tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748778804633873932024-03-12T17:39:47.692-07:00I Can Grow ItThis blog is a record of my allotment site and how I am getting along.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-51191550485619713582012-03-19T06:13:00.002-07:002012-03-19T06:32:41.583-07:00MarchI've done some serious digging. Dug in the crimson clover and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phacelia</span>. I have a beautiful potato trench dug out ready and waiting now. My new neighbours were doing a lot of staring yesterday - I don't approve of starers while I'm digging, it puts me off. I think that they were just trying to get tips on what to do, but as I explained to them - they're better off asking someone who knows what they're doing. They seem nice enough, but their beautiful <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">weed free</span>/stone free/leaf free/plant free beds are putting mine to shame - stupid keen newbies.<br /><br />Had nice chat with a couple of young boys through the fence. That went something like this:<br /><br />Are these allotments? Do they have greenhouses on them? How much do they cost? What's the chance of growing cannabis on it?<br /><br />Ha! As if the allotment lady would let them get away with growing cannabis. They didn't seem put off when I told them they'd got no chance. They had a cunning plan up their sleeves - to plant nettles around them for a brilliant disguise. We get told off for not cutting our edges so I don't think plot of nettles would be approved of, but still. They were puffing away on a giant spliff at the time, so probably weren't thinking straight. Bless 'em.<br /><br />I've re-potted on my tomatoes and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chilli's</span>. There are signs of broad beans arriving and my sweet peas are doing well.<br /><br />Planted some more seeds today:<br />Sweetcorn - Lark<br />Cornflower - mixed<br />Sunflower - giant single<br />Runner Bean - Scarlet Emperor (then I dropped them on the floor and planted them again)<br />Pea - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kelvedon</span> Wonder<br />Kale - Dwarf Green Curled<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Brussel</span> Sprouts - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fillbasket</span><br />Broccoli - Early Purple<br />Cabbage - Greyhound<br />Cauliflower - All the year round<br />Lettuce - Little Gem<br />Beetroot - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boltardy</span><br />Tortoise Lady Mixed (that's not for humans, it's for the pet tortoise - he's just woken up)Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-54203147349797778362012-02-19T13:17:00.001-08:002012-02-19T13:30:08.450-08:00Kew<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-R7jb8f1fI/T0FnKvjxY5I/AAAAAAAAA8s/fPeN12HdTiQ/s1600/P1070916.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710959236745356178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-R7jb8f1fI/T0FnKvjxY5I/AAAAAAAAA8s/fPeN12HdTiQ/s400/P1070916.jpg" /></a> Here are some pictures from a visit to <a href="http://www.kew.org/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kew</span> Gardens</a>. This is the palm house, a beautiful Victorian building that takes your breath away at any time, but especially when the sun is setting behind it.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awi-grkHh48/T0FnIqC0JgI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/7i3OO2kyC2Q/s1600/P1070906.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710959200905209346" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awi-grkHh48/T0FnIqC0JgI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/7i3OO2kyC2Q/s400/P1070906.jpg" /></a> You can walk up an iron staircase and walk along the top of the palm house and look down on their amazing collection of palms and tropical plants.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltNvpFjSF4Y/T0FnIQaVvjI/AAAAAAAAA8E/0Q3r0ZBtLqU/s1600/P1070904.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710959194024558130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltNvpFjSF4Y/T0FnIQaVvjI/AAAAAAAAA8E/0Q3r0ZBtLqU/s400/P1070904.jpg" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kew</span> gardens is a nice place to watch the sun go down. </div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-64166771882102894622012-02-19T08:26:00.000-08:002012-02-19T11:03:05.057-08:00February 2012<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l9zuaN8g0MY/T0EkRKeqK-I/AAAAAAAAA74/L4Jiv4FU7V0/s1600/P1080075.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710885679771823074" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l9zuaN8g0MY/T0EkRKeqK-I/AAAAAAAAA74/L4Jiv4FU7V0/s400/P1080075.jpg" /></a> It's been a while so here's a nice picture of the sky for you.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rB1Jli8mUUY/T0EkEretb_I/AAAAAAAAA7s/gcdZ9JKSI7k/s1600/P1080124.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710885465292107762" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rB1Jli8mUUY/T0EkEretb_I/AAAAAAAAA7s/gcdZ9JKSI7k/s400/P1080124.jpg" /></a> I've planted some seeds! The window ledge is looking like it's meant to again.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnXAs-gkme8/T0EkEUv8kYI/AAAAAAAAA7c/R2dK4KEVz5Y/s1600/P1080122.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710885459190387074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnXAs-gkme8/T0EkEUv8kYI/AAAAAAAAA7c/R2dK4KEVz5Y/s400/P1080122.jpg" /></a> The greenhouse has come back to life too. I've planted up my onion sets before planting out - I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but mine didn't do too well last year so I'll give it a go this way and see what happens.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08AsdCg_G5g/T0EkEOakopI/AAAAAAAAA7U/S-T6-Q600CA/s1600/P1080120.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710885457490125458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08AsdCg_G5g/T0EkEOakopI/AAAAAAAAA7U/S-T6-Q600CA/s400/P1080120.jpg" /></a> Planted up the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chillies</span> and the greenhouse crops. <br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiVyRuG8Fh0/T0EkDtKCKzI/AAAAAAAAA68/JiArni7uMgo/s1600/P1080119.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710885448562387762" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiVyRuG8Fh0/T0EkDtKCKzI/AAAAAAAAA68/JiArni7uMgo/s400/P1080119.jpg" /></a>I've used our chilli's from last year so hopefully they'll do well again. There's something nice about the new gardening season, it's a fresh start - new beginnings. Leaving a trail of mud through the house, dirty finger nails and forgetting to put the roast on. </div><br /><div>Here is a boring list of what I've planted for my benefit:</div><br /><div>Onion - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stuttgarter</span> (from the pound shop) - plant out March</div><br /><div>Onion - Red Baron</div><br /><div>Tomato - Moneymaker </div><br /><div>Tomato - Gardeners Delight - the small ones work best for me </div><br /><div>Pepper - Sweet - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">California</span> Wonder</div><br /><div>Pepper - Hot Cayenne </div><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chilli</span> Pepper (whatever it was that I planted last year - that red one that was quite mild)</div><br /><div>Aubergine - Black Beauty (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">shhhh</span> - hated by the rest of the family)</div><br /><div>Cucumber <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marketmore</span> - If I get a cucumber I'll eat my own hat - they never work for me - our greenhouse is too sheltered - stupid council - stupid trees.</div><br /><div>Sweet Pea - Madame Butterfly - present from my brother - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">ahhhh</span>. </div><br /><div>Sweet Pea - High Scent </div><br /><div>Broad Bean - Masterpiece Green <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Longpod</span> (planted in the greenhouse - I know you can plant them direct, but I'm doing both - so sue me)</div><br /><div>Cosmos - Cosmic red</div><br /><div>Clematis - no idea what kind it was just in a brown envelope so I bunged it in. </div><br /><div>Leek - Lyon 2 and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mussleborough</span> (is it called that - can't remember the packet is in the greenhouse) - planted them direct last year and they were rubbish so I'm starting them off at home first. </div><br /><div>And Melon Pepito - ha! This was the boy's idea not mine. As if! In the words of Frank Gallagher 'We live in Manchester <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">FFS</span>.' Anyway, we'll give it a go and hope for a hot summer.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've bought loads of basic seeds from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aldi</span> (lettuce etc), not sure if this is a good idea, but they were 49p each so we'll give them a go. I spread my manure on Thursday so all is going to plan. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Things I need to remember to do:</div><br /><div>Sort out paths, dig in manure, remove dead scarecrow corpse, get broad beans in and some lettuce/salad bits under cloches. Trim back hedge, dig up and move the awful blackberry and replace with fruit that doesn't rip your skin off when you walk past, put in a new compost bin or move the tumbler there, fix the bench... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">erm</span>, think that's it.</div></div></div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-14944369987178485602011-09-02T08:48:00.000-07:002011-09-02T14:44:55.575-07:00Red apples<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTLOpdRvf0k/TmD7Tm5-6CI/AAAAAAAAA60/mye6J2Qc1TA/s1600/P1070382.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647790247002433570" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTLOpdRvf0k/TmD7Tm5-6CI/AAAAAAAAA60/mye6J2Qc1TA/s400/P1070382.jpg" /></a> Our little apple tree has done us proud this year. Snow White couldn't resist these beauties could she? The kids have been going out and picking their own apples off the tree. It's nice to watch. Our green apples aren't doing so well, but there's still quite a good crop, they are just quite small so I think they'll go into pies or for crumbles.
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<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JvSa-XQA-ew/TmD7Tie8pxI/AAAAAAAAA6s/Lj3L5Pkl7vo/s1600/P1070388.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 321px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647790245815297810" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JvSa-XQA-ew/TmD7Tie8pxI/AAAAAAAAA6s/Lj3L5Pkl7vo/s400/P1070388.jpg" /></a> Even though I've been a bit neglectful of the allotment lately there's still a plenty to bring home. I donated some marrows to the allotment shop and hopefully we'll get some more courgettes instead. There are lots and lots of tomatoes down at the allotment all just starting to ripen. </div>
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<br /><div>We went and dug up the rest of the spuds, because blight is sweeping the allotment. Ours are looking good though. When we dug them up we found an egg. Again! It wouldn't be so strange if it hadn't happened last year too. Last time a fox had stolen some eggs that were bound for the allotment BBQ potato salad and buried them all over the site. Surely the fox hasn't done it again? Where has it got the eggs from this time AND why is it always burying it in with my potatoes? Why not with the beans for a change? </div>
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<br /><div>I did wonder if my family were messing with my head and planting eggs just to freak me out. I wouldn't put it past them, but claim to be innocent. Strange things are afoot....</div>
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<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHTqPI-8xH4/TmD7TdScIBI/AAAAAAAAA6k/pfcVvzGY5pQ/s1600/P1070384.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 367px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647790244420657170" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHTqPI-8xH4/TmD7TdScIBI/AAAAAAAAA6k/pfcVvzGY5pQ/s400/P1070384.jpg" /></a> The chilli's in the greenhouse are doing well.
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<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFiC9pDgxFk/TmD7TDUAZVI/AAAAAAAAA6c/DUgHm3Tp9as/s1600/P1070386.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 379px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647790237447906642" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFiC9pDgxFk/TmD7TDUAZVI/AAAAAAAAA6c/DUgHm3Tp9as/s400/P1070386.jpg" /></a> My greenhouse tomatoes won't ripen though. They don't get enough sun. It's more of a tortoise house than a greenhouse, but come on! Get red! What's the matter with you? You're a tomato, you want to be red. You should be ashamed of yourself - green skin - feel embarrassed. Red! Red! Red! </div></div></div>
<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-17121331284206514802011-08-07T08:40:00.001-07:002011-08-07T09:00:24.728-07:00Tatton Flower Show 2011<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KANPqN0y13w/Tj6yhKv-IbI/AAAAAAAAA6M/if9Ru_6eJG0/s1600/P1060437.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638140066405425586" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KANPqN0y13w/Tj6yhKv-IbI/AAAAAAAAA6M/if9Ru_6eJG0/s400/P1060437.jpg" /></a> We went on the last day of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tatton</span> Flower Show and we got great weather. I was quite restrained because we were going away the same evening so I knew I wouldn't have chance to do lots of planting. I bought some huge wooden plant labels that I'm going to write and varnish for the allotment and a few plants.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hweFqt0MKwA/Tj6yTiUkipI/AAAAAAAAA58/hrnvy5WWk6I/s1600/P1060435.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638139832214784658" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hweFqt0MKwA/Tj6yTiUkipI/AAAAAAAAA58/hrnvy5WWk6I/s400/P1060435.jpg" /></a> The gardens that I liked best are the ones were the ones with a more natural feel to them.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyTbEuWCnLo/Tj6yTTPIfKI/AAAAAAAAA50/JDK_JHsxkUc/s1600/P1060415.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638139828165442722" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyTbEuWCnLo/Tj6yTTPIfKI/AAAAAAAAA50/JDK_JHsxkUc/s400/P1060415.jpg" /></a> There were plenty of silly things there that luckily I couldn't carry home on the bus. I did bring back a metal kingfisher though...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">hmmm</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBnyHwfuDQ4/Tj6yTJkvQ_I/AAAAAAAAA5s/qH6yBpNkAtI/s1600/P1060462.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638139825571709938" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBnyHwfuDQ4/Tj6yTJkvQ_I/AAAAAAAAA5s/qH6yBpNkAtI/s400/P1060462.jpg" /></a> I was so organised this year that I went round and took photo's of all the plants that I liked. That way I've got the name and what it looks like and I can look up the seeds later. Like this Tomato Soup <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Echinacea</span>. That's on my list for next year.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7i6JGlNQiU/Tj6yTBNiNxI/AAAAAAAAA5k/PNmhZRkCXm8/s1600/P1060455.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638139823326902034" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7i6JGlNQiU/Tj6yTBNiNxI/AAAAAAAAA5k/PNmhZRkCXm8/s400/P1060455.jpg" /></a> The veg stands were amazing as always. <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-am3ej8yvVgU/Tj6yS0d0vVI/AAAAAAAAA5c/0CXX77csPEQ/s1600/P1060429.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638139819905563986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-am3ej8yvVgU/Tj6yS0d0vVI/AAAAAAAAA5c/0CXX77csPEQ/s400/P1060429.jpg" /></a>I think you can take ideas away from all the gardens and adapt them to your own. There seemed to be a lot of plants being built up this year. The drifts of colour were effective too on this one. I'm going to have a go at making lettuce patterns on the allotment next year. See? I was inspired. </div></div></div></div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-86258509683514789032011-07-22T10:49:00.000-07:002011-07-22T11:29:00.073-07:00Scarecrow<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_gjD9VTSVY/Tim7u42mYUI/AAAAAAAAA5U/S5DL3Oo1jO8/s1600/P1060384.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632239223213285698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_gjD9VTSVY/Tim7u42mYUI/AAAAAAAAA5U/S5DL3Oo1jO8/s400/P1060384.jpg" /></a> We've made a bird <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">scarer</span>. I don't think it's going to scare off many birds, but it does look good. Amazing what a few plastic bags from the Bargain Booze shop can turn into. No? Oh well.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbouiG6WlNY/Tim7uwMtPzI/AAAAAAAAA5M/vl_zfGNlTTg/s1600/P1060386.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632239220890091314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbouiG6WlNY/Tim7uwMtPzI/AAAAAAAAA5M/vl_zfGNlTTg/s400/P1060386.jpg" /></a> We made a scarecrow. Isn't it lifelike?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2xm2SGMdnQ/Tim7unGzftI/AAAAAAAAA5E/A_JO6m5tpRA/s1600/P1060401.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632239218449415890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2xm2SGMdnQ/Tim7unGzftI/AAAAAAAAA5E/A_JO6m5tpRA/s400/P1060401.jpg" /></a> Here he is in all his glory. The Cat in the Allotment. He didn't win a prize, but he's a winner to us.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFNBqY7I_uo/Tim7s_EtTII/AAAAAAAAA48/r5K0_FNHIgQ/s1600/P1060305.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 383px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632239190523333762" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFNBqY7I_uo/Tim7s_EtTII/AAAAAAAAA48/r5K0_FNHIgQ/s400/P1060305.jpg" /></a>Look at my beautiful little baby pumpkins. If I don't grow a pumpkin this year then I won't be happy. You're supposed to feed them with beer aren't you? Well, I'm not doing that. Sorry pumpkin, I don't want you that much. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I went to help out at the open day. We did well and raised £600.00 which isn't bad considering how wet it was. The gazebos all blew away in the wind. My favourite moment was when someone opened a plastic bag for me to put some eggs in. The eggs fell straight through and smashed on the floor because the plastic bag had no bottom. I'm easily amused. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>In other news - my blueberries are going blue. </div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-74852721380961713112011-07-11T08:15:00.000-07:002011-07-11T08:38:01.294-07:00July<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PUXmIj0pGk/ThsUIlMv1NI/AAAAAAAAA4s/F0p2Tb9S1uc/s1600/P1060342.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628114296986653906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PUXmIj0pGk/ThsUIlMv1NI/AAAAAAAAA4s/F0p2Tb9S1uc/s400/P1060342.jpg" /></a> I won't make stupid jokes about my lovely pear..... it would be childish. Last year we had a grand total of one pear, this year we've got loads! No <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">weird</span> pear tree disease that we had last year either. Hopeful signs, unlike my apples. They've got little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">peckerty</span> peck marks all over them from the greedy pigeons.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrvjMW8qapk/ThsUIhBnd6I/AAAAAAAAA4k/0PohruCBUik/s1600/P1060339.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628114295866226594" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrvjMW8qapk/ThsUIhBnd6I/AAAAAAAAA4k/0PohruCBUik/s400/P1060339.jpg" /></a>Oh dear oh dear.... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shhhh</span> don't tell my sweetcorn but it is a source of great embarrassment. I'm ashamed of it. There, I've said it. It's pathetic. I tell it I'm proud of it and I hide my secret shame behind a fake smile.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkVVeeZuTZg/ThsUITVyASI/AAAAAAAAA4c/G5z36fTgoaI/s1600/P1060338.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628114292192706850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkVVeeZuTZg/ThsUITVyASI/AAAAAAAAA4c/G5z36fTgoaI/s400/P1060338.jpg" /></a> I have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inter planted</span> my courgettes with sunflowers - not because my sweetcorn is so dreadful and I'm going to get rid of it, but because will be so aesthetically pleasing when they grow. Oh yes, that's why I've done it.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zdnKNlZ0Ds/ThsT-V5Ah-I/AAAAAAAAA4U/5vxPdxn22NA/s1600/P1060330.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628114121078638562" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zdnKNlZ0Ds/ThsT-V5Ah-I/AAAAAAAAA4U/5vxPdxn22NA/s400/P1060330.jpg" /></a> All my lugging of wood chippings in wheel barrows has paid off and my paths are looking good. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wood chip</span> pile was smoking this morning - yes on fire!!!! I put it out. I'm like a super hero path maker. Putting out fires and building paths and before I'd even had my lunch. All in a days work.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgY9pBTi7AY/ThsT-XETJeI/AAAAAAAAA4M/XNR-CfUPKtQ/s1600/P1060325.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628114121394431458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgY9pBTi7AY/ThsT-XETJeI/AAAAAAAAA4M/XNR-CfUPKtQ/s400/P1060325.jpg" /></a> I like it when the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">perennial</span> sunflowers come out. It cheers me up.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc0HZRQgyS4/ThsT-HFQT8I/AAAAAAAAA4E/mYf8E5KySus/s1600/P1060313.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628114117103472578" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc0HZRQgyS4/ThsT-HFQT8I/AAAAAAAAA4E/mYf8E5KySus/s400/P1060313.jpg" /></a> The poppies are nice too.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EHAD-awTtpM/ThsT939RSnI/AAAAAAAAA38/N1XTh4cmAVU/s1600/P1060305.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628114113043450482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EHAD-awTtpM/ThsT939RSnI/AAAAAAAAA38/N1XTh4cmAVU/s400/P1060305.jpg" /></a>I've got baby pumpkins! I'm so proud. I'm glowing. Aren't they beautiful, my little babies. Don't tell the sweetcorn it will only get <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">jealous</span>.... </div></div></div></div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-85234903769961709442011-06-17T14:05:00.000-07:002011-06-20T05:30:06.601-07:00Gardeners World Live 2011<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_uFF9Eyjik/TfvFk0qMzAI/AAAAAAAAA3s/bugOccjbDac/s1600/P1060224.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619302196476431362" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_uFF9Eyjik/TfvFk0qMzAI/AAAAAAAAA3s/bugOccjbDac/s400/P1060224.jpg" /></a> This garden is called 'Grass' by Tony Smith. It was quite striking - if you like grass. The square in the middle is dug out and has a sunken seated area - made of flowers - no, don't be silly - made of grass. It's about sustainability and the way that we use grass these days. Do you use grass?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lLmNVT3ZTM4/TfvDYK-gVNI/AAAAAAAAA3k/-ywumUyEPjk/s1600/P1060268.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619299780105622738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lLmNVT3ZTM4/TfvDYK-gVNI/AAAAAAAAA3k/-ywumUyEPjk/s400/P1060268.jpg" /></a>These people know how to use colour and contrast. I just chuck stuff in - nature doesn't clash right? Some of the stands are artistic perfection.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfu69uT7hCw/TfvDYP0sn1I/AAAAAAAAA3c/TIrWTbyot3M/s1600/P1060289.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619299781406662482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfu69uT7hCw/TfvDYP0sn1I/AAAAAAAAA3c/TIrWTbyot3M/s400/P1060289.jpg" /></a> The wonderful Monty Don was there filming for Gardeners World. We hid from the cameras and watched from the edge. He's even got his red braces on. Hail the Don! Hail the Don!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cJGPXhvOLo/TfvDX6MLo4I/AAAAAAAAA3U/i4wcK0_1c_Y/s1600/P1060281.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619299775599584130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cJGPXhvOLo/TfvDX6MLo4I/AAAAAAAAA3U/i4wcK0_1c_Y/s400/P1060281.jpg" /></a> We collect guitars in our house. Every one with its own specific purpose of getting in my way. They had a great idea of using them for planters....I have this idea filed away under 'Spring Cleaning'.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f_zu0Cl7zdY/TfvDXSNhVwI/AAAAAAAAA3M/MnGc-ws8swo/s1600/P1060264.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619299764867782402" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f_zu0Cl7zdY/TfvDXSNhVwI/AAAAAAAAA3M/MnGc-ws8swo/s400/P1060264.jpg" /></a> See what I mean? Look at this - some neater <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aliums</span> that mine in the Floral Marque.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYXw3DgIy_E/TfvDAO_azVI/AAAAAAAAA28/KXhvATHyYAA/s1600/P1060250.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619299368866336082" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYXw3DgIy_E/TfvDAO_azVI/AAAAAAAAA28/KXhvATHyYAA/s400/P1060250.jpg" /></a> The Delphiniums in all their glory. Mine always get slugged.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nUuOcHJtWs/TfvC_9pFjpI/AAAAAAAAA20/eWxmHKKgPlM/s1600/P1060252.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619299364209266322" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nUuOcHJtWs/TfvC_9pFjpI/AAAAAAAAA20/eWxmHKKgPlM/s400/P1060252.jpg" /></a>I'll try again with them next year. They are too nice to give up on. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CW87m_ZownI/TfvC_dgX6eI/AAAAAAAAA2k/exG0pGqVUXI/s1600/P1060262.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619299355582786018" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CW87m_ZownI/TfvC_dgX6eI/AAAAAAAAA2k/exG0pGqVUXI/s400/P1060262.jpg" /></a> Some people don't like fox gloves in our house, but it was pointed out that 'you can't have a cottage garden without them' and it's right. How can you not like these? I'm planting some next year - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">shhhhhh</span> don't tell and nobody will notice.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KjMhVX5mHw/TfvC_ONlvlI/AAAAAAAAA2c/pxzp57UmM48/s1600/P1060260.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619299351477468754" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KjMhVX5mHw/TfvC_ONlvlI/AAAAAAAAA2c/pxzp57UmM48/s400/P1060260.jpg" /></a>Fancy them letting a live gorilla in. You'd think it would be dangerous. He just stayed up there like a statue - amazing.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sourjdZ4tO4/TfvCp8oWl5I/AAAAAAAAA2U/fD5WFXO_P2U/s1600/P1060239.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298985980630930" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sourjdZ4tO4/TfvCp8oWl5I/AAAAAAAAA2U/fD5WFXO_P2U/s400/P1060239.jpg" /></a> The carnivorous plants are always a bit Tim <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Burtonesque</span>. On the way out we saw an old man and his wife with bags of them - you can't always trust the old timers - vicious streak well hidden under all that beige clothing.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emuBhX5hTBk/TfvCpZQR_7I/AAAAAAAAA2E/hH1SwWe7nFk/s1600/P1060246.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298976484425650" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emuBhX5hTBk/TfvCpZQR_7I/AAAAAAAAA2E/hH1SwWe7nFk/s400/P1060246.jpg" /></a> The orange and reds in this garden were so vivid and vibrant they were like fire. Yes! Fire!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8kzMG50CO8/TfvCpJPrcAI/AAAAAAAAA18/q1i4TYwB2Y0/s1600/P1060249.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298972186931202" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8kzMG50CO8/TfvCpJPrcAI/AAAAAAAAA18/q1i4TYwB2Y0/s400/P1060249.jpg" /></a> Nice roses - I saw a purple/blue one but it was gone when I went back for it. Next time Mr. Rose you will be mine.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_5Jq8DhXK4/TfvCo6lpRlI/AAAAAAAAA10/sMrzddw2REI/s1600/P1060259.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 362px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298968252532306" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_5Jq8DhXK4/TfvCo6lpRlI/AAAAAAAAA10/sMrzddw2REI/s400/P1060259.jpg" /></a> What are these called? I've forgotten - they have them abroad - the ones from abroad we'll call them.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7G9wQo1pm0/TfvCL2uy3-I/AAAAAAAAA1s/q6siVKapJZ0/s1600/P1060234.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298469000962018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7G9wQo1pm0/TfvCL2uy3-I/AAAAAAAAA1s/q6siVKapJZ0/s400/P1060234.jpg" /></a>'Simple Elements' by Stephen Cobb. A garden to be viewed rather than used. The different elements representing fire, water, earth and wind. Far too neat and tidy for me to recreate, but I like the idea of living sculpture. We should have more of it.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFARFxDaxLU/TfvCLozauOI/AAAAAAAAA1k/CB0uiAM-N7w/s1600/P1060235.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298465262254306" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFARFxDaxLU/TfvCLozauOI/AAAAAAAAA1k/CB0uiAM-N7w/s400/P1060235.jpg" /></a> This one is 'Remember the Dream' by Yvonne Mathews in honour of Macmillan Cancer suppot. There is a wishing pool and a place to sit and dream. It was a mass of pinks roses and clematis leading to the swing where you can reflect and breath in the scent of lavender and sweet peas. Every hospital should have one of these gardens.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_pv3fVUVELM/TfvCLAq2xLI/AAAAAAAAA1c/9qPSkqeAdzE/s1600/P1060236.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298454488925362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_pv3fVUVELM/TfvCLAq2xLI/AAAAAAAAA1c/9qPSkqeAdzE/s400/P1060236.jpg" /></a> The bonsai trees are always incredible at these shows. <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qsBYrpOcyp4/TfvCK7DWr3I/AAAAAAAAA1U/HWEhUQN8m48/s1600/P1060241.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298452981067634" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qsBYrpOcyp4/TfvCK7DWr3I/AAAAAAAAA1U/HWEhUQN8m48/s400/P1060241.jpg" /></a> They are like little works of art.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0sM5KIn81w/TfvCKvGQNQI/AAAAAAAAA1M/7TH_OHuFtis/s1600/P1060237.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298449772000514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0sM5KIn81w/TfvCKvGQNQI/AAAAAAAAA1M/7TH_OHuFtis/s400/P1060237.jpg" /></a> I like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">aliums</span>. Hurrah for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">aliums</span>. They are kind of fun.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yvp7s637vNw/TfvB6sCYHVI/AAAAAAAAA1E/d5rHO746vhw/s1600/P1060220.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298174072528210" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yvp7s637vNw/TfvB6sCYHVI/AAAAAAAAA1E/d5rHO746vhw/s400/P1060220.jpg" /></a> This is the garden that Monty was filming in. He mentioned the combination of flowers and vegetables together. This is probably how my allotment should look and if I had more space it would do. It's got to be the best way to trick the naughty pigeons and to attract the good bug eaters. <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6nV21wvNvg/TfvB6V_UV6I/AAAAAAAAA08/8NnyVr4WpLE/s1600/P1060223.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298168154118050" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6nV21wvNvg/TfvB6V_UV6I/AAAAAAAAA08/8NnyVr4WpLE/s400/P1060223.jpg" /></a> Fancy a sit down? I'd pinch this idea if i had a big garden. It would be really easy to do. There should be more of this too. Why don't they put some of these in the parks? I'm always tempted into doing some gorilla gardening when I look around our boring town. I don't think I'd get away with this recreating this one though...<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wCLs-1Ux1w/TfvB52bQt6I/AAAAAAAAA0s/JO6xX7VL7eQ/s1600/P1060232.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298159681386402" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wCLs-1Ux1w/TfvB52bQt6I/AAAAAAAAA0s/JO6xX7VL7eQ/s400/P1060232.jpg" /></a> We stumbled upon Joe Swift in The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bodgery</span> garden designed by Chris Myers.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzVZq1GWUXA/TfvB5oXpIuI/AAAAAAAAA0k/W7t4vJMQchE/s1600/P1060233.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619298155908113122" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzVZq1GWUXA/TfvB5oXpIuI/AAAAAAAAA0k/W7t4vJMQchE/s400/P1060233.jpg" /></a>What is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bodger</span>? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">They </span>make parts for chair makers but never the whole thing - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">hence</span> an unfinished job becoming known as a bodged job. This fella with a beard is the bodger that inspired the garden. He does that job for real - in real life. I liked the little hut built in the hillside with the smoke coming out of the top and the workman in his rural setting turning the wood. Natural and scruffy - like me. Well scruffy like me. Not sure why the scarecrow was advertising back supports though - oh well.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>So there we are. I had sore feet afterwards, but I was really restrained, I only bought a magazine. I have come away with inspiration instead. Happy to have stood in the presence of the gardening god that is Monty Don. Hail the Don! Hail the Don! etc. A grand day out Gromit. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-48089059452937721752011-06-05T08:33:00.000-07:002011-06-05T08:49:44.983-07:00Nets Done<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABsZZ5AEQtA/Teui0Ki3yvI/AAAAAAAAA0U/wp5QLkJPxmI/s1600/P1060161.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614760377514969842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABsZZ5AEQtA/Teui0Ki3yvI/AAAAAAAAA0U/wp5QLkJPxmI/s400/P1060161.jpg" /></a> Thought I'd share my cottage look front garden with you. We've got loads of bees. Scruffy is best for wildlife right?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnY_fqAxlo4/Teui0GaRArI/AAAAAAAAA0M/j7VYLby3gl8/s1600/P1060164.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 362px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614760376405131954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnY_fqAxlo4/Teui0GaRArI/AAAAAAAAA0M/j7VYLby3gl8/s400/P1060164.jpg" /></a> The strawberries are starting to turn. Just made it in time to net them up and put the straw down today. It's more fun if you do things at the last minute right?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvnaJaHi-i4/TeuizqFU3sI/AAAAAAAAA0E/sF9OcCBwDX4/s1600/P1060168.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614760368801111746" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvnaJaHi-i4/TeuizqFU3sI/AAAAAAAAA0E/sF9OcCBwDX4/s400/P1060168.jpg" /></a>I've got some broad beans starting to come. Saved them for the kids to pick when we go up on bikes this week. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In other news I've bought my grow bags and my tomatoes are doing quite well thank you very much. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Sad news too though, my giant pumpkins have gone! Where are they? As if someone dug them up and stole them because they were so beautiful. Actually, I think they have been viciously eaten. Anyway, I might have to cheat now and buy a couple of squash plants. I've got one sad looking one left that is still in the greenhouse. Planted up some sweet peas today and finally strimmed the grass. Even treated ourselves to some new choppers so that there's more chance of the grass getting a trim (I also cheated and bought a courgette plant from the shops while I was there - mine are all dead, may they rest in pieces eaten to death by passing slugs).</div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-74579858957460484252011-05-19T13:19:00.000-07:002011-05-19T14:35:13.072-07:00May<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0x8VhS1d7P4/TdWBqsnF3QI/AAAAAAAAAzU/0gF37LKxMX8/s1600/P1060153.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608531481489431810" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0x8VhS1d7P4/TdWBqsnF3QI/AAAAAAAAAzU/0gF37LKxMX8/s400/P1060153.jpg" /></a> There wasn't anybody else at the allotment today. It was fabulously quiet and peaceful. Apparantly they have installed CCTV... somewhere, but is so C that I could SEE it. Very high tech and it's better to be safe, but can't help thinking that it is probably all down the other end of the site where my plot isn't - so I'll just be left lying in a puddle of blood and unsuccessfull planting if anyone did attack me anyway.<br /><br />Still, there was no blood today. Just ants biting me. I didn't get ants in my pants, but I did get them all over my hands and shoes... and they hurt.<br /><br />As I was alone I thought I'd take the opportunity for an undisturbed erection (see above). I don't like being watched by the old men while my erection is starting to go up, it puts me off. Theirs are always so much more impressive than mine. I always think they're laughing at me. This year I've gone for the 'tunnel' look with cane on the top. Fancy eh? No?<br /><br />And by the way making crap jokes about cane erections, is funny EVERY year, EVERY year I tell you and shall continue to be so (for me anyway).<br /><br />Some of my canes were all rotten - who would have thought that wood would rot if it was left out in the rain and snow?<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lahYnGEI_8Q/TdWBqhSG_HI/AAAAAAAAAzM/lVf-0eHlwhc/s1600/P1060151.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608531478448634994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lahYnGEI_8Q/TdWBqhSG_HI/AAAAAAAAAzM/lVf-0eHlwhc/s400/P1060151.jpg" /></a> Let your teeth into that lot... My radish crop has got lots of little biddy bite marks out of it. Shame...but, I pulled out a couple of nice spring onions. Big fat babies.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnyfMbYDkT0/TdWBeE6ec9I/AAAAAAAAAy8/NJYJDRDRqSs/s1600/P1060147.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608531264674886610" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnyfMbYDkT0/TdWBeE6ec9I/AAAAAAAAAy8/NJYJDRDRqSs/s400/P1060147.jpg" /></a> The beetroot is looking good.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCdlw3ExhwE/TdWBeKlmIEI/AAAAAAAAAy0/v8L8lue8lFc/s1600/P1060146.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608531266197921858" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCdlw3ExhwE/TdWBeKlmIEI/AAAAAAAAAy0/v8L8lue8lFc/s400/P1060146.jpg" /></a> Sign of spud growth. So I covered them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czzj_xDYBl4/TdWBdivaDPI/AAAAAAAAAys/gzAFE95WpXY/s1600/P1060144.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608531255501655282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czzj_xDYBl4/TdWBdivaDPI/AAAAAAAAAys/gzAFE95WpXY/s400/P1060144.jpg" /></a> My little iddy biddy leeks have sprouted. Some people are talking about transplanting theirs and chopping the tops off.... I'm sure mine were alright to plan last month. Anyway, they are growing, but aren't ready just yet for top and tailing just yet...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yhoBUQBmmiM/TdWBdsJewFI/AAAAAAAAAyk/If8IUohIyJI/s1600/P1060142.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608531258026934354" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yhoBUQBmmiM/TdWBdsJewFI/AAAAAAAAAyk/If8IUohIyJI/s400/P1060142.jpg" /></a>Look see, I have grown something! Broad beans, with lots of flowers on. Hurrah! No sign of any black fly ... yet, something has been nibbling at the leaves though.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQWmuJb53XE/TdV8HCc9c8I/AAAAAAAAAyc/DtXkFkHzSaU/s1600/P1060150.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608525371319088066" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQWmuJb53XE/TdV8HCc9c8I/AAAAAAAAAyc/DtXkFkHzSaU/s400/P1060150.jpg" /></a> I know, look at the state of them. I put my sweetcorn and my pumpkins in. It might be too early, but I've done it. My sweetcorn was going yellow - it's not meant to be doing that yet. Be green please! Anyway, they are in and Monty would have been proud of me. My green manure (rye grass) that I planted and dug over had rotted down beautifully in this bed and has made wonderful rich soil. I am definitely going to do that again next year. Although it did take until now to rot down, so it will only do in a bed that isn't needed until May/June time I guess. Or not? I don't know.... it seems to have worked so far anyway. The soil is great, the plants aren't.. but, I have grown them myself. They might be spindly and sad looking, but they are all my own work.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>That's about it. I've done most of the jobs that were on my list... I haven't netted my strawberries..... gulp. They've got loads on too. Don't worry, I'll do it. The worst hated job. Netting. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Things to remember to do:</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Plant some more beans direct</div><br /><br /><div>Buy another grow bag</div><br /><br /><div>Dig up that big mad lemon mint</div><br /><br /><div>Get some more planks round</div><br /><br /><div>Do the scarecrow! - important job</div><br /><br /><div>Stupid nets for stawberries and brassicas</div><br /><br /><div>Oh yes, strim the edges - very important to stay in good books of important allotment lady</div><br /><br /><div>Erm, oh yes plant stuff...</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-2306395744632809742011-04-28T06:49:00.000-07:002011-04-28T12:13:01.110-07:00April<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aD5UkVn499k/TblxOnDEgII/AAAAAAAAAyU/3F4Uf81bhtY/s1600/P1060129.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600632107425890434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aD5UkVn499k/TblxOnDEgII/AAAAAAAAAyU/3F4Uf81bhtY/s400/P1060129.jpg" /></a>A good day today at the allotment. I wanted to do lots of watering, but a greedy grabbing old couple hogged the tap for over and hour with their hose. I managed to lug some watering cans around and get a bit done though, I will not be bullied by pensioners. They were nice too and smiled and waved to me. Greeding grabbing nice people are the worse kind of tap hogs.<br /><br />Here are my forget me <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">nots</span>, I know you can't eat them, but they are too pretty to ignore. So these are everywhere. I'll just rip them out when I need the room.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ594R8dH2E/TblxOn4NVLI/AAAAAAAAAyM/BQoRXjmwRa8/s1600/P1060117.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600632107648767154" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ594R8dH2E/TblxOn4NVLI/AAAAAAAAAyM/BQoRXjmwRa8/s400/P1060117.jpg" /></a> Broad beans surviving. Strangely not dead after they have not been watered for ages.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JTPIAG2M6I/TblxOT6M2AI/AAAAAAAAAyE/p68UCiwH1KY/s1600/P1060114.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600632102288414722" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JTPIAG2M6I/TblxOT6M2AI/AAAAAAAAAyE/p68UCiwH1KY/s400/P1060114.jpg" /></a>Pulled out my old broccoli plants. Seemed a shame, they are nicer than any flowers in the gardens on our street. A bee agreed with me and followed me back to the car buzzing around my head while I got rid of the old plants. </div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEzQHwWnXXw/TblwyjfDRkI/AAAAAAAAAxc/MRz05xwyMco/s1600/P1060112.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600631625433171522" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEzQHwWnXXw/TblwyjfDRkI/AAAAAAAAAxc/MRz05xwyMco/s400/P1060112.jpg" /></a> Look at my lovely trench. It is a work of art. A work of shallow art. This soil looks like it was easy to dig, but it wasn't. It was like a piece of dry dusty old rock. I realised I'd built my potato trench in the wrong place so I had re-do it after consulting with my plan. Plan?! Yes, there is a plan. I know that everyone else put their potatoes in ages ago and dug their trenches in February, but I like to be different. They're in now anyway.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2rF5Q-09rs/Tblwybc2yvI/AAAAAAAAAxU/yAqGWq46ifA/s1600/P1050820.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600631623276481266" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2rF5Q-09rs/Tblwybc2yvI/AAAAAAAAAxU/yAqGWq46ifA/s400/P1050820.jpg" /></a> Last of the leeks. Goodbye my friends. I've sown a new batch today.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaRgGTwAXgE/TblwyNdDUxI/AAAAAAAAAxM/-LFbrb1kKHg/s1600/P1050837.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600631619519206162" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaRgGTwAXgE/TblwyNdDUxI/AAAAAAAAAxM/-LFbrb1kKHg/s400/P1050837.jpg" /></a> Got some plenty of salad leaves on the go at home. Planted some more at the allotment today too. </div><br /><div>I dug in all my green manure too. It better improve my soil or I'll be an unhappy bunny. It was hard work today. </div><br /><br /><div>I have been so tardy of late that I didn't put in any red onions. I found them waiting in the storage box. Too late for you little onions. Yes? Of course! Guess what I've done? I'm such a bad gardener that I've put them in anyway with their big fat white cousins who are doing rather well now. If they are tiny little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">tichy</span> ones I'll just have them in my salad. Waste not want not. </div><br /><br /><div>I have got asparagus! Yes! I've got some spindly ones and some big fat mothers that I've snipped off. Hurrah. </div><br /><br /><div>Things to do: </div><br /><div>Nets. Nets. Oh no, I've got to net my strawberries next........ groan, they are full of flowers. Tried to put in some canes today and they just snapped, the soil was that hard.</div><br /><div>I must go and cut the grass next too before I get told off. </div><br /><div>Get some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">grow bags</span>! Think someone is having some kind of wedding tomorrow, but I'm going to buy my grow bag instead.</div><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Re pot</span> my pumpkins. </div><br /><div>Plant some more seeds.</div><br /><div>Weeding - obviously. </div><br /><div>The paths could do with a bit more bark on them, but I don't think that is going to happen. </div><br /><div>Put the canes in for the runners.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>. I'm organised now. I know what I need to do. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Lugged back a massive load of weeds that filled up the boot of the car. Shhhh don't tell my husband, he loves it when I use the car for my soil shifting. He doesn't need to know I put the old manure bags in there either. Ignorance is bliss.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>The problem with going to the allotment is that I have to go straight back because there is always too much to do. I can feel my back seizing up already after one day too. Oh yes, and if you see the slug that ate my giant sunflowers, give him a stoney Paddington stare from me. Thanks.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-11677056757691628902011-03-22T09:13:00.000-07:002011-03-22T09:25:40.773-07:00About time<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTmVtRp9ZoE/TYjK3ZIxOtI/AAAAAAAAAxE/k3jxQplw7D0/s1600/P1050762.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586938390742383314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTmVtRp9ZoE/TYjK3ZIxOtI/AAAAAAAAAxE/k3jxQplw7D0/s400/P1050762.jpg" /></a> My sweet peas and broad beans are starting to sprout.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb3a1f1-nPM/TYjK3LAY3kI/AAAAAAAAAw8/0Vm0fZrYsn0/s1600/P1050769.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586938386949135938" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb3a1f1-nPM/TYjK3LAY3kI/AAAAAAAAAw8/0Vm0fZrYsn0/s400/P1050769.jpg" /></a> The window sills in the house are now looking like they are meant to for this time of year. Have planted up lots of seeds today.</div><div></div><div>Pumpkin - Big Max</div><div>Cucumber - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zeina</span></div><div>Courgette - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Solei</span></div><div>Sweet corn - Sweet Nugget</div><div>Spouts - Fill Basket</div><div>Broccoli - Purple Sprouting Early</div><div>Broccoli - Red Arrow</div><div>Kale - Dwarf Green Curled</div><div>Tomato - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Losetto</span></div><div>Parsley</div><div>Beetroot - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boltardy</span></div><div>Coriander</div><div>Beetroot - Pronto</div><div>Lettuce - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Concarde</span></div><div>Lettuce - Webb</div><div>Courgette - Black Beauty</div><div>Poached Egg Plant</div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gaillardia</span></div><div>Cosmos</div><div>Artichokes - Green Globe</div><div>Dwarf Beans - The Prince</div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chilli</span> - Pyramid</div><div>Swiss Chard - Rainbow </div><div>Nasturtiums </div><div>Climbing Beans - Yellow and Black</div><div>Runner Beans and Broad Beans (from last years plants) </div><div><br />I've planted leeks too even though I'm too late, I can't do without leeks, so even if they don't work I've stuck them in anyway. I'll eat them small if I have to. It's no good if I can't torture my family with my leek soup. </div><div> </div><div>I'm not a plastic gardener anymore now that I've actually got my hands dirty. It's good to be filthy, go on people get out there and get dirty.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-79658474805635830752011-03-20T14:33:00.000-07:002011-03-20T14:37:16.719-07:00HurrahOk, I've cut my hands. I've got a sore finger, (ouch). My coat is ripped to bits by brambles and caked in mud.<br /><br />I'm back!<br /><br />Got some good work done today, I've even got sore bits so that means I tried really hard. Next job, sort my seeds out and plant like crazy because I've not got much in yet. I'm a poor show this year, but I promise to catch up.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-5556985018933117432011-02-22T02:39:00.000-08:002011-02-22T02:52:05.376-08:00Some seeds in!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfpBxu0rmfE/TWOS8O376aI/AAAAAAAAAw0/EYZb-JkQ_VU/s1600/20110220_5495.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576462327097321890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfpBxu0rmfE/TWOS8O376aI/AAAAAAAAAw0/EYZb-JkQ_VU/s400/20110220_5495.jpg" /></a> Went yesterday to renew our fees and dug up a few more leeks and found few more parsnips.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aArCg2vXEeY/TWOS8BsJfRI/AAAAAAAAAws/cHdp7Xy2-28/s1600/20110220_5494.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576462323558219026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aArCg2vXEeY/TWOS8BsJfRI/AAAAAAAAAws/cHdp7Xy2-28/s400/20110220_5494.jpg" /></a> My helper planted some broad beans which we've put under the cloche.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-rrLtRgrQY/TWOS77TFlAI/AAAAAAAAAwk/scnjtmCUbiY/s1600/20110220_5496.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576462321842492418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-rrLtRgrQY/TWOS77TFlAI/AAAAAAAAAwk/scnjtmCUbiY/s400/20110220_5496.jpg" /></a>The rhubarb is starting to come up now. Please ignore the weed at the bottom, I'll pull it out later, promise! It was very cold on Sunday and I only had thin gloves on. Excuses, excuses. Got some potatoes 'Desiree' and 'Maxine' and some 'Red Baron' onions to plant up later. So hey, I'm getting slowly organised. Oh yes and I've started a twitter account too so if you're into all that, this is me here <a href="http://twitter.com/sjluddem">SJLuddem</a>. Happy digging! </div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-35520416382811409912011-01-28T05:57:00.000-08:002011-01-28T06:23:04.341-08:00I've been!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TULOY8CyOdI/AAAAAAAAAwI/Uk7vXww29D0/s1600/profile5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567239017213344210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TULOY8CyOdI/AAAAAAAAAwI/Uk7vXww29D0/s400/profile5.jpg" /></a>There has been mentions of potato <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">chitting</span>, oh no, I've not got any yet! February is nearly here so I though I must go to the allotment before they throw me off. I went this morning and I'm glad because it was a really nice day. Once you go you are already planning the next visit, there's always something that you need to get on with. My little friend the robin came and joined me, it was just the two of us, lovely and peaceful.<br /><br />On the way there my bike knows that I have been neglecting it and the gears decided to lock up whilst going up the big hill (big for me). They would only change to the lower and lower gears (or is the higher ones)until it reached the killer one that you aren't meant to do hills in and locked up. I made it with my thighs on fire to the allotment ready to collapse and then the bike unstuck itself and all the gears started working again. No comment. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TULOP2tJngI/AAAAAAAAAwA/ZsbAu2WszIw/s1600/profile5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567238861161602562" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TULOP2tJngI/AAAAAAAAAwA/ZsbAu2WszIw/s400/profile5.jpg" /></a><br />I did a bit of weeding and digging and found a prize, some forgotten about parsnips. Lucky me. </div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TULN6F4IA-I/AAAAAAAAAv4/LE_xebOIeXA/s1600/profile5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567238487277044706" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TULN6F4IA-I/AAAAAAAAAv4/LE_xebOIeXA/s400/profile5.jpg" /></a><br />I shared an unfortunate worm with my little friend the robin. He took it and went to hide under a tree with it as though there was a chance that I might nick it back again. I guess worms are precious when the soil is still a bit frozen.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TULNX5utibI/AAAAAAAAAvo/JIjd_fhJQuA/s1600/profile5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567237899900783026" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TULNX5utibI/AAAAAAAAAvo/JIjd_fhJQuA/s400/profile5.jpg" /></a> All looking not to bad at the allotment considering my lack of care. That green stuff is winter tares by the way, not weeds, so don't judge me too harshly. Put on a couple of cloches to warm up the soil for planting my broad beans. Grabbed a couple of stray brambles and brought them home to thread through my fence, wouldn't it be terrible if that burglar that tried to break in over Christmas came back and got himself scratched to bits? It would be a real shame for him. I will be getting more next time I go... and jobs a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">good'un</span>. </div></div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-87319436687613082742010-12-05T12:24:00.000-08:002010-12-05T12:28:07.093-08:00Lazy<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TPv1D0ME_rI/AAAAAAAAAvM/_ugyslMpGcs/s1600/20101201_5058.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547296811934613170" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TPv1D0ME_rI/AAAAAAAAAvM/_ugyslMpGcs/s400/20101201_5058.jpg" /></a><br /><div>The snow is good, and the perfect excuse to be lazy. All the plants that I have been too lazy to clear are looking good. My sunflowers in the front garden look great with snow on them, I would have kept the teasels anyway for the birds. My sunflower excuse is that I left them on purpose too. It's all for the birds. Sometimes its good to be lazy. </div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-17063747971312598132010-11-18T02:10:00.000-08:002010-11-18T02:16:12.043-08:00Mulch time<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TOT79GWDzyI/AAAAAAAAAvE/R1ihXXFKa1g/s1600/20101105_4986.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540830468666281762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TOT79GWDzyI/AAAAAAAAAvE/R1ihXXFKa1g/s400/20101105_4986.jpg" /></a> Hope your November went off with a bang. <div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TOT73GS-bOI/AAAAAAAAAu0/-eqqWBqt9JE/s1600/20101118_4963.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540830365574130914" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TOT73GS-bOI/AAAAAAAAAu0/-eqqWBqt9JE/s400/20101118_4963.jpg" /></a>I have been very lazy lately. So lazy that I even got my neighbour to bag up his leaves for me to make mulch. Well, he was sweeping them up anyway, might as well put him to good use. I think he thought I was a bit nuts. Today I have been very good and swept up mine too. They are bagged up and ready for mulching. </div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-11371797706192573632010-11-01T12:19:00.000-07:002010-11-01T12:22:39.721-07:00Spooky<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM8S_5p7PTI/AAAAAAAAAuU/UuT6dMhxyqs/s1600/20101101_4913.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534663356079357234" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM8S_5p7PTI/AAAAAAAAAuU/UuT6dMhxyqs/s400/20101101_4913.jpg" /></a> Happy halloween, hope you have been treating your pumpkins unkindly.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-11617436708860443072010-10-31T09:40:00.000-07:002010-10-31T09:49:11.646-07:00Sleepy tortoise.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2dGq-GAHI/AAAAAAAAAuM/EKkTLq66Eik/s1600/20101026_4884.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534252255047712882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2dGq-GAHI/AAAAAAAAAuM/EKkTLq66Eik/s400/20101026_4884.jpg" /></a> Flash is very tired, so we took his house away on Monday and put him on the soil. He still had his eyes closed.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2dGDItmJI/AAAAAAAAAuE/aTwSZoX7Bz8/s1600/20101027_4879.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534252244354832530" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2dGDItmJI/AAAAAAAAAuE/aTwSZoX7Bz8/s400/20101027_4879.jpg" /></a> The green manure is working. Clover.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2dFRPaEWI/AAAAAAAAAt8/3UI5kLI4Dic/s1600/20101027_4875.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534252230961140066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2dFRPaEWI/AAAAAAAAAt8/3UI5kLI4Dic/s400/20101027_4875.jpg" /></a> Grazing rye.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2dESjbFkI/AAAAAAAAAt0/fzBvdHV8t2U/s1600/20101027_4878.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534252214133659202" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2dESjbFkI/AAAAAAAAAt0/fzBvdHV8t2U/s400/20101027_4878.jpg" /></a> Phacelia.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2cxqjLzhI/AAAAAAAAAts/EHXlJgls0_g/s1600/20101027_4877.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534251894157594130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2cxqjLzhI/AAAAAAAAAts/EHXlJgls0_g/s400/20101027_4877.jpg" /></a> We've got some kale happening.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2cxdv1G4I/AAAAAAAAAtk/bGNC_kcdJ6U/s1600/20101026_4885.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534251890720971650" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2cxdv1G4I/AAAAAAAAAtk/bGNC_kcdJ6U/s400/20101026_4885.jpg" /></a> The tortoise food is what seems to be growing best. He won't be needing it for a while now.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2cxLrJmFI/AAAAAAAAAtc/uIwuotO3U9o/s1600/20101030_4858.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534251885869504594" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TM2cxLrJmFI/AAAAAAAAAtc/uIwuotO3U9o/s400/20101030_4858.jpg" /></a> Went to check on him and he had dug down ready for winter. Good night Flash, see you in spring, it is officially the end of summer now. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-50250360720850715802010-10-26T09:00:00.000-07:002010-10-26T09:05:10.791-07:00The pear harvest is in<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TMb7x81bqZI/AAAAAAAAAtE/GweOmsTYoI8/s1600/20100923_4590.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532386027833633170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TMb7x81bqZI/AAAAAAAAAtE/GweOmsTYoI8/s400/20100923_4590.jpg" /></a> Massive pear harvest of one pear. It was the best tasting pear ever. Shared between four people.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-51904250641043958742010-09-12T07:17:00.000-07:002010-09-12T07:30:51.444-07:00Cinderella your carriage awaits<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIzhMcapTmI/AAAAAAAAAss/37Ho5PPu9Ls/s1600/20100912_4457.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 365px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516031247524646498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIzhMcapTmI/AAAAAAAAAss/37Ho5PPu9Ls/s400/20100912_4457.jpg" /></a> Success! Our first ever pumpkin. Small is beautiful.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIzhL00zcpI/AAAAAAAAAsk/geMCoB4IB8I/s1600/20100912_4460.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516031236896944786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIzhL00zcpI/AAAAAAAAAsk/geMCoB4IB8I/s400/20100912_4460.jpg" /></a> Got my over wintering onions and garlic ready to plant from the allotment shop. The onions are Senshy, I think the garlic is solent white. </div><div> </div><div>We put in some green manure, it is starting to come up now. We planted winter tares, grazing rye and phacelia. Hopefully this will help keep the weeds at bay over the winter and do some good to the soil when we dig it in next year. </div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-64882717754689144252010-09-06T08:19:00.000-07:002010-09-06T08:44:51.772-07:00Dorset<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIULBdeNxLI/AAAAAAAAAsU/z0Stfd-SZbg/s1600/20100821_4067.jpg"></a> <div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUKVnar02I/AAAAAAAAAsE/E8tzzBnDlL4/s1600/20100818_4213.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 386px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513824685259477858" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUKVnar02I/AAAAAAAAAsE/E8tzzBnDlL4/s400/20100818_4213.jpg" /></a> We've been to Dorset for a couple of weeks. The place we stayed was up in the hills and we saw birds of prey like the one above just sitting on telephone poles by the side of the road.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUKJClpvhI/AAAAAAAAAr8/3ls_e2FRIhM/s1600/20100815_4335.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 351px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513824469214936594" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUKJClpvhI/AAAAAAAAAr8/3ls_e2FRIhM/s400/20100815_4335.jpg" /></a> We found lots of fossils like this ammonite at Charmouth Beach.<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUHFYKJnTI/AAAAAAAAArk/kUrOJqmPFmM/s1600/20100817_4262.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513821107750804786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUHFYKJnTI/AAAAAAAAArk/kUrOJqmPFmM/s400/20100817_4262.jpg" /></a><br />And had a little visitor in the garden every day, a hedgehog, ahhh! At night there were loads of bats swooping down (I think I saw the teeth of one it came so close) and the owls hooting.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUHFOKOXpI/AAAAAAAAArc/mdtL3W5tUtc/s1600/20100818_4212.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513821105066761874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUHFOKOXpI/AAAAAAAAArc/mdtL3W5tUtc/s400/20100818_4212.jpg" /></a> I wasn't quite quick enough to get a good shot of the birds of prey that we saw every day but trust me they were amazing. The village was called Powerstock they had a great pub there but no shop or phone signal, just the old church. Makes you realise how you get used to having so much on your doorstep.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUHEzAPE5I/AAAAAAAAArU/brM1hA5OneI/s1600/20100820_4134.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513821097777107858" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUHEzAPE5I/AAAAAAAAArU/brM1hA5OneI/s400/20100820_4134.jpg" /></a> This is the one track lane was like to get there. It went on like this for miles. Nice to escape from the world for a week or two.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-25507606621968950942010-09-06T08:10:00.000-07:002010-09-06T08:19:17.960-07:00Very peased<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUE3b6cQZI/AAAAAAAAArM/FUxT3NkCjlQ/s1600/20100822_4056.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513818669217235346" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUE3b6cQZI/AAAAAAAAArM/FUxT3NkCjlQ/s400/20100822_4056.jpg" /></a> Not updated things for a while. I've been busy! We got real peas, that actually look like real peas this year so I was pleased.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUE23lkMrI/AAAAAAAAArE/WzjEKM9xLzQ/s1600/20100822_4053.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513818659465999026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUE23lkMrI/AAAAAAAAArE/WzjEKM9xLzQ/s400/20100822_4053.jpg" /></a> Autumn raspberries are doing really well. They seem to be always a lot better than the summer ones so I'm glad I planted both types.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUE2kM8xmI/AAAAAAAAAq8/fA626nm_s4M/s1600/20100902_4011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513818654262478434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUE2kM8xmI/AAAAAAAAAq8/fA626nm_s4M/s400/20100902_4011.jpg" /></a> Here are the remains of our raspberry ice cream. It went down very well! Half a pint of double cream, a pound of raspberries, juice of a lemon and 4 oz sugar, puree all the fruit then bung it in the ice cream maker, very nice.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUE2BtKVwI/AAAAAAAAAq0/--tcYQjq8IY/s1600/20100804_4452.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513818645002344194" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUE2BtKVwI/AAAAAAAAAq0/--tcYQjq8IY/s400/20100804_4452.jpg" /></a> Here are the visitors that we had for a week, courtesy of the school to look after. Thank goodness they survived the week with us.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUE16yq_ZI/AAAAAAAAAqs/pgRqQMdC-4o/s1600/20100808_4446.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513818643146407314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TIUE16yq_ZI/AAAAAAAAAqs/pgRqQMdC-4o/s400/20100808_4446.jpg" /></a> I picked my lavender and had some bunches of it in the hall to combat the stinky guinea pig visitors, worked a treat. They needed cleaning out every day. They were quite cute though, for a week anyway.... </div></div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-69215021541928125682010-07-27T04:06:00.000-07:002010-07-27T04:16:24.978-07:00Fruit<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TE6-N_AuJkI/AAAAAAAAAqc/SpbvOKtw31M/s1600/20100727_3888.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498541342527989314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TE6-N_AuJkI/AAAAAAAAAqc/SpbvOKtw31M/s400/20100727_3888.jpg" /></a> Look at our apples. I'm pretty chuffed with these, it's a dwarf tree but we only planted it last year so it's done pretty well. There are lots of apples on it this year. <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TE6-NUzWNDI/AAAAAAAAAqU/aNO0FwgjRjk/s1600/20100727_3891.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 361px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498541331197604914" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TE6-NUzWNDI/AAAAAAAAAqU/aNO0FwgjRjk/s400/20100727_3891.jpg" /></a> Look, real apples! This one has even got droplets of morning rain on it.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TE6-Mle9QtI/AAAAAAAAAqE/TBsL_Bu9zPA/s1600/20100727_3955.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 351px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498541318495617746" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TE6-Mle9QtI/AAAAAAAAAqE/TBsL_Bu9zPA/s400/20100727_3955.jpg" /></a> The blueberries are really fat as well this year. Must be all the recent rain that has swelled them up. Since we got the hosepipe ban here it hasn't stopped raining.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TE6-MHjEIEI/AAAAAAAAAp8/1kUfV3A5aHE/s1600/20100727_3916.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 383px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498541310459781186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z0U8ZWdUQ9k/TE6-MHjEIEI/AAAAAAAAAp8/1kUfV3A5aHE/s400/20100727_3916.jpg" /></a> I've grown teasel this year, we have got them all along the back fence. They are lethal, really spiky, probably not the best plant to put in a garden with children but they are pretty and are attracting lots of bees and hoverflies. The seeds should attract goldfinches too later on, we'll see. So if you are thinking of scaling my back fence be prepared to get spiked. Ouch! Serves you right.</div></div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-674877880463387393.post-32401217524436242782010-07-12T03:12:00.000-07:002010-07-12T03:20:28.053-07:00Recipe for raspberry and white chocolate muffinsHi Rob the recipe for the muffins is:<br /><br />150g (5 oz) self raising flour<br />1 teaspoon baking powder<br />pinch of salt<br />100g (4 oz) soft brown sugar<br />50g (2 oz) melted butter<br />1 egg lightly beaten<br />125 ml (4fl oz) milk<br />half teaspoon vanilla essence<br />100g (4 oz) raspberries<br />50g (2 oz) white chocolate chips<br />half teaspoon demerera sugar<br /><br />oven gas 4, 180 degrees C<br /><br />Mix the dry ingredients, lifting with fingers to incorporate air. Melt butter, beat together egg, milk, vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients to wet mixture (don't beat).<br /><br />Fold in the raspberries and chocolate chips. Spoon into muffin cases. Sprinkle sugar over the muffins. Bake 25 mins until well risen and just firm.<br /><br />Eat them!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08111100154555427566noreply@blogger.com2