Firstly, an apology for my absence. The usual spring rush, the phone starts ringing as people notice their gardens and want things tidied up, so work has doubled in a matter of weeks, plus I desperately needed to spend some time on the allotment and repair winter damage (which we still haven't done) and get all of the digging and clearing completed. On top of that, I have been sowing seeds, tending my own garden, being mum and we even managed to fit a long weekend in down in North Devon with my mum to visit the family. Exhausting! Mum always tells me that one day I will meet myself coming back again. Anyhow, to business, allotment business that is. I am been visiting as much as possible, when the weather has allowed, over the last few weeks, and finally both plots are clear and ready for the new growing season. I still have spinach growing, which survived the snow, but the chard didn't. ( photo / image / picture from EJ's Garden ) The rhubarb is looking lovely and I hope to get our first pudding from it next weekend. ( photo / image / picture from EJ's Garden ) This is sorrel, one of my only herbs on the allotment. Boy is it zingy and lemony. I don't use it as much as I should - the young leaves are delish and I really should be more organised and pop to the plot on days when fresh salads are on the menu. ( photo / image / picture from EJ's Garden ) The wildlife is coming alive now and I saw a pair of pheasants strutting around on the plot. There were moorhens wading in the ditch and I could hear woodpeckers in the woods beyond the site. Also, Mr fox was prowling around. And of course, bugs galour. I have seen a lot of dozy bumble bees, and these little darlings are starting to appear. ( photo / image / picture from EJ's Garden ) As you can see from these pictures, I have dug the plots over and have covered the pumpkin/squash plot with manure and the other areas with my well rotted compost. ( photo / image / picture from EJ's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from EJ's Garden ) Fingers and toes crossed that tomorrow I will be able to drag the family to the plot and get the repairs completed to my fruit cage and tomato house. More pics to follow. :-D
I don't know how you manage to do everything you do EJ. Our weather is still too cold to even think about sowing seeds let alone anything else. Your allotments are looking great are a real testament to all your hard work. I'm really glad to hear that your gardening business is doing so well. If you ever run out of things to do there's a garden here that could do with your expert touch!!
Oh my, EJ--this is what I've been longing to see, because I know that we here in W-F are just two weeks behind you. It may have been a long time in coming, but it all sure looks good there. Last weeekend i cleared away the last of the spent sprout plants and a little ladybird fell off one of the leaves. I was touched. I put him in the compost bin where it will be warmer and more protected than on the bare, wind-swept ground on the lottie. Good to see you back on here.
With you going about spring tasks we can't be far behind. Your work will get us inspired for raking and turning the soil and all the other things weather is preventing us from doing. Thank you for the pictures. Jerry
If I could have given you negative seeds, I would! Lucky girl to be able to plant already. I think I shall have to bring my camera outside and show you what our garden looks like. Please remember to breathe in between chores, yes?
