tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38551484784877131752024-03-06T01:24:53.357+00:00From Welly to BellyAn attempt at growing our own veggies, reducing our food miles and filling our bellies...Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-18119977609060551262014-05-23T13:41:00.002+01:002014-05-23T13:41:39.601+01:00All thanks to Claire......that I'm starting up this blog again. As you can see from the new title photo - things have changed quite a bit in...ahem...5 years.<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-25518502663653993232009-10-19T08:12:00.002+01:002009-10-19T08:17:57.406+01:00And about time too......that I updated this blog. Not that everything has stopped on the plot in the last 6 months - far from it. It just seems I lost the desire to keep it updated. Well there's an imminent arrival that's distracted me rather slightly. Yes a tiny pair of wellies has been growing in my belly and should make an appearance in the next 2 weeks or so. So until then I'm going to catch up with some blogging now that I'm a lady of leisure.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-31258460191147630732009-04-10T20:50:00.007+01:002009-04-10T21:24:56.606+01:00April so farLast weekend (4th/5th) was a busy one - two full days on the plots.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323154768419119202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3PL1eZk8LYRaNE2yZYwnos3dEmEex2i3pmit4v_6UzUn1d0eh9Eo_ji_D6VHN8cSUF4LRtxw0vhsJear8LEE_Go7DP-2dFdu5N-2K6N0jfo1MpqwiAtp_aAkAwI6L9eF5Q8YTV9Y4Rs/s320/DSC01862.JPG" border="0" /> I planted out the broad beans...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323154772824915330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4TDkaHYH7iYrPgw7FcKmmAKL0SZiFy2afUjU1jaibCXpZdUul4ncUrqRwAVeVNH9BNRZ6MOssgFun1J4J1t9Sih3CnjGL9GxrrV4XQHy_cKlkK_YpQZDRsMCJCvIsKz4xYu3Fn36vXE/s320/DSC01864.JPG" border="0" />And transplanted the peas into the same bed. I love the way they almost instantly know where and what to curl their tendrils around.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323158650682190466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7p6l3Et9riSYcv7cOshzignPSZlKK7HUFyDQAqHG97inImjbEUcMX-MjgLezhsWaYrFds0agaKibCOd9lBYjNWncNz6jL7fLR3GOjpiDWS83MKO-Uh4vxtT6Xz1xQe_-la1yhBd-cMaE/s320/DSC01863.JPG" border="0" /><br />I also planted out the yellow mange tout up against the hazel and chicken wire frame I'd put together.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323158643309341698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCyvUIbc86COJ4WNj3CYHXCUZLkQwPLKjvhFcGBhR3rs24MnWA7Jp_my0xdp1Qx6WET4vz9Bn3uqnHkk_p-i7zCurRk_WoH43A8gzKlNB6JEgSldSNn2DvzyFc0DaEJUvkPXwHEvUARI/s320/DSC01871.JPG" border="0" /><br />And on Sunday we put in most of the potatoes - Nadine & Charlotte, with only the Pink Fir Apples to go.<br />I also sowed lots of flowers - poached egg plant, love-in-a-mist, cornflowers and two kinds of poppies.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-49513004500433105032009-04-08T20:51:00.002+01:002009-04-08T20:54:33.217+01:00Patience is...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HCrAmVGjT23mylSdZmV5eB8DLlEdUXYI9e5rRm9Duto0Cp_lh7wzSf7QnS3u7Tx29HB31p6S0IGvSTAs-SqliyCMXDKdD92EI89_uMMUjJWNyjYQv8uYoLp7lN57J3vwi812MoQ8GAM/s1600-h/DSC01833.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322411263592599042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HCrAmVGjT23mylSdZmV5eB8DLlEdUXYI9e5rRm9Duto0Cp_lh7wzSf7QnS3u7Tx29HB31p6S0IGvSTAs-SqliyCMXDKdD92EI89_uMMUjJWNyjYQv8uYoLp7lN57J3vwi812MoQ8GAM/s320/DSC01833.JPG" border="0" /></a> ...having to wait another 2 years before I can harvest any of these.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-78761585562703515112009-04-08T20:34:00.005+01:002009-04-08T20:51:22.326+01:00There will be fruitOver the last 2 weeks or so the fruit bushes have been showing their minute flowers to the outside world and I noticed this evening that the bumble bees were doing the rounds. <div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322408429737314162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUA0_BQaEvgpJR31uz8QNi7d_d7Z6l8hJ2z7E2Gp87Et6kpAkqLXnNbLDdvmXfALuHrwst6xv3YKymP3upXlyamY0twxbwJcGX8B8qmLsK_Z6bcWKhdvogjb1WkmwDkGNYkIoa-nchz9c/s320/DSC01853.JPG" border="0" />The gooseberries are covered in tiny, delicate blooms and if the frosts hold off then it looks like we should get a decent crop (dare I say it maybe even a glut? I hope so). <div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322408886872195314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQoZQR_2NE0R1bM8T61o1p9oVrgoVZoYQMkO_YZMAiMdWuvQy9AMy4ZYeIFOHFSjm_ftlUSuDPH0DfC6EbybWLYhy-06ZNv6f1GgrXcSXyMCrfqHgugEcnjlmHvZMedjSffTLAXYyLqI/s320/DSC01845.JPG" border="0" />The reliable blackcurrants are putting on a good show too.<br /><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322408432410073698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLbzw1Z0wRj-X6kw2VMgh0yAF0dMsRr28qMBXIJItAAEbStkBD0EJX21A2xmdiSrOLL3K2UmRJQA8NhV69EhytX7hEiicz0WgYUIQ99P6NwaPdHtRnYx-zvkkaT3NC7cL4VsGbu9Kh6w/s320/DSC01848.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>The redcurrant that I moved out from underneath the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bramley</span> apple is thriving and has lots of tiny trusses of flowers.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322410116598135058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdf3nujw9GUwinFmfkV4sCj6ugCTNWGKEJaC4xjJQQfit0OU_VZARd56AsOtmF5CXI-V1DWbOR041GarZoCrY2E_cSGzXYWU5MRkWr35PVaeGkJDTKbiwCZNGP-wTBWAIkGnKRvDAIEc/s320/DSC01841.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>And the most exciting of them all is that the cordon apples have hints of blossom.</div></div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-70722555930869547302009-04-08T17:25:00.007+01:002009-04-08T17:51:12.237+01:00MarchSeeing as we're almost half way through April I'd best write down what we managed to get done on the plot last month. All the weekends were spent at the plot (apart from the last week where we skived off for a week's snowboarding!!).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322360815227941218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpx-4GZh7aYuza6nk_Yc1DUercB1s5WN2iAdUBq5nc2xQVEoI_GAGzz07tIUzMQw_hS7EM0lyDot2Cpb1KJ44ufIpzJFQcAxhIPrVVTpcqjebXPL41Nea5H0i0GedaANFvhKY3EP3eTNI/s320/DSC01808.JPG" border="0" />We finished the asparagus bed and planted the crowns....hopefully we've done it right.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322362740796513394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2X9mtQTj6ZobXNYrijEVVHNXSKPrDtItev8RQFSRGEEkCPNyTGv8RE_8Rm-wFgonEOjwQ7XeGUjnHatTcMaRE5DLBM0qlY9AR0l-CshlSHGLdkOQ6TuXYQl4PXLSuGDfj1-rLdJDr00/s320/DSC01804.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322360821843600786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFI8vmyXDzHoXzliP1RyLaAN9KlNckeEwO9nzqLtJMemWLv7sht8pIoBY7ZvggwYE-aLsaYlgeQH0ufYuca8hk9hVoyGi6nttJMwifjDqPsvcfofV92uq398logW6gZOw7GECsHqeskck/s320/DSC01807.JPG" border="0" />We set up the wires and posts for the cordon apples and planted them.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322362739626224610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xmmQNypx-TssQej4fTtLtk6eoMqaGiMw-XW1hi0DGfiJKehsinc_D3rm5IH128n-ThCUhe905cUY2IC5Dbbj2GmWFJplUFRGX51wmShU2hyphenhyphenZYTiXwUMAhIRWZPEzDgGJ8TmsxgfCVT8/s320/DSC01874.JPG" border="0" /><br />Decided on where the plum, gage, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">damson</span> and crab apple should go - top of Plot 85 and planted them. The soil on that section hasn't been dug (as far as I know) for at least 3 years and it's solid clay. So we weeded where we were going to plant the trees as best as possible, filled the holes with compost and then have covered the whole area in weed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">suppressant</span> fabric and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wood chips</span> to stop the docks and other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nasties</span> in reappearing.<br /><br />Sowed an early sowing of carrots (under fleece), beetroot (white & red) and some fast growing turnips (for something new) and when we visited last weekend there are signs of seedlings.<br /><br />April so far is proving just as busy....Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-44463102609036215662009-02-26T21:58:00.004+00:002009-02-27T08:29:19.598+00:00Gourmet LunchThe lovely thing about being able to go home for lunch is that some days you can treat yourself to something like this.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307230214780873026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIXGOKPmZsC4Dg5-Kgx4PgvPs__Y7kaqaOwwEu2DxQoQxakvFEQzR1wxHJq0pnM5od19nFARvJ5feT-xrF2pdjDoZyrnH2PShDPCoSd4ifp0VtaEogI4PbbKhm8YoHQA-ZdzdQQBvpwQ/s320/DSC01750.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Steamed new season purple sprouting broccoli with a poached egg on homemade toast....it was really yummy! This is definitely our asparagus stand-in until we start producing our own...Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-62813515861510371232009-02-26T21:44:00.006+00:002009-03-07T07:54:52.828+00:00Signs of Spring<div><div><div><div>With this latest bout of milder weather things have been stirring.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310349155200865010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0MWUXqW5huGizJno0pgYEwwUtxOMuvKbaKCK5tBHMDLcsGObwedvGZ0BlJUbChwojin7la2TXm4nc_PbnUWhcARPxfQZdVuQvq_Pd1gk0g1cvaheUG6bo5VF8ODfVu1shYrp5hDjw9M/s320/DSC01704.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310349160450250866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW73GKsRDrmsdOMPhDaK_HE2UjawEiGpMmAZvrk0mk-1KaxvUJqFIgWBtjqnBKu8WLB9f7xQLV_mcn5yoej7_rJWk3W2xst_LbyTkCVsrYBSOOaFfc-zAVn7jRPuJeo3S-M8zwH6vs9E/s320/DSC01766.JPG" border="0" /> The garlic has shot up from these tiny shoots back a few weeks ago to this.<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307228361337732642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdYXhMtvVrLOaY-IaZcVoLon58o_yGPXh6KvLhLCJGiEsjBzrJwbP_aMJqRtfCJHpHk_Tcvx6_ZE8FUrYTLdbLPcCVs7WkkJNC19BCxvx0xfLDAbnrhsJ45yYP0nSFFXGzFj7JqvOx2g/s320/DSC01747.JPG" border="0" /> The rhubarb seems to be getting bigger every time you glance at it.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307228367060988338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRB_PgRrtZM8Bo-ciykPX2oSSAIvw3T-1VPDDIJn9C5QcgvaSlB3aZqKFzvxZNYBTBkq1OBcaLaYdQZylyTn7MwnGm_g9I_aRPSwqfDIz1CbVBkYxz6TIbJG5L7qpATt7Kq1pvKGhEsg/s320/DSC01745.JPG" border="0" /> The ramsoms have made an early return (so they must like our soil)... mmm wild garlic...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310350621305008978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GkIt1Z6iPr6A9LKF96QrTD0vMSIGKWlv3V3Hcub-hGNm6vKyVLkRaSX9If7gNes8iqbazY3KFxMhXIoNiSgNrETwqLuQnjivNM05SZZ0AANJAv4ogDFj_EOIg0_5PuvF25livvFS8b8/s320/DSC01773.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310350615789837682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOFwHDfCaR9B4QtnVsT-oXaOauWGNpgda76jQsIZdHQded0NcNMxbYVw9Y1U7iyoMowgahorfFo-JdxxFZ2EfkMq-YdmS_7RUgfQq_lHtmXuOhD8QE5XbfTIAGQfO_cjBcBrT9Vpovi8/s320/DSC01758.JPG" border="0" /> <div>And there's buds on just about everything...</div><div></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-71748894398777012142009-02-26T20:58:00.007+00:002009-03-09T09:53:07.543+00:00Appearances are deceivingThis blog for me is mainly an online diary to track the plots' progress. However there are a couple of people out there that pop in, read my posts and leave lovely comments and I bet they've been thinking is she still hibernating? or given it up totally? <div><div>Nope I haven't, in fact <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MJC</span> and I have been busy building more raised beds and generally trying to get as much preparation done before the growing season in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">earnest</span>... So here's a few photos to prove that I'm not lying...honest!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307215776073281314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Mg2dvu1Qt47MeENDu9bX98kOf1aIEnB0DOXT7B8ecdBAx3Jkj1FQ1FQbGOZ0RVHNTAO3LAKDaVVYxKa8TLc7g3NIIqzqS7hnbychKrdBcbM4L-VYXwFDmsss4IMMwfWYpOYx3gT6ivg/s320/DSC01746.JPG" border="0" />So we've cleared the weeds around the remaining gooseberry bushes, cut down the raspberry canes and given the whole area a good mulch to get one step ahead of the evil couch grass and other nasty weeds. I also rescued a redcurrant and another gooseberry plant that were being slowly smothered by the rasps. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MJC</span> also had the very good idea of putting bricks around one of the rhubarb patches to stop us <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">accidentally</span> stomping all over it.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307215787438037394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucqt5Pr1cf-osW7jpnEqQ5LiXFmm1TSd9n6zH4ivjKk_FR9gCMu9A7tiecdfRcEKVQIGHVboQC57zkcuSSgqxs-x316xjqEqu4F6b2VzwAnGi8OXQSm4QO5CqdjxmqKxLNqOLymn7X2Q/s320/DSC01748.JPG" border="0" />I've dug and weeded a planting hole ready for one of the pear trees (Doyenne <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Comice</span>) I got cheap from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lidl's</span> (£11.97 for 2 pear trees and a crab apple...bargain!!). We've both read Ken Fern's book 'Gardening for a Future' from cover to cover which sets out the principles of forest gardening so we're trying to create our own little productive area on Plot 85 next to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Bramley</span>. I've also ordered (today) some more fruit trees today from <a href="http://www.deaconsnurseryfruits.co.uk/">Deacons Nursery</a>. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">soo</span> hard trying to limit myself on which apple varieties to choose so in the end I plumped for the following:<br /><ul><li>apples - King of the Pippins and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Reinette</span> Rouge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Etoille</span> (these both flower at the same time)</li><li>apples - James Grieve and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Pitmaston</span> Pineapple (same with these two)</li><li>damson - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Merriweather</span></li><li>gage - Cambridge</li><li>and of course the classic Victoria plum (which my Mum requested)</li></ul><p>The apples I'm going to attempt to train on wires as cordons at a 45 degree angle and the others I think I'm going to plant at the top of Plot 86 so they don't shade out the neighbouring plots too much. I'm going to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">start</span> preparing the area where they'll go this weekend - so I'll post more more pics of how it's looking.</p><p>Here's what we've spent most of January working on. Some of these have been dug over now and are ready for spring sowing and I have a grand plan ready on paper (well spreadsheet). </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307244737207515714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAWxn1JPJAHFkiit_jr-jRe7SBKj8gyF7zmV5LONxyLrsTTQq9rwJ6B6GPCkbbdT_wiEYZ7Jm8ZjjQGjR08uhQyHTjIsdrzKfrVsNVxQ3JH4TvGZg5xsf_YKUzEkqVs7KcLgtAifWYVo/s320/picture3.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307244738421128818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 81px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9qUfZLWuytRpU9cmYbjzqLZSzeRYHYvb30yRxu85pMvmwyFtcpL084vcJO_6bp7otOFHkbn6UMm1zxgD6fx6kXPbkcqfQgvWkqFXkkTedDxj2iGJkXmTRJeFXkJOfAW3HwPEcUC-4Fo/s320/picture5.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307244740739051218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5-DsNivux6bwtNTUBEEgfs2JIZV-8StRzBBzWs3s6zb0V8sPWLlnWERsjsXqOJgffWulrkndhJ_rHY_1e19m1rv1VcZ8WqVbiPWHzTIM2jjjsEAOL8guiSFuXSMDBHEOcY75etMbwYQ/s320/picture9.jpg" border="0" /> <p>And we've ordered 20 asparagus crowns (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ginjlim</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Backlim</span>) so we've painstakingly prepared a special raised bed for them when they get delivered in March. </p></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-26040356536309317022008-12-14T22:49:00.005+00:002008-12-14T23:03:24.515+00:00Onions and Shallots<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThzRP4CzZccOwW9jG0bGHRIBzFimBY_TO7QlYd09nNDaTDdyWw3W5Rc7Pv_wzAq5BiSgkRiK4sJFfwYi0cYi6nt-VF6g9KugjzKoJMUT2QKTbxQzBnhVd5Vu3L4lRSarKqttkoXs3Vkw/s1600-h/DSC01387.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279783914946291858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThzRP4CzZccOwW9jG0bGHRIBzFimBY_TO7QlYd09nNDaTDdyWw3W5Rc7Pv_wzAq5BiSgkRiK4sJFfwYi0cYi6nt-VF6g9KugjzKoJMUT2QKTbxQzBnhVd5Vu3L4lRSarKqttkoXs3Vkw/s320/DSC01387.JPG" border="0" /></a>Although we still have 2 more of the raised beds to finish off, we decided it was about time to plant the onions and shallots. Planted up 2 of the smaller beds and half the big L-shape bed with about 30 (2 rows) of '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Eschallotes</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Grise</span>' - a new variety we're trying this year, several rows of 'Yellow Moon' shallots and 'Red Cross' onions. Oh and there was also a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">variety</span> of white onion that I've forgotten the name of just now. To finish it off and make sure the birds don't pull them up - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MJC</span> covered the planted up beds with netting. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279783921732853314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOzK8-Nh4JVc3ALJVOt_2AQcIHKN3tsL40Jq5vzXhyphenhyphen8l49LM4sIQRqeag5pWGO85E2Q4IUWWAyR3QT-rC88w3Nij1Xx4Z4KmgPqagjTk-URXTur4jz5xHPDh_Mdx4BHfG8rxams__tvk/s320/DSC01388.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>However that's only about 3/4 of the onions that we ordered and I've still to plant out the garlic (4 heads). I've decided though to plant the garlic in small pots first, so that they don't get too waterlogged over winter and then transplant them into the new beds in early spring. Just hope I've got enough pots!!</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-69950931867153497792008-12-14T22:07:00.005+00:002008-12-14T23:06:45.934+00:00Chilly & frostyThe last few weekends we've been up at the allotment it's been really frosty. It makes the usually soggy looking vegetation magical with their sparkling jewel-like, frosted droplets frozen to the leaves. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">brassicas</span> are looking especially <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bling</span>...<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279772753798568994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwt_JokDeFuDtmoR51O5iNshg1jXHa_M7N5BPs4r_zeA7IjkLEpkQuQnZLC4RxZ1NP_Nbd-oTGWn6G8K2G1WFZY38Jk4gdhtmKF9uHFOB7FYws0EdE_pqv_FfmE4sOaYQUEkQCc5mvbwQ/s320/DSC01372.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279772749605870850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr2xoGEy0WKLT2r-FjFzdy1uSbD-7wiIezpfzeo8LjnCRCpVxGf7Onq0aCGaBsjcjiZ74zESrBCCdfpSp8gSByP0Ked34r4k5YqWxM4xvxQoHUH4DMdcqB1hB1TyJ6afi15VEd84_jG4/s320/DSC01367.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>The Globe artichokes...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279772766043669378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJr0oguvhxpV8beA73a15UZapN-5p9GOG8RUcjdk9-Hrr_ny5gLrxaKPY3NH5M_w_jzhkJotagiD0WjTNYe19G5Av9Sys423gS0Qspg2GbqgFJRZ7P1q10kPzIAoO6iXUIg-sBIyGbvo/s320/DSC01386.JPG" border="0" /> And the fennel too...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279772741585667618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5zEjtBxOHNedE9UJeLiy-VEJe8h-T0tAYlNQbVS6Y0ckpPAj3aysudLHIKgmkwyTFEMmvmSszH3zlBd4ND1s3zHafkrlu78R3RAPmfxqqdX5JjY6zYkwwLFWqC43UBfuLm4RNSzmKU4/s320/DSC01368.JPG" border="0" /><br /></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-28324897643570362592008-12-13T19:23:00.008+00:002008-12-14T22:48:58.283+00:00Been a Long Time<div><div>Now that it's dark by 4pm the only time we manage to make it to the allotment is at the weekend but recently i.e. the last month we've been a whirl of activity building new raised beds in Plot 86. This was where the potatoes and courgettes were this "summer" just gone.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279780546377511634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73ZJ7FEWcqTUQBmP6lmNVXbrWWdeaTeLYNbCFYR4Ln5iLYSND5Dvdc55UAc2qhzq8lxCcuRULS0hv0j2xS73TiwC07QOf18nVNeXOeST9z9vD4tS1-XEllB3hH84ni8-zCh-rMOMNkAI/s320/DSC01297.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279780546961846450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPR40JWV_CjoiG5t6MSEjT6YvJuNndpN3OSpVuS4ybYNeYLuZRLV1obtjdqATCzSMP52yC97CrrIQbtopGC8OuRP-PLqKDqX3CCbPDU_zl4ZaJfB4W0rZwCertzJzj1hwKDjNpjtOdKA/s320/DSC01325.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div><div></div><div>So this was how we started out about 2 months ago by measuring and digging out paths. It was a particularly spectacular autumn day as there was showers followed by amazing double and even triple rainbows.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279780557667560418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00yqa7ZsT_YoCdvkwrkVApvbuO918AM5eUwAIxglVty3GfJFbK9fv-8cjgeshppozU5E543rKC7izjLjW5P3ELKf3riRV5WkP2eOU2JMK3K3VIibVrDHos04c437M_VRAmSpe15B6SS8/s320/DSC01322.JPG" border="0" /> <div>Then finally 3 weeks ago we went to the timber mill to buy all the planks which we got cut to size. The first completed bed was honoured with its own photo.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279765999987637394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtip2_eg4hRu-cJPYvzCRpP8l-tu8euuFF6HsTNIMRa4ABCvliyE8LGLdxZkcBWQJl_bUn885AvsvLPTqPlkP0QSYEF_hQwThgsoeM7kJtAi2VifM8jcLY-SCbkFk2seRxjcxbrksq7c/s320/DSC01374.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279766011822746658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 123px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vmyKO-zwjo1rIC8_PJ9ZDMU2V2kk9hvItPzGOkOyZlaan80OvyRudyWbUK5uzDrnR46I9LJ3rRgVZxe9sXxqSkrgn_LWWu0jKpD0hU7f7hvPlBSFTnOlYr6hBpramasexMQcO0JqeM4/s320/DSC01376.JPG" border="0" />And this was the end result after the first day constructing the beds. I measured and cut some weed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">suppressant</span> fabric on the second day to cover the paths - well got to do these things properly! Then last weekend we had to bail out one of the paths for about an hour before we could started on putting down <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">wood chips</span> to cover the fabric.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279766023211323234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvKBMFPrTUxR2-9e7SlUZNUvYC20mS01Op-zLImdtr_d_F8lw_QWKPmUMV1H143vTdjT0mFRxmifGxbpmsV8Spd4u6LZ0lSM1nqSEf4MTLOTX9boWnnCyhL8cLlEwNv0aL9Otmzk8DBE/s320/DSC01378.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>The (almost) finished beds have an Escher like quality when you look at them. Although that's a nice way of saying they're not the straightest, parallel, right-angled constructions. However the sides are all completely level with one another...at least we got that accurate. I just think that no one will notice when they full to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bursting</span> with tasty veg.</div></div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-92228991771892172522008-10-20T09:19:00.004+01:002008-10-20T09:35:25.176+01:00One thing in common......in these 3 potted delights are the Bramley apples from my tree (still a whole treeful to deal with!!).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259150112417620034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxEwLg1ihT8-iYVuzi33XAPXdOqHkWstFksX1Pr24YsQR2vbv_HZy69PfJDbXp6FHm7MDKXzxFacJs6eHek9VH6Oya5EYsCRpB-WSIS4hM849d6rJSTHLWo2u05GyYAo6aCQK6osAEpQ/s320/DSC01303.JPG" border="0" />From left to right - bramble & apple jelly, spiced apple jelly and green tomato chutney. The chutney is a Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall River Cottage recipe and the jellies are from this great little book (very retro!) that my sister found in amongst my mum's cookbooks and thought I'd like it - cheers M!! I adapted the apple jelly recipe with the addition of a few spices and making up the sugar content with muscovado (hence the dark colour) but it tastes delish! Will be making lots more of this to keep me in toast accompaniments over winter...<br />(Note: will post the recipe soon)Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-85921564482884653592008-10-20T08:47:00.011+01:002008-10-20T09:19:18.033+01:00Needs more work!<div>Was the official verdict of Plot 86 from the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span> inspection of the colony's plots this year. Fortunately Plot 85a passed even with very weedy paths. Just hope I don't get another snotty letter from the council...<br /><div><div>And more work was just what this plot will be getting over the next few weeks. I started on it last weekend by clearing away all the sweetcorn and squash plants. This weekend I finally decided to uproot the courgettes, as it's unlikely that I'll get any more fruit and started setting out the new raised beds and planning what will go where. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259141422996617666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY7ZJgthL_KOQ7jKPU4xVzkvbTFt73rRmG9fverQiTcIFmkEJx9rhsXDU76VFQfmGB7cyhgnzUkDS6pu4NpIWVSuBFt_yayZigfkIRotyNjX3_RFnR6C-u31b4SsQ7z7xf6_mEEGFbD0/s320/DSC01297.JPG" border="0" />Most of this part of the plot was where the potatoes were. It's a good crop to break up the soil as it had been left to go feral for a couple of years before we took it on last year. From right to left - apple tree just peeping into the shot, weedy area where some of the squashes were and now is a heap of stuff waiting to be burned, ex-sweetcorn and courgette area, main ex-potato beds, some leeks planted this year and then a carpeted area (of the same size again) which we've yet to touch (possibly next year's potato patch or chicken area??).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259144388659078498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFMGIRRc41FmCBV-kctTHFEZOAF1kne9cNDCbjm9GJX73pFucmLlGsbUArGJpnYZjSP-e-6gNFhcWuhxF8TBfubD7M4ocn6XjghyhyAseNL-H_Z0Ri_yiv188e02hvUNfE88Nye-SHJ0/s320/DSC01237.JPG" border="0" />Looking from the top of this area down the plot, this new bed is going to be devoted to growing flowers - with sweet peas providing a seasonal windbreak as the colony is not that sheltered. There will be a similar sized bed on the other side where I want to grow some vine type courgettes and maybe try and train some winter squash to grow upwards rather than along the ground...</div><div>The rest of the area will be this year's onion, garlic and shallot beds as they will benefit from all the goodness the manure has left in the soil after the potatoes.</div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-2233999034199069952008-10-05T23:09:00.008+01:002008-10-20T08:47:04.648+01:00Season of mists and mellow fruitfulnessOnce I'm used to the change in season I love Autumn. Although it takes longer to get used to the shortening days. After all the clearing, digging and weeding, I stood back to admire my handiwork and noticed that the setting sun was giving everything a lovely golden hue. It was one of those moments where you feel completely contented for a few minutes.....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259138946226108082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJDYn2Vhwa1xn-iKC06joJf-NIuzPzvUT0AonttG-RD3zkgGSzzWoaEdYWuM0-JRy_oJf5nWo6JfU-CQ2d2ltUjPJ79LnzNT4g_n6Wfq1tZz1Hap7u_PCBt_1tfHRUoOw1da2WdHxZeI/s320/DSC01233.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259138937091364226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPAtNBuEma8kGkxYw5jJGM-sKIVzf8nrLRKKtQxvW5s7VHSnZ1jEqO22T4LybasMaTVxaBlk9LNdWxyeDH0qQoLkBxNQqINOFqJ-DUUBy91LaYETuPv-TFFpxYgP8GPl5Y8UMdnju_5A/s320/DSC01230.JPG" border="0" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-82206197859051676742008-10-05T23:09:00.005+01:002008-10-20T08:20:30.837+01:00Squash harvest<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zAWiIQ4-0VPdIRMuWnFyHu8kWiAdcABUrIKiIc3m00yPQfUsDxH88WbLM0WLQC_C4ej3y7DRLCQ3xYBGHzWH0kHJKX2GkiJs_fNhQCDx2lSy-ymnV-NwKCSqcGLALwmkTiy6vx9Ra8s/s1600-h/DSC01207.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259131141664349234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zAWiIQ4-0VPdIRMuWnFyHu8kWiAdcABUrIKiIc3m00yPQfUsDxH88WbLM0WLQC_C4ej3y7DRLCQ3xYBGHzWH0kHJKX2GkiJs_fNhQCDx2lSy-ymnV-NwKCSqcGLALwmkTiy6vx9Ra8s/s320/DSC01207.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is our total harvest (plus one other eaten before this photo) of squashes from 7 plants. Sadly the other 5 plants perished in the hands of the dratted slugs (slugs don't have hands do they?).<br /><div>Particularly pleased with the Thelma Saunders Sweet Potato Squash as it was really prolific. We had 2 of the smaller ones in a roasted squash risotto.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259132367281490434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PycLmja-bO3Xtu_q38YjaZMekyVQ8vIi1cfw9rfLUCLUZHqkOcv9uaJe9o6HhAF0bLfAJCPufZdiqn8Ovo4uzMpA4BG6AT6Z0nIfl06DZ1Sqh4AdJcNJ-qeDVx8SA3JzbmWVv3QXqss/s320/DSC01284.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-64871707201850998222008-10-05T23:07:00.002+01:002008-10-20T08:34:30.932+01:00Goodbye summer, hello autumn<div>Spent a thoroughly productive afternoon on Sunday clearing away the finished summer veg plants and planning what was going to go where for next year.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259135648214887906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDy__LBSXAdDfhKjYhy_YF3p-iRlJIx0BhwaN9VES5u2SRnqKkQ3XgTIBRXt-b_R7oPBB7ZNHwhVilrFHzeVEFDni4lbomLc_-SwqVGw3y0PSC2S5nygYf_7ZOnQ1e4AFkt4Gj2UQeog/s320/DSC01228.JPG" border="0" /> <div>So I started out with this....</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259135653224710914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiI6fjS9qPYXEuPsVpreRv9a2nLLpR1BD8oWLENDNYWB3uA3DZeO0o8w1KVkwXXzXiKqEeXoRRpPZQLWaiT_ErwmS4CDvNFgGz7pisDOVdCKiiuHddUsLfgVnWMYhi7miAsmaBemQyic/s320/DSC01229.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>Loooked a bit better with all the sweetcorn and squash plants gone....</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259135662318051218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtylkscjlTAtQLB8w5QNNRATf89PDnzaBLjLoDQp1VDHqCG4gqX4MfKlw-PPp0jG6_tpUXjq3T1l1G3xAPLtJyPx94N9VcA0BavjLlwOADCOreJTwVDI0NLLfYL776aGAM0AVq_MtcQcQ/s320/DSC01234.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>Then weeded, raked and sowed some more Phacealia, as I think this is where the peas may go next year.</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-80846728718989590482008-09-28T21:24:00.001+01:002008-09-29T09:37:19.708+01:00Green manureIn the glorious warm sunshine on Saturday I weeded one of the ex-onion beds that hadn't been re-planted with anything and sowed a green manure - Phaeceila 'something'. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251359484728845170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-F3AHWiNyv79-JAGOaF83AP3Z6dMtem_Qepzak_pl3eaNMU0KqCf6J-qR8DNszQ49iyOTTVYaXMIuKnWR4lhnTjTpb6S9QoztYKFa7eH0NUwpUYFCdrqgd3_3PUB7Nl9DevG7X59exw/s320/DSC01151.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>It has really cool shaped seeds (if you can see in the photo above). Shame my camera can't take a better close up.</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-66286240944068684862008-09-28T20:51:00.012+01:002008-09-28T21:24:52.346+01:00Post holiday bellies and leftovers<div><div><div>It's all very nice being on holiday and going out for dinner every night and eating lovely food but the great thing about being home is cooking in your own kitchen. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251168008425010642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4l1q8-UXGdLwKu7HWa6TBna08SVLnR6iseiXGUMk8s5_j7Xh_wE7Oq3sKeqTIhbKoif7Dd96VFIcv-64-L61EPfwgnNS6xJNVLSVkroKkG8-DjMjsiokqftbzxbmE7yFtncZwPPNkTtM/s320/DSC01139.JPG" border="0" /> <div>The 'ripe' tomatoes (or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">un</span>-blighted parts of) were simmered with garlic, onions, anchovies and a few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">glugs</span> of olive oil to become a pasta sauce base for a future quick dinner.</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251168005138315378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIpv5Jsx-_ecEINcd3ethyphenhyphen1poMQgefeB6JR99Zg9ynckdyf_5XqKvXnzmVeyn2mM5mvPYjPS3x3Lkc30h5TSK8k76Hy3K6_WcTADPVo7bCermvBjNV1BwSj7K6tZHdbutHZxNvZVdaXU/s320/DSC00863.JPG" border="0" />I thinned out the fennel and used the tender 'micro' ?!? plants in a creamy, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mustardy</span>, left-over-roast-chicken and almond bake creation with rice.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251168925250217586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9_VwKZ9BgzfPyup69N4HoiBQsm-BTwdgEJBI7lttXrwDXK4Yb67IWQCqA-AF-sUwnfC0liQNvtDRRirrtkV_uOU5tvfk5xMTlwElc7nLKor-LqfaO8SBi_uId3e3PgS0X7RXv0Kz2Vw/s320/DSC01140.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Some more of the ripe tomatoes, leftover roast <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">chook</span> with various other home grown veggies went into a curry (sadly the chickpeas are tinned).<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251168022710663266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-lYLxdUOh919jmA6_0HKgeOUylBE-sU_hz5hYL2JhfTUYNi6HIuJzUk_G7JRw_VgAbLtvmu2Sk3S_MVboye9p1HxGfD30Q7_qPIISB-isEs1fwF2v_W-7T6kD3C1NlG3oQ4KBDcUIsc/s320/DSC01145.JPG" border="0" />And then this wee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">beautie</span> today went into a pork pot roast with some rescued <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">windfallen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">bramleys</span>...yum yum! <div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251168014955565042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jjiRreRZoOOpnGN1J-Wf4-d_YPQWqbbqgLHEmmUGvSI1M6Eh3oTp0NFL-ic1IIYzmz-LkgwwDfK4hZRT_sUHPtkN6Uw2jyTlgVsxjwm79navXns-MjfduvHGdUb2ulUM5VbJkyuppH0/s320/DSC01162.JPG" border="0" /> <div>I think they look like trees when cut in half.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251169561312612674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_MBjN15jW16sFkM4pnSzSjPR_O1R72y3FeLUyaWOyARwYKXuX7BAeRhGAJS0WuU-2XdIQh_UdT-xVZqNN10zyI_uQEeaoRU1toXOL31dYnD2bp1OpczqWDuuQjPRPrwEo5fvAIoC5UA/s320/DSC01164.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-50142161907626477302008-09-19T15:20:00.008+01:002008-09-28T20:51:01.579+01:00The Verdict<div><div>Whilst not a total disaster the plots haven't quite escaped the blight and the slugs whilst we've been away but then given what we heard about the continuous, torrential rain, that can only be expected.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251157726892701682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzb6MYwvlF7Lgq2s8Cy7Jg8vvgGTNAHP9-GuFHK4lBJ6LMW_KhxyVL1S0CaWA0hG7AISmdEIG6mxZcoQGtgeP2N2q6Ct1Z2KggxcCRl0koJndowfiv-OmCD2QX3kg6xPfHF2bR5Stqic/s320/Bedraggled+toms.JPG" border="0" />Rescued the tomatoes off the bedraggled looking plants and sorted into 2 piles - blighted and not-yet-blighted. Looks like a bumper year for green tomato chutney! The tomato plants at home are still blight-free still so I'm hopeful of some proper ripe tomatoes to eat. </div><div>Although very mildewed the winter squash have been very productive and there are a lot of fruits of almost <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">harvestable</span> size. I'm particularly impressed with the '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Thelma</span> Saunders' Sweet Potato squash from <a href="http://www.realseeds.co.uk/">http://www.realseeds.co.uk/</a> as it's been prolific! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251158774767323922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52G5EKewf4HAxiSr4RtBZrpPaXrFJP6EIyoffjhtaH4ysbqjaO6PRtZGnxr43DN8G7IB8MWbIVuey0X0U-MZ5Vl-GJ0t04f-KFaCVxSR8J1MsKBuz1uTIBgm5JqnXhqoBD0fqmXejCXE/s320/mildewed+squashes.JPG" border="0" />And in the photo above you can see that there is new fresh growth on the courgettes but I think this might be their last encore of the season.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251158778769228466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AAHOJih8Xhyphenhyphen3Miad1eM-Q6yQPHWC4QAcwq5uCFt4A8-nUwGbW8TBslidpGk7tTPtQkvgp3tajsolFQlpOhqb_T4T02USFAbaj1dWBS4OsL51ORvdKmQU4MPR3KdKn2DaUtLd1bEVUCI/s320/DSC01117.JPG" border="0" />The slugs have been quite well behaved for slugs...but they've removed any trace of what should have been my get-them-in-quick late sowing of dwarf french beans (you can just see a couple of seedlings hanging on in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bottom</span> left), desecrated the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pak</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">choi</span> seedlings again... and they've started attacking the red cabbage although they're of a decent size to withstand a fair amount of munching.<br /><div>And the best homecoming 'present' was eating these 2 lovely specimens...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251160963824786050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjQIVXdbgswwS-k6caJEaU4DZefxIW15qSwK8Ux2oqmeRh6Ra0v7oVcpRk5hhtU2KKOeyynmAu4hlfbYQxAKRecc5ebf128aJs5d_YfTYeC1eEYD1J9iWitsYsnUQcbKCWoqOwZdzBYg/s320/DSC01130.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251160969589355410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-_H7B0dAGVRk_4CqInrQaEvbR-IK3PgOPw8agkHnGiX9wDQ-R4gVXfvncN7JRPfMwrTActKAWGP3VJ9SYjUKMM23nAXrZ0YSB2EDJvfNcU9y92h2Xlio87uqbnBPfWxDgVFGnQp-ApA/s320/DSC01132.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251160975784647842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AJpHve5GyEC1w6V9ROwYmmPk549u0qUo9NfT2nVcEQzH6hHCh6Fg1C5t5WrEM9wzwCQw285wqUR2bHai1zBiJvOARpH2NvU82ZOZtVCAuADLZH8ZFsufshqSSuxHw5mVYx2qdmrU4HM/s320/DSC00914.JPG" border="0" />At least the dismal weather stopped them from ripening too fast whilst we were away and means we can eat all the rest (another 10) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">yeay</span>!!<br /><div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-38536170715125721682008-09-18T15:45:00.005+01:002008-09-18T16:03:05.552+01:00Whilst I've been mostly...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aOe9QUur6yEpERiXTqisn0EuPalEfk1xaHVMBz3qhZ3QhfywNlfCCGNlf7uW637TOMuBBywa7FT7Eyd5dr0allxHXZ9Z28lf8RqQKSCUHoWCRXkVyi4cpaNlpwiCoFrRw5ennTplN8U/s1600-h/floating1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247376215477366274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aOe9QUur6yEpERiXTqisn0EuPalEfk1xaHVMBz3qhZ3QhfywNlfCCGNlf7uW637TOMuBBywa7FT7Eyd5dr0allxHXZ9Z28lf8RqQKSCUHoWCRXkVyi4cpaNlpwiCoFrRw5ennTplN8U/s320/floating1.JPG" border="0" /></a> ...doing this for the last 2 weeks on a very small Greek island, the plots have been left to their own devices with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">occasional</span> visit from our friends T&I and S&A.<br /><br /><div>We got back yesterday evening and as it was dark by the time we unpacked I'm having to wait until after work today to see what the verdict is.</div><div></div><br /><div>Will the dreaded blight have decimated all the plentiful green <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tomatoes</span> and left a soggy mush instead?</div><div>Will I have to lug home several huge 'marrows'?</div><div>Will I be rewarded with lots of ripe sweetcorn to harvest?</div><div>Will I have been spared a slug onslaught in my absence?</div><div></div><br /><div>Let's hope the answers to the above are no, no, yes and yes (in that order).</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-9338427134583974512008-08-27T08:49:00.002+01:002008-09-01T11:13:15.604+01:002nd Chance<div>After a bit of a lull in production the courgettes have perked up and have started setting fruit again. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240992530223705298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix_cs_j0OgWC4rtyLmAhY1LXnSAgGxsx1qQut7ZzWewfv14dpSAAUYGQNSjQp4Xq2s5BDXwoLfnSkWq9JAJWkqa1RFodL4pDh3C_SDl2VyFAPj54tTjHOufpalzfgZWtcCExqfrTld68/s320/DSC00871.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240992537483616002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoNbGnSI9ydS5wVhH-zlprTZln15uD4m-5888Q-BViIyHiNAgdzdHsys1750kQhkXzZLqd66AGJk8e_ERryVepEfw8XyTBshLxxPbDvs-RmluGw4wGMOs5AuRGmeStwRJ-VRwCJXnIMM/s320/DSC00875.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div>Which is a relief as I hadn't got fed up with courgettes yet. I've also given them a bit of assistance and did some fertilisation as there seems to be an absence of bees around at the moment. Let's hope they're still going strong after we get back from our hoilday...</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-42818359492839152242008-08-27T08:48:00.002+01:002008-08-29T16:52:22.456+01:00Last of the Broad Beans...went into a very delicious risotto.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239967738262791986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3kfC6Bqn2lGflOgWDPF26YL85S02KTKtn3rw-XyH5sotiUli-c5_yVORPkh5nk75EPpMh3HXM_V_Yp5RCFliuhC-mPkKnfAn-xuxMOjRuc5ERqKI3kHZe-M08X1r4NATVhohW3nOyhA/s320/DSC00851.JPG" border="0" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-83446428202207949912008-08-27T08:47:00.003+01:002008-08-29T16:53:13.896+01:00On the Turn?Finally not one but TWO tomatoes are turning red.....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">yeay</span>!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239964493325923970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ky4eCegD5kAeyzlvu18K3iCo6dPnNak-cgl08JRWPSG6mTBp9bfaUxl-WnmVye566DSnphOPazRTGGX-1uv2i3Ll6yTw8kq6qqwlLl13Ktm0uTZiOSi-09g2xDFaDxMScYnBclPzy4I/s320/DSC00866.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239966236230320626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhW4dNG-Qc7TKUGwfkXo8YUQ6Rb-OnxWV4IVvCqJ-u4NJVDspo1NQ_xbSakLmFMD6ekWVEpZqMZBRQVYvkKlBm1QeJ5XYKWK2pNzSa5-ZaWgCQdRcRcFTZ6FhcqvT8MBMiOObPyn1Tsfk/s320/DSC00868.JPG" border="0" /> Trouble is the plants look like they're showing the first signs of the dreaded blight....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">booooo</span>! Will have to keep a close eye on them.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855148478487713175.post-74236167780722940912008-08-27T08:43:00.005+01:002008-08-27T08:47:28.322+01:00The Odd SquadWhilst digging up the Pink Fir Apples we uncovered quite a few strangely shaped specimens.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239100415090224578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NxBRtT7tFgjo6HJv3qxMZeVVskwo_59X10jCMykVdMPm2ZvRt9RUwzESwJ7VuNGew4CbCvUaHNyuQnhErE3Vv_jtDfA3A1SQROzE89JhzvJKWHk_qoRrOLwnsGMJVkOKik3U7H39yos/s320/DSC00856.JPG" border="0" /><br />Funny looking aren't they?!?Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12672858283638541882noreply@blogger.com2