( need the ground back). Oh and the size of the bounty can only leave you reeling with total admiration for my efforts. I knew it would be bad. In fact had left them in the ground with some blind hope that even through the winter they would show some change or some improvement. It was not to be.

I have harvested a handful of sprouts from stalks that would barely make a suitable walking stick for a cat.

I have produced celeriac the size of a golf ball.

Does all this disappointment put me off? Not a bit I have already sown some brussel sprout seeds. And yes I will sow celeriac again; it will be the third year of trying but imagine what it will taste like when I finally get there. That is the great thing about gardening every year you can start again, as this year will be different. Grow well little seeds enjoy the grow house.

Horseradish

2010-03-14T16:31:00.004Z

Today was the day that I chose to plant my spur of the moment purchase. as with all of these sorts of purchases I had no idea what I was supposed to do with it. Thankfully, a call out to the gardening tweeters on twitter led to some good advice accompanied with links to many useful web pages.

I had no idea that it spreads like wild fire, so have chosen to contain it in a large flowerpot (the advice says bucket but its often what you have to hand). I sunk the flower pot to 30cm deep and laid the root at 45 degrees with a little compost. Then I covered it over, now its just time that will reveal all.

Sunny Sunday Start

2010-03-07T15:17:00.003Z

It is just so good to feel that at last the new growing year has started properly. I have seedlings on the windowsills. I have put seeds into the ground at the allotment. I have potatoes to chit. I also have a horseradish to plant, that the trouble with these spur of the moment garden centre purchases, where do I put it and what do you do with it. My sense of excitement and the possibilities are spilling over.

The reality of an allotment is a little bit Jekyll and Hyde I was thinking today as I cleared areas and dug other bits today. You love it, you 'hate' it. It looks good, it looks like a monster.

On the patch I have some good bits that finally look like I own a 'proper' allotment and some bits that need sorting. At the moment I'm very aware that it could all run away from me. I could get left behind as spring marches through. We have loads to do, it's time to focus and crack on.

Looking good.
Needing work.

just like magic

2010-02-19T21:27:00.003Z

It never fails to amaze me when those little seeds you sow burst into life. Look what I-spied on the window sill today.

Started sowing

2010-02-06T15:45:00.007Z

I can hold off no longer, I just have to start sowing. Indoors of course. The window sill is about to be put back into use (still a little too early to get the grow house up and running, wait till next month I keep reminding myself). I have some sweet peas in big pots hoping to kick them off for a good early display.

Owen helped me to sow some tomatos (gartenperle & striped) and some cabbage (hispi).

The new growing season has started.

When I get a moment and the weather is with me I have parsnip, spinach and broad beans to sow in the ground this month. Today is a dank, grey and foggy day not really encouraging for allotment visits. So I'm off to think about potatoes and the Guardian has an article about growing them today. I'm waiting for the potato order to come in to the allotment association ( I know I ordered international kidney and something else but what else?). I also made a spontaneous purchase of edzell blue potatoes, like a magpie I just home into the shiny things displayed on the shop shelves.

feeding the birds

2010-01-24T17:15:00.004Z

In the school gardening club one of our winter activities has been making bird feeders. We strung empty yogurt pots filled with lard and seeds up around the school grounds. It is not my favourite activity as lard and my vegi tendency are not a good mix. I get stuck in but the grease, the smell, its a general yuck for me!

Feeding birds is a big activity in garden at this time of the year and I tend to buy my bird feed. As I am not up to mixing yucky stuff at home. The poor birds are also aware of my slightly sporadic attempts to keep them fed. I'm best at keeping the window feeder topped up. My mum tells the tale that the birds in her garden actually line up waiting for her to fill the feeders at about 7am each day, needless to say she gets a lot of visitors.

For the last few weeks I have tried to be better at keeping them fed, especially as next weekend is the RSPB big garden birdwatch. We loved counting the birds last year and want to do it again this year. So I have set about ensuring that we do at least get a couple of visitors to count. My feeders are full for the moment.

seedy sunday

2010-01-18T20:08:00.002Z

This was my haul from this years seedy Sunday event I was very restrained. Now just to put the date in my diary for next year!

Nothing can be done

2010-01-10T08:57:00.003Z

All that can be done for the allotment at the moment is to pay the rent for the year. Snow is all around.

I have plenty that I should be doing, such as tidying & sorting both the allotment and garden. I need to be able to keep sensation in my fingers and toes to do that.

As you can see forgotten grow bags look so sad in the snow but they will have to stay there for now.

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T18:40:00.004Z

I can't believe how fast we have arrived at 2010, time just seems to whiz by as I get older. Also being lashed to the unfaltering programme of school terms makes the seasons change with pace. So its a Happy New Year to everyone from green patch hope the year changes to give great growing seasons to you all.

I failed with some of last years resolutions I wanted to go to Harlow Carr & to the Malvern Show, I managed neither. I though I could reuse them for this year, how cheeky but I would like to recycle more.

Mostly for this year I want to plant more flowers, get my spuds in earlier and take more photographs.

I can't wait to see what the new year and decade brings.

( A little bit of 'spooks' ending in case anyone is conducting surveillance on whether I sort out the storage box)

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T17:12:00.001Z

Seasons greetings to all

December View - rooftops

2009-12-18T09:34:00.002Z

Not sure there will be much action at the allotments this weekend

'tis the season

2009-12-15T13:03:00.003Z

If you wander down to your patch at this time of year it is fair to say that you are most likely to be there on your own. Sunday in the last drops of remaining light we dug a little more for about half an hour. It does make a difference little and often. As the temperatures are dropping this week and there may be frozen ground on the way - I still feel optimistic.

A little job that I must do this weekend is to sort the grow house out if I can't get to the patch. Whatever I do I will have to shoehorn it in between all the Christmas preparations.

Advent

2009-12-01T20:04:00.003Z

Last year buy the time I read the Guardian family section advent had already begun. I had missed the boat. They suggested to have little envelopes with things to do in to make advent fun and it would in many cases be things you would do anyway. I thought it was a great idea. I know that Mrs Be did do this and I think it must have gone well. Are you doing it again this year?

So this year I was prepared for today. I had checked some events in the local paper. I bought envelopes and decorated them in time and tonight the first activity is done - a Santa letter. It was jam packed with the usual wild expectations of a soon to be seven year old. Nevertheless the letter is ready to post.

Other activities are as simple, a little cooking or putting up decorations etc. At this time of year there is minimal gardening that can be used for the calendar. I resisted the temptation to say that Santa won't come unless you dig the allotment. I have put in to plant an amaryllis and make some decorations from some hedgerow finds hopefully that will be enough.

Well lets get all xmastastic!

Positive direction

2009-11-15T21:46:00.003Z

I had the most wonderful feeling as I left the patch today. It almost leaped out of me and danced down the path in front of me. Green patch is starting to look like a proper allotment. Why the glee? Several areas are now dug. This is the most advanced I have been at this point in the year ever.

I have even built a little bonfire ready for when it is dry. Could be a celebratory fire or is that a little pagan.

Now just one more weekend where I can work on the patch before true winter sets in, plus a chance to get some broad beans into the ground. I'll definitely be satisfied. Then I'll be ready to retreat to the cosy planning of next year.

Did some digging

2009-11-10T11:31:00.003Z

This time of year can be a little dull to blog about.

Every year since I have had the allotment I have wished that I had done more autumn digging as I have lost time trying to dig heavy cold frozen soil in the late winter/early spring. At the moment I can have more hope in my heart that this is the year when that happens.

On Sunday I dug a large area over it took about two hours despite the ground being soft and light at the moment.
John promises me he will dig an area for me at the weekend it's been undercover and never been dug so just turning it to let the frost in to break it up would be enough.

If I am over my cold I plan to hoe around the field beans (my green manure for the winter - 'not a weed suppressant' I think looking at it). Also might clear the sweetcorn and peas on the main bed I'm wondering if I should get some manure down too on this bed where I can.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T20:16:00.004Z

A creative gap

2009-10-25T08:02:00.006Z

I had been looking forward to yesterday for a long while - a day to myself. Funnily rather than fill it with shopping or pampering, something I threaten to do but when it comes down to it never want to do, I went on a workshop. As part of the Cambridge festival of Ideas I had a go at intaligo printing, all for free! I have never done this before and had no idea what to expect. At the end of the day I had etched and printed my first ever plate. I felt very relaxed and happy as I headed home.

Garlic

2009-10-18T17:56:00.006+01:00

I have planted out four types of garlic, yes four different types. Why this extravagance you may ask?

Well I'm not sure. I use garlic in my cooking but generally its been the bog standard supermarket garlic. On holiday this year in the Isle of Wight we visited the garlic farm. It was here that I lost control and went wild with my wallet.

I bought 3 jars of chutney after a marathon tasting session to ensure that they were the three I liked the best. Plus some garlic to sow. After a period of indecision (we were in the shop a very long time all in all) I chose solent wight, lautrec wight and Provence wight bulbs for sowing.

Each of these garlics should have a different taste when we get to eat them. As I broke the bulbs apart you can really smell the difference between the varieties. I love their white papery skin and the shiny veneer of each clove. When I was younger one of the favorite drawings that I made was of a garlic plait the texture and bulbous shapes were fun to draw.
The Garlic farm is worth a visit if you are ever over there - time it right and you can take some garlic back home to grow. The farm has a few boards about growing and the history of garlic, but because of our timing we didn't see any garlic actually growing. They provide excellent planting instructions with your purchase and it even has recipes for roasting which I might have to try. I now realise that they are on the net so if this lot of planting prove to be good then I can order again next year. Mind you I would rather have the excuse to go back to the Isle of Wight again.

A work colleague of John's donated some elephant garlic to us to make up the fourth variety this is very mild compared to other garlic but is supposed to be good for roasting.

I also planted out my radar onions today.

stormy moonlight

2009-10-03T20:42:00.003+01:00

All that big talk and a hopeful to do list in the last post means nothing when all I can manage is about 30 mins down at the patch. Had to squeeze that in at the end of the day, and it's definitely October as it gets dark really early now!

So I ticked off 2 items, planted the field beans and the crocus it will be next autumn that they make an appearance so I think I might need to get a little sign made so that I remember where I planted them, then I won't dig them up inadvertently.

I did go to the Allotment Association AGM last night it was quite interesting as they had a talk from the head gardener at Wimpole Hall about the walled garden and it's restoration. I adored the sepia photos from the 1920's which showed the herbaceous borders in their full glory.

There will be no gardening tomorrow as I am off to Stowe Gardens on a photography trip, I may have some shots to show if I'm lucky

focus with the to do list

2009-10-02T16:37:00.004+01:00

Often my progress can be a little random down at the patch. Do a bit of this, ooh look at that, fiddle, become distracted, go home remember what I should have done.

This approach is a complete nightmare when time is against you before you know it weeks have past and little has changed. So before I know it winter will have set in and even less gets done then and I always feel like I'm on the back foot playing catch up against nature.

Where I live was one of the driest places in the country during September and the patch is like a dust bowl at the moment. So digging is not easy but as I have previously said I need to fit in as much as possible in the Autumn so of course it suffices to say that digging is always on my to do list at the moment.

For this weekend the list looks like this:

plant young (spring) cabbage plants out
sow radar onions sets
plant garlic (from the Isle of Wight hope to post about this soon in more detail)
sow field beans as green manure
Sow crocuses (from Saffron Walden)
start Owens bulbs off in pot at home

Tonight is the allotment association AGM I have never been to one before and am not sure that I will go. The only reason I think I want to go is in case they discuss plot holder who are poor at cultivation - I suspect that I would fall into that category although I can't see it as an agenda item so I'm not sure I will need to defend my actions.

Evidence of my poor cultivation skills is definitely mounting, I grew from seed with love and attention summer purple sprouting broccoli, the plants have been good and strong. I was so hopeful. The moment the purple heads appeared the plants have immediately exploded into flower - as in the picture. Is this because September was so dry?

Compost change

2009-09-28T20:21:00.003+01:00

Autumn jobs are usually hard work only broken up by harvesting various crops.

Where I think I have gone wrong in the previous two seasons is not to get on with the autumn digging. There are several areas that I want to dig before the ground freezes. Last weekend I dug over the areas where my potatoes had been. I want to put this area into immediate use for garlic and radar onions.

One of the jobs that I wanted to do immediately was move both my darlek compost bins. I have decided to move them to the spot where the nettles are on the edge of the really wild area. It makes sense as we will be using the patch more effectively. The problem with this is that one of them was really full. After tipping it over I got to see the quality of the compost. Initially I was a little disappointed. After clearing some of the unrotted debris I found dark rich compost. There was lots of it. I had the dilemma of what to do with it, as I have no wheelbarrow.

Thinking on my feet I have spread it out as a mulch on the area where the bins were as this area I want to make into a new bed as it gets sun for longer than some of the other areas. I sprinkled bran on the top just to give the slugs a surprise if they go for it as a warm winter hideout. I went back this evening and covered the area with some ground cover fabric.

I must now restart my chicken poo supply from the neighbour as I think this really made a difference to the speed and quality of the compost.

Photogram

2009-09-20T20:18:00.003+01:00

Just to prove that I have been busy on the photography front, here is a photogram of a bean pod (borlotti bean I think)

It was done in a darkroom (the green colour has been added in photoshop afterwards)

One hour

2009-09-20T16:14:00.006+01:00

One hour, really it is not enough time. If you are me, you do just have to catch what you can, when you can and when you are in the mood and just be glad of it. That is how I can still love my allotment and stop it from ever feeling like a burden. That's how I can forgive it for limited harvests or infestations. It is because it sort of survives with a large helping of benign neglect.

I had a great hour at the patch today, weeding and clearing. Soaking up the warmth of the sun and thinking about what the patch could be like next year. My fennel is looking great and should be big enough to harvest soon before any frost arrives as I imagine the frost will kill it.

However in life not everything goes so well with such levels of neglect and a blog in one of those things that needs a little bit of regular attention. I have been to the patch a bit recently and have plenty to tell you all. So what has got in the way of posting? Well I have lost a little bit of my mojo. I'm also trying to get on top of my photography plans, it has been back to school for Owen in last couple of weeks, then with sorting a 2yr olds birthday needs, as always work has been very busy. Consequently I am just so worn out in the evenings, so to master the computer problems that have emerged since my lap top died has been as much as I could manage. Still it is upwards and onwards and blog posts should become more frequent.

I have had a second horticulturally focused hour today, at the garden centre. This hour which boosted my enthusiasm five fold. It included the purchase of lots of 50p seeds from the bargain bucket. There is nothing like cheap seeds and the promise that it brings! We arrived just in the nick of time and got the last lot of free bulbs for children. The bulbs are for a competition, Its one where we plant the three little red riding hood tulips and we keep a photo diary (right up Owen's street I think) lets hope that we can manage to do this and hand it in, in May next year!

The patch holiday neglect?

2009-08-23T22:06:00.003+01:00

So you go away for a bit of summer fun in the Isle of Wight (highly recommended for a holiday) then you come back and a quick check at the patch reveals.

slugs have munched my lettuce
my pumpkin has doubled in size
lots of ripe red cherry tomatoes
a couple of kilos of courgettes
beans ready to pick on the tepee's
a rather dry and thirsty patch
knee high grass (again)
a sea of weeds

It may not look beautiful but it is bountiful, I left green patch with lots of produce. In return I have given it a well needed drink (nettle tea for my pumpkins). I think that the green patch has manged quite well without me.

Need to find a system for watering

2009-08-21T13:25:00.004+01:00

We were away for nine days and there was a bit of a hot spell whilst we were away.

I hadn't seen the neighbours to ask them to water the few bits on the remains of the grow house (I have taken the cover off).

I knew I would come back to devastation as the aubergine and chilli's are in pots and the tomatoes are out stripping the confines of their grow bag. I have never really looked at watering systems, I wouldn't know where to start and not sure that it is an expense I am willing to pay for a few items. I suppose I could look at low tech Heath Robinson style methods for getting around not being able to water. So let me know what you do to get around the need to water while away.
Luckily I watered them in the nick of time when I got back and they have resuscitated fairly well they are more resilient to such abuse than I thought.

Allotment Open Day

2009-08-09T23:03:00.004+01:00

So much more enjoyable than last year our end of the site wasn't roped off.

I actually felt like I belonged to the allotment association. People talked to us. It was well attended and people were walking around looking at the plots the site completely bustled with busy people. We strimmed our plot to improve the look while we were there.

The competitions were great and in usual form we didn't manage to get our act together and put anything in.

I loved the entries for the unusual vegetable and the display of potato varieties.

calm

2009-08-08T20:29:00.006+01:00

Today I felt stressed, it was stressed for no particular reason, looking back I think it was mainly about when I would manage to squeeze a visit to the plot in. We wanted a whole family visit. But when meals and other events loomed and then took precedence things were pushed back. Add the heat of the day making being there with the kids difficult then we put off our plans at several points today. We haven't been down there for a week because the rain has been against us, but intense sunshine can be just as bad for my redheaded brood.

My biggest fear was what will we find? Tomorrow is the allotments open day they might have fire bombed our plot to improve the look of the site. Also the recent rain might mean that the slugs have taken control.

In the end I went down on my own after tea with no major plans in mind. I planted some pinks along side the strawberry raised bed, and I just drunk in the relaxing atmosphere of a warm evening and golden low sun. The pinks were destined for a home garden project that hasn't fully materialised and if I left them in their pots then they would be doomed to death. A shame as I had grown them from seed. The smell of pinks take me back to childhood rapidly, strangely its a smell that I hated for so many years, but now I want to grow them for the first time ever. Weirdly I love their aroma.

We will be down there tomorrow armed with a strimmer and there is stuff to crop as well

But for me it was a perfect end to the day a great destresser and a it was a good day because I heard the voice of my aussie friend and avid green patch reader. I hope you and your new addition continue getting bigger and better like my pumpkins!

small harvest

2009-07-26T21:05:00.003+01:00

I just love it when we get some produce from the patch, it might not be the prettiest patch but it does produce some tasty stuff. In the picture above are my lovely red lettuce (don't know the variety), yellow courgettes, asparagus peas and lovely dwarf beans.
At home I have more lettuce growing in a growbag along with pak choi. The mollusc's seem to love the pak choi as you can see. I'm desperate to grow some pak choi and this is the second year of trying, so fingers crossed.

In the grow house I think my first chilli is forming.

Today I sowed some spring cabbage 'durham early' it might be just as well to be sowing these because my winter cabbage is looking dire, the cabbage white caterpillars and pigeons have given them a bashing.

Looking to the week ahead I think I'm going to get more done this week at the allotment (weather obliging) as I have a little time after work. I have fennel to plant out and some late running butternut squash. The pumpkins are forming down at the patch and I need to limit the number of fruit on each plant so I will have to look closely at them. I put a 'wanted' onto freecycle for some wall tiles which looks like it is going to be filled - the plan is to put the fruits on the tiles to stop them rotting from underneath I think Matron gave this tip out last year.

I'll rephrase and say I'm excited about the week ahead!

little bit of a break in blogging

2009-07-12T20:47:00.003+01:00

Recently I hit the point of thinking I had nothing to say, for the last few weeks a lot of what I have been doing is a list of rather dull allotment tasks. The boys have been good an obliging when I have been at the patch which although unusual I wouldn't knock it! It is a shame that other things in my daily life have consumed too much of my time and writing a post just became hard to do.

Also who really wants to read a whining list of crop failures? or other irritations? as I think that is all I would have had for you.

For example I might have bleated further about my poor crop of strawberries it totalled about 6, is this normal? I'm sure I got more when I was a child from some 'portskewet' ( its not a variety) strawberry plants in their first year.

This time of year it should be all about bountiful crops and beautiful flowers. Alas never from the green patch.

I have been horticultural in other ways but not at the plot. I visited a nearby village for their open gardens I had a great time and was surprised by what I found, in one garden we turned the corner and walked into a meadow! Our school gardening club has won a silver in the town's 'in bloom' competition which is absolutely fantastic, and makes helping the teacher even more worthwhile. The kids were so proud. We also raised a good bit on the stall at the summer fair which will be ploughed straight back in to the club. We have now set the standard for next year so its going to be hard work to maintain our standard and we do hope to better it you understand.

Today I played a four hour game of catch up at the allotment. Weeding was the most essential and annoying activity. In addition to this I have sorted out the runner beans especially the ones that don't have canes to climb and I rigged some string between the canes for them. I have tried to pin down the strawberry runners. I harvested the end of the broad beans then cleared the area. I planted brussels out and my late sown peas in their toilet rolls. I collected chicken poo from my local source for the composter. I dug up a row of spuds and picked my first three yellow courgettes.
The pushchair trug is back in action.

I got a little bit sun kissed despite sunscreen grrrr.

These are my husbands new wellies getting a good work out.

I am glad to say things are looking better and a couple of visits more and soon might get things well ahead. This week hopefully the parts for our broken strimmer will arrive and that will help sort the paths.

These are the remainder of my salmon flowered peas that had gone over, I plan to save the seed for next year they are now hanging in my kitchen. As my kichen is the size of most peoples utlility room I don't think they will be there for long.

Take a look at the garlic for me, I think it has rust, if so can I eat the bulbs?

Filling those gaps

2009-06-23T20:00:00.003+01:00

That time has come where it is time to find things to sow which will fill the gaps where things have failed on the allotment. This year I have been a little wiser about my sowing for example not direct - as this only makes a banquet of young leaves for the slugs to eat. I know the seed packets say sow direct but I need to keep a beady eye on them and I am making use of the space in the grow house. So I have a tray of Romaine lettuce which has just germinated. Tonight I've sown pak choi and fennel.

Roll on making those spaces work.

the view from the patch

2009-06-14T23:04:00.004+01:00

It has been a very hot and busy day and on my second visit to the patch this is the view that made me feel serene and at one with the patch. That was the original reason for getting the patch to give me a space to relax in and to be productive. I love the stillness and soft light on summers evening at the patch, I could even lose track of time if I was allowed to. I would also love to be floating (champange in hand) in that balloon

I'm still planting things out at the plot, today I put my three 'jack edwards' climbing beans out, only three out of nine seeds germinated. I feel a little sad aout the sucess rate as these are seeds from the seed swap and I might not be able to save seed to swap back. One thing I am proud of are my celariac plants they look so lush and shiny green but it has to be said that they are so so so slow at growing. I hope the slugs don't get them (like last years mini celariac) as I am looking forward to seeing them grow.

One rather stinky job I had to do was to decant my nettle 'tea' brew the bucket it was in was emitting an aroma across several plots distance and the flies were swarming. I poured it into a milk carton and it has a sludgey green colour and is think. It has probably been brewing for a month now so what do you think Mrs Be ok to go?

A photo never lies

2009-06-13T22:25:00.003+01:00

Here are the first produce I have taken off the allotment. The aroma is fantastic. However they have been cunningly positioned to hide the slug or perhaps bird bites.

I am a little irritated with the local garden centre at the moment. These strawberries were supposed to be a late variety 'symphony' I picked them specifically to be later. Now we haven't had Wimbledon yet so how can they be a late variety?

The same garden centre when I asked them about the cranberry I bought (yes admittedly an impulse purchase so I should take what I get) told me it was suitable for the local soil, now I have found out it needs ericacous grrrrr. It is not happy so how am I going to help it.

Quiet chugging

2009-06-09T21:30:00.004+01:00

I've not really had time to post for the last few weeks and I'm not really sure why, but I suppose, if I look back I've been burning the candle at both ends trying to squeeze things in. Another reason for not posting is probably because a lot of what I have been doing down at the patch has been a long list of chores and therefore a little dull.

I have heard nothing since the day of rectification passed, no letters, no nods or winks from the members of the allotment association who may be in the know. I have no idea if I met the standard and I don't think there is much more I can do. It's funny though when you talk to other plot holders quite a few of them have had letters. Some of the more long toothed plot holders imply that there is little more that will happen as it's just muscle flexing. Well I'm not sure, but I am chugging on as I intended anyway.

I got absolutely soaked on Sunday and had to abandon these dwarf beans 'Empress of Russia' down at the plot in the guttering that I had grown them in. I did manage to get then into the ground yesterday. I'm excited to see what they turn out like.

I got by first delivery of chicken poo this weekend my source is my neighbours over the back, it looks like it will be a regular supply. I have just bunged it in the darlek on the plot and hope that will be OK. I'm not very expert at the composting. Having chickens near by is great. Now if I do get a glut of produce (possibly unlikely) then maybe I can swap for fresh eggs which would be a cool deal.

My seedlings in the grow house are starting to diminish as they get planted out so I made a couple chilli plant purchases at the county show I thought that they would do well in the grow house over the summer. One is a jalapeno and one is a lemon drop I have very little knowledge of the different varieties and ease of growing so we shall see.

Rectified?

2009-05-28T22:08:00.007+01:00

Well tomorrow is the big day its the day by which I need to have the plot sorted according to that nasty letter I had a little while ago

You can view the plot from every angle here, I took the shots tonight as evidence. Lets hope it is enough. Well what do you think, be honest, am I cultivated enough?

a bigger weekend

2009-05-25T20:29:00.004+01:00

I love bank holidays it is an extra day for the weekend and extra time to be busier in, as I always try to do lots of nice things as well as chores. With weather like we have had this weekend it would be wrong not to make the most of it.

So I have squeezed a lot of visits to the plot in around all the other fun, I suppose this activity is necessary because I know that the deadline is approaching, and because their is a lot to do so that we will have enough to harvest later in the year. I am running behind. Also seeing Chelsea all week makes me wish for a lusher more cultivated patch.

We live only a few miles from Wimpole Hall and have visited so many times. I never tire of it, for some reason we have never looked at the walled garden (the vegi bit) before now. We have spent loads of time in the formal gardens and walking over the wider grounds. It was lovely the heat from the brick walls was palpable. The gardens had lots of interesting things to see such as the little apricot fruits on the trees and a range of scarecrows. They also had plants for sale and I thought a tray or two of lettuce would add to the look of the plot and at a pound a throw it seemed reasonable

So here are my Wimpole lettuces in a shot taken from the ground as per my tiny plot's suggestion. I quite like the angle and view - its probably the view the slugs will see just before they munch them!

Also I'm really chuffed as on the plot my salmon flowered peas are flowering and this is the furthest I have managed to get with growing peas so far. I'm so excited we might get to eat our own peas. Today I received a lot of brassicas from my mum, in exchange for her grandson for the week what a good half term deal eh?

A wet day finally

2009-05-17T22:34:00.003+01:00

Wet at last, all week the rain has been promised but very little has fallen here. It sort of seems like it has been skirting around us, in fact I have been concerned that the allotment was about to turn into a dust bowl. It seems a little annoying that when I has time to spend at the allotment I had to do it in this mornings showers. I still managed a three hour stint.

'Operation make sure the plot looks cultivated' is in full flow.

I've done some digging
I have also covered the area for the butternut squash with a mulch of horse poo, newspaper and grass clippings I plan to dig it in a few weeks
planted out artichoke and cauliflower plants (spontaneous purchase they were in the 50p bargain bucket section of the garden centre)
sown some mexican hats for a little flower border.

Next week its time to put 'operation tidy up' in to action. Yes lads we are getting ready for the big push on the 29th. Military planning is what will get me through inspection. Oh and the help of a squadron of soldiers, pass me the yellow pages somebody.

My mean green cutting machine

2009-05-10T20:27:00.006+01:00

Let me introduce you to my new toy, I assembled it today. It is very basic and was very cheap. I also think it has a real retro vibe. Yes it is the colour green but it is also environmentally green requiring only my power not petrol. Now my paths should be up to the scrutiny of the allotment patrol. It would be a little easier to use if the paths were less undulating.

Just as I had finally worked out how to assemble the mower and as I began to run it over the path there was a rumbling of a petrol mower behind me. The main path was being cut and low and behold a voice said if you move the box I'll do the path for you. Wow the first bit of lotty help I've had and something that they are not supposed to do. My only guilt came with considering telling John that I had done it. There was fun in knowing that he could never use the mower and achieve such excellent results can you imagine the frustration that would bring! I resisted.

I've sown some climbing beans today 'jack edwards' but I can see that people have already planted their bean plants out on the site - I am truly running behind.

working weekend

2009-04-26T21:56:00.004+01:00

I really feel that this weekend we have had a big push on with things down at the plot. So don't let them refer to me as being uncultivated now.

It started on Friday night with a quick dash to the plot after dinner, we all went down as I need John to help me fire up the strimmer as often I have trouble starting it. I think the pull cord might need tightening. I gave the plot a good strim until I could do no more, thats the point when I start to shake. The paths looked better than before.

On Saturday I returned with big plans and alone. The ground is far to hard to dig at the moment as we have had no rain for over a week, so I gave up quite quickly. I desperately need to clear some couch grass but will wait and see what the start of the week brings softer damp earth hopefully. I planted out sweet peas instead. Filled the raised bed with top soil and my strawberry plants went in. Then did loads of weeding around the blueberries.

Once back home it was time in the quiet of the evening to sow more seeds: courgette, additional sweetcorn, celeriac and leeks.

Finally, today we had a little family trip to the plot. Owen and I planted out some rather ropey and spindly sunflowers. Don't tell the allotment association but I put a little more ground cover down, they don't like the fact that the land is covered. but I have little choice as the weeds are about to go nuts. I did have a major grumble in the shop about my letter, but I think it was just to make me feel better.

John was an absolute star he set about weeding the raspberries without being prompted.

We are looking better

A secret to share

2009-04-24T21:31:00.004+01:00

I have a little secret and it might be said to be a dirty secret, its so bad that it has taken a week for me to share it with you. I needed to calm down a bit first. I probably am not calm enough yet even.

Last week we returned from a couple of days away camping (first time with Huw it went well!). On the door mat was a brown envelope and inside a letter. 'Your plot is uncultivated' it said.

I don't think that John has seen so much steam coming out of my ears in many a year. How can they they say this, it is not as if I haven't been trying, I've been there regularly and I think that the patch looks better than last year. Its true that I might have poor cultivation skills compared to some, especially when you consider my broad beans are taking their time. There is not a lot to see at the moment. However, no matter what, I am attempting to cultivate the plot.

When did they do the inspection? Who did the inspection? I want to know. The members of the allotment association have seen me down their doing things, buying supplies it is not as if I have be AWOL.

Well the letter says I have until the 29th of May to rectify things. I want to say here and now the things I am doing now are the things that I was going to do anyway and are for me and not to make the town council and allotment association happy. So there!

It should also be remembered that there is an area of cow parsley, nettles and tree stumps that may take me a few seasons to get round to tackling (I thought a more formal wildlife area might be best for this bit of the patch). The tree stumps might never be removed due to expense. They can't be expecting me to have this area under control can they?

Sweetcorn out

2009-04-20T21:22:00.005+01:00

Wow it would be fair to say that Owen was very keen to go to the allotment today when I got back from work, I'm not sure that I can believe it. I think he really sees the sweetcorn as 'his vegetable' from all of the things that we grow and he wants to ensure that they are planted in the ground properly.

It's funny I asked him to count up the plants (25 he said) so we made 25 holes and then popped the plants in. We ran out of plants for the holes, did we make too many holes? Or is Owens counting a little bit off? The bed does look a little bit odd as there is a bare patch in the middle it will give our neighbours something to talk about.

We also put the competition onions on the plot one labeled for Huw and one for Owen, let the competition begin maybe the slugs will be the winners.

Spuds

2009-04-19T22:01:00.004+01:00

I am probably the last allotmenteer in the UK to get my spuds in the ground. In fact I only have half of my chitted spuds in the ground I don't think that I had fully appreciated how much space that they would take up. I have filled three quarters of the bed that I had prepared with just the first earlies (lady christel), I still have my maincrop (romero) to go in. But where will they go in?

Last year I made a couple of mistakes with my potatoes. The rows were probably too close to each other. It made earthing them up a little bit difficult and I just made one bad attempt at doing this 'earthing up thing' over their growing season.
This year I have carefully watched other plot holders and how they have put their spuds in. Most people seem to dig a trench rather than pop a spud into a hole. There does seem to be huge variations in the size of ridges that these spuds live under. Some of the ridges are real architectural constructions.

What have I done this year, well I dug trenches for my spuds but when I had finished they seemed to be very flattened disappointing ridges on top. Luckily because I spaced them a little better this year, I dug a trench between the rows and used the earth from the trench to build the ridges into mini mountains. I can now see where the earth to earth up with will be coming from later in the season. It took me two whole hours to do this task at the end when you lean back on your spade and survey your activity you do ponder how what you are looking at could have possibly taken two hours.

After the spuds went in I did not want to do too much more in the line of digging and took the route of planting out and sowing. I have now got my poppet peas planted out and surrounded by slug pellets, I wove a frame for them to grow up from some of my saved raspberry canes. I am not sure if it is bit enough for them its a case of crossing that bridge if we get to it and the frame needs extending. A short row of spinach has also gone in today, I can see the broad beans I sowed a little while ago poking their little heads up.

I'm hoping that after work tomorrow Owen will be in the mood to plant out his sweetcorn, we have discussed doing it but he is known to change his mind, it would be fantastic if we can squeak a visit to the plot in - all of the usual obstacles excepted .

Busy day at the patch

2009-04-13T21:51:00.006+01:00

After a bit of enforced break with working at the patch, we returned for some Sunday (oops no it was Monday- bank holiday disorientation!) sun. We all got down there today the children were less keen, Owen's friend from the patch next door turned up so that helped keep him entertained and I think his parents were pleased that he had a distraction too.

I put together the link-a-board bed today the company had been great sending me the missing board and it arrived really quickly. the bed looks great I just need to prepare it a bit more for the strawberries. I planted some cheap (98p) freesia bulbs along one of the outside edges for a little colour if they turn out to be any good.

The weeds are growing like crazy. John was fantastic today he has cleared the area for the spuds (I had hoped to have them in by good Friday -hey it can't be helped). The plan is that I should just be able to dig the trenches next weekend and get them in.

I sent John and the kids home for lunch, this works well as I get at least another hour of work in before they return to get me. If I'm really lucky they return with a sandwich! Whilst they were away I strimmed the grass but I find I can't do it for long as the petrol strimmer really shakes me to bits. I found my chives and cleared away the weeds that were choking them.

I am amazed that the salmon flowered peas are still alive although they do look very ropey, my poppet peas are ready to go to the patch next weekend too. I am hoping to improve my success with peas this year. To that end I sowed some asparagus peas in some guttering this evening, I like trying new things and want to avoid sending them on to the compost heap in the sky.

Also following Friday's gardeners world I have fished out some tin cans from the recycling box ready to plant up with sunflowers. The ones I have planted already in little pots are not looking too good -rather leggy in fact, Owen has a school sunflower for some competition that hasn't germinated yet. So overall its not looking good so far on the sunflower front. There is still time, still time I think.

Garden change

2009-04-10T21:38:00.004+01:00

Our garden has undergone a change that we didn't do. Its a change that has really got me thinking.

Yesterday our neighbours replaced the fence where our trees had been, it is different to how it was before as it has concrete at the bottom. The concrete is a necessity as their garden would fall into ours without it because of their landscaping. However the concrete is ugly so I want to hide it.

Do you think that its screaming out for a raised bed? I think I do. I've been inspired by the gardeners world raised beds on tonight's show and over at carrots and kids they seem very chuffed with their new garden acquisition.

Now how will I get one made high enough to cover the concrete at a price I can afford. Hmm.

No raised bed

2009-03-29T21:42:00.006+01:00

Today's trip to the patch was a solo effort, phew some space to myself. I have had a poorly toddler for the last 2 days and not left the house. I felt so hemmed in.

I got a fair bit done, there are broad beans and shallots in the ground finally. I cleared the last of the leeks which were only fit for the compost bin as they were rotting. I also put a dalia in the ground in the corner by the tulips, it is the bit that is supposed to lift my heart as I walk towards the patch so a need some all year round colour.

The allotment association have started their competitions I bought 2 mammoth onion plants (just 50p a shot) one for each of the boys. Owen allocated and helped me label each plant. They have been in a greenhouse so need to be hardened off and then the rules state that they must be grown on the patch once hardened off. Hopefully we will do better with these than the marrows last year - as at least they are plants not seeds - we never sowed the seeds last year. I just need to do some research with Owen about how to make a mammoth onions really mammoth. Anyone have any secret feed recipes?

I also planned to assemble the link-a-board raised bed today for a strawberry patch. Its been in the box for a few weeks. Why I didn't open it to check it, is beyond me. Having carted its awkward rather than heavy packaging to the plot I opened to find just 3 boards in the box. 3 boards don't make a square so I just had to take it home again. Now this week I will have to see how good the company are at sorting things out. Hopefully it won't be too much hassle.

I spent the rest of the time, until collected by all the boys, digging.

When I had been collected we took an already prepared (and not by me) picnic to the the RSPB at Sandy, I can't believe how noisy the woodpeckers were. We bought some bird feeders for our garden I have to make it back up to the birds for having removed those trees.

Big change in the garden

2009-03-28T14:08:00.003Z

Our garden is a dreadful mess and very out of control. I have had real trouble with planning what to do with it, especially as all the boys are going to want from a garden is somewhere to play football etc. It is the football obsession that has ruined some of my window box vegi growing efforts last year.

I now realise that one of the reasons I have not been able to get on with planning the garden is the overgrown trees. It is these trees which have actually made the garden look small, dark and depressing - at that is all very off putting if you think that the toil involved with anything you do will make little difference to how the garden looks.

Our neighbours came round; and rightly so as they are fed up with the trees too. They want something done as they are not getting light in their garden in the morning (plus the trees were attracting a lot of pigeons and their poo!) Sometimes you just need the right kick up the backside to get things done.

I don't like conifers at the best of times so I got some men with chainsaws etc to take them down. Wow what a difference it makes just take a look at the before and after photos! I realise that one of the trees is taller than the house. We have light. You could not see our neighbours houses at all before.
I want to put a little tree back in their place because of the birds. My favourite tree is a Rowan but I think this may get too big so I'm considering a Magnolia.

Mad Mothers day

2009-03-22T17:54:00.006Z

How do you make your mother hopping mad on a day where she has been blissfully relaxed?

It is a straight forward and single pronged approach. When you arrive at the allotment site begin to accelerate away from your family, thus arriving at the plot about forty five seconds before they can. It must be just enough time and distance away from them so that they can still hear you and glimpse your actions. Your mums attention will be drawn by the loud cracking sound as you throw yourself onto the newly erected frame of the cloche. You will lie there briefly arms outstretched like a footballer who has just scored. The frame will be totally unrepairable. Your mum will be ranting and spitting feathers. You will need to cry bitterly in an attempt to downgrade the serious nature of your actions. All this will cost you £10 as you will be told that you will be paying for a new one.

For the rest of the afternoon your mother will be perplexed as to what makes a 6 yr old do this, she will utter strange questions in an attempt to determine the state of your mental health. Job done!

I have a little dilemma my salmon flowered peas have become so leggy in their loo roll tubes that I have just had to put them into the ground at the allotment as there is no other home for them. I have hardened them off but I know that it is not the right time to plant them out, but it is a case of die in the tubes or chance it on the patch. I have no real hopes of seeing their salmon flowers appear, and I'm expecting that the other plot holders will be discussing such a rash move if they spot it.

Booting season too

2009-03-16T20:34:00.006Z

When the spring sunshine starts I totally enjoy rummaging around at a car boot sale. Other people are spring cleaning and getting rid of clutter, I seem to like to bring home more clutter. Still its good fun for the boys and you never know what you will find. Owen always seems to do well from a visit to a car booter - often a new toy car, book or some lego. I think he loves to do the browsing too.

At my most recent excursion to a car booter I bought the book above "Puffin Parents Pack". It totally propels me back to the early 70's . I definitely remember these books perhaps they were kicking around in school or I flicked through them in the library. When I picked the book out I thought that I would like to look at what was being suggested to parents and see if it differs from today - it might well do as its over thirty years that have passed by!!
The volume "something to do" is great, its laid out month by month format. It is sectioned into something to do indoors and outdoors. March has many suggestions but its gardening suggestions are summed up in this passage....."This month is known for its blustering winds. These help to dry the soil, so that you may now be able to sow a few lettuce or radish seeds."

The book discusses mad march hares and gives lots of information about them such as they live in a form not a burrow. The mother keeps each of her babies in a separate form and visits each in turn at night to feed it, which seems so organised. These snippets of information I did not know. I love the fact that on my drives to work at the moment I do see the hares in the field in the early mornings the hedgerows and fields are so bare at the moment which makes it easy. Only once have I seen them boxing, a couple of years ago on a march evening just before sunset it was a wonderful sight.

I'll try to post a little bit more of the book each month for fun.

Peas progress

2009-03-15T21:40:00.006Z

The peas that I sowed such a short while ago have shot into action on the window sill. It is amazing how different two varieties of peas can be. The salmon flowered peas are a paler green when compared to the poppet peas, they also have less of the tendrils. The poppet are definitely stocky perhaps that is why they have their name.

The warmer days have caused the peas to go rapidly mad, the poppet are still fairly strong and reasoanbly paced but the salmon have become very leggy. Not a good sign. So I have started to harden them off in the hope of planting them out fairly quickly, they probably won't do well. It's probably a little too early for the peas to be in the allotment ground may be I can find a way to protect them from the cold moments and the hungry slugs.

I have some guttering so I think I will plant it up with some other pea varieties and leave they to do their thing in a sheltered spot of the garden. Just need to find a hacksaw to chop the guttering into manageable lengths.

My sweet peas are coming along nicely thankfully. I donated some seeds to the school gardening club and we have planted up one pot with seeds that had soaked overnight, the other pot had unsoaked seed in it. The aim is to see if there is any difference between the germination in the two pots. Dependant on the results I might consider doing something different next year.

I spent a couple of hours digging at the patch on Saturday so I will have some space to put the peas - perhaps. My link a board raised bed has arrived so next week the jobs that have to be done are more digging, some sowing (things that I am behind on like broad beans) and putting the raised bed together. I also must get the strimmer out and cut the weedy grass that is already gathering strength on the paths, I found lots of slugs hiding in the edges and I want to crack down on them from the start of the year, give them less places to hide. I wonder if it will make a difference

Make March count

2009-03-07T21:41:00.005Z

We are really in the mood to make March count this year. It feels as if this is the key month of the growing year and it might be so easy to get it wrong and miss the boat. I have been trying to restrain myself from sowing too much too quickly as I need to have the space to plant things out in, last year I think somethings got a little leggy waiting for me to clear space to plant them out.

We all went to the allotment together today and it seems to work best if we work until lunch and John takes the boys back to eat while I carry on. They then return to collect me (with a sandwich) and we then go off and do something for the afternoon.

Today Huw had his first real exploration of the patch and he seems to be a natural wielding the spade. He made a bee line for the spade as he knows it's his brothers.

The afternoon thing that we did was take our campervan out for a spin to check its feeling well. It was running well and I can feel the excitement that we all had that we will soon be using it again. I love spring!

Happy birthday to the blog

2009-03-03T20:51:00.005Z

Can you have a blog birthday? How should you celebrate it? With cake? Bottle of Fizz?

To be honest I am surprised that it has lasted to its first birthday as I have never been a good diarist. I lose interest quickly normally and have never sustained a diary beyond January in my whole life. It is amazing to look back and see what we have achieved and what I have learnt in just one year. So its onward to the next birthday and hopefully one year older and wiser in gardening knowledge.

Started

2009-03-01T20:20:00.003Z

I finally feel that the growing year has begun. I am brimming with excitement and anticipation. I need to be wary as if I don't build upon the beginnings quickly making big leaps fast then the weeds will catch and choke my plans, the slugs will hide in lush weed carpet and wait for me to feed them. Because of last year I'm on to you and my war has tactics this time. The nettle patch where you slugs lurk in the shade is cut down and some of the new growth covered with landscaping fabric. Nettles are a sign of fertile soil so that is a big up, but I need to get rid of them to plant the fertile soil, mulching and digging out is recommended so hopefully by late spring I will have eradicated the sluggy nettle patch.

My cranberry is in the ground, I have no further information on how to cultivate it so have taken a jump in with both feet approach. I found it a little area near the compost bin that get a good bit of sun, there should be space for it to spread out. I think that it is low growing and covers ground. With a bit of luck I just leave it now and we will have fresh cranberries for Christmas, ho ho ho - it will probably meet its demise in July.

Jerusalem artichokes are another new addition that I have popped into the ground, I am aware of their fearsome wind reputation but remembered liking them (nutty flavour I think) when I tried them many years ago. Well it was just two tubers that we placed in the ground so I'm not sure how much that will yield.

I also stated sowing some seeds this week, my seed swap peas went in - 'poppet' and 'salmon flowered' there are ten of each. I also sowed some flower seeds, I wanted to diversify a little growing flowers I can cut for the house so starting with sweet peas (gift from mum last year of a mixed pack). The colour I least like I am donating to the school gardening club. I don't soak pea seeds before I plant them but I gather that some people do, I thought we might soak half of the seeds and the kids could see if they do better. The other flower seeds I've sown are pinks these are part of a possible new project for the front garden.

Looking forward John has ordered a link a board raised bed tonight that we plan to grow strawberries in. I have to get my potatoes chitting if they are to be in the ground for Easter. I also plan to sow some cabbage and sweetcorn this week.

Owen has sharing at school this week he plans to share the slightly gruesome find I made at the allotment today. I discovered the decomposed remains of a rat and fished out the skull to show Owen, now of course he wants to take it in to school. Should I stop him?

Photography navel gazing

2009-02-27T22:07:00.004Z

No pictures today.

I've spent the last few days being very reflective about my photography in general. This is for a variety of reasons. It probably coincides with a conversation that I had with another photographer on Thursday night, and how my photographs have fared in recent club competitions. Some of the images (two are in my blog flicker photo stream) have scored fairly well but are a little 'so what' for me. However, images that I have tried to make with a different feel to them have not done so well. Oh its because deep down I'm a sucker for a soft grainy image or dark silhouettes. What does this have to do with allotments and gardening you may well ask.

It has begun to dawn on me that the photographs I most widely exhibit actually appear on my blog. Yet I do not exhibit them or take them as a 'photographer' they are often just snaps taken as a record of activity, sightings and of us having fun. This feels weird now I've said it. To be honest its rare that I take my decent camera to the allotment, so am I really a photographer. Wouldn't a photographer be more diligent? Do blogs with highly composed images tell you whats been going on warts and all, they may just be feeding the aspirational gardener within. A little plan that I'm concocting to aid my demonstrations of gardening expertise is the the use of photoshop - it will be much needed to improve the look of my plot as the seasons progress and my usual disasters occur. I might just clone an area of successful cultivation in someones post, say a row of nice peas then just paste it into one of my plot photos. That really would be armchair gardening.

In truth, looking back through my blog I like the image on my last post. Its a TTV (through the viewfinder) image of snowdrops, each time I happen to view it I smile slightly. Sadly, if I had lots of those sort of images in each post it might look like I was trying to hard and it also might get stale quite quickly. It may not be sustainable to produce this sort of image all the time, especially as this is a created image using a specific technique its not an accurate representation of the snowdrops. However I do want to push my image taking further and the blog gives me a reason to take pictures. To try new techniques, but does this fit with the style of my blog. So how do you know what the right balance is.

It appears to be that I am wrestling with these two points at the moment

Would my blog have a better impact if more of its pictures were composed in a more arty way?

Is there anything wrong with a picture of some freshly turned earth and a 'I did this today' post?

It leads me to ask the blogging world (outside of photography blogs of course) a question what should a blog photograph be like? Lots of you post photos and compile them in certain ways, or take part in photography memes. What do you think?