and not a bit of gardening done. It's been a long time, far too long, but no way round it.
So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each and every one of you. Let's hope 2008 get's better.
xxxx
Monday, December 10, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Absenteeism will not be tolerated
Nor will ignoring the blog !
Just spent a weekend in some very pleasant company of other like minded peeps in a really lovely part of NE England but close enough to the Scottish border that they accepted my Scottish £20 without so much of a bat of an eyelid. Wouldn't get that service darn sarf ! They'd hold the note up to the light for half hour to check for running ink, and then declare it unacceptable currency due to the fact that "there's plenty of dodgy ones abart".
Sadly ill-health in the family means a quick scoot darn sarf tomorrow for a few days, or more, don't know yet, so both the lottie and the plot are having to take care of themselves for a bit.
Will dig some turnips and take them with me though as they are really looking like they should be in the pot rather than the soil. The perpetual spinach is currently acting as a green manure, the carrots in the bath are probably feeding the slugs and the rhubarb is finally dying down nicely.
The poor jerusalem artichokes have taken another direct hit from a bad wind (I thought they were the ones to create the wind) a couple of nights ago, but will have to be left until I get back.
Big greenhouse is now empty of growing things, just got loads of black buckets in there drying out to make the riddling easier, oh and one pot of fuschias under fleece. All the toms have gone so first job on my return will be to give it a good wash down and disinfect ready to insulate over the winter. I've decided to only heat the Hall's g/h this winter and need to get the mini plastic g/h covers suitably cleaned and installed to add to the protection.
The successes of the season on the plot were:
Broad beans (will be going up to the lottie next year though)
Turnips (Still going strong)
Carrots (Second year of success in the bath, to be recommended)
Perpetual Spinach (Just keeps growing and growing)
Rhubarb (but as it was only transplanted this year I've not been able to touch it)
Garlic (harvested enough to keep me going well into next year)
Salad leaves and little gem lettuces (need to concentrate on them more but they did ok)
French marigolds did their bit ............ borders are STILL producing and those in the g/h did a good job of keeping the whitefly down
The disasters:
Tomatoes (too many plants of too many different varieties without a proper watering plan) - going to consolidate next year and concentrate on bush (Totem) and tumbling baskets with perhaps the odd Gardeners Delight thrown in for good measure. Got really fed up with all the side shooting and training of the cordon varieties.
Aubergines (just not enough of a return to justify allocated half the small greenhouse to them)
Hestia dwarf runners (late start followed by an erratic watering plan didn't achieve the desired results - won't bother next year)
Those that could have done better and will try again:
Peas (but they'll be up at the lottie)
Chillies and Peppers (not enough tlc afforded to the babies to make them produce much)
Strawberries (a better planting and spacing plan required - think I may throw some in the hanging baskets rather than the petunias - far more useful)
Basil - lime and purple - did next to nothing, but then i did next to nothing to encourage them either. Will definitely try again.
The rosemary bush took well to it's new raised bed home which I think will be turned over to the 'erbs next year.
The fruit bushes really need to get in the ground rather than keeping them cramped in pots. Was going to get some rasps, but have now decided to plant spuds in that border (just got to get some on order). May still get a Tayberry for the square bed in front of the deck, I'll see how things go, but better get it on order quick.
The Alstroemeria surprised me by blooming twice ! Will treat it to a bit of potting up and some new soil.
The Sunshine Blue blueberries are still ripening and would get another bowlful if only I could be bothered to get out there and pick them. Doesn't appear that the birds want them as they've been unnetted for a good few weeks now.
I will try and deadhead some pansies today inbetween packing, they look as if they could do with it !
The Spanish Palms sown from seed are doing really well. One has been delivered darn sarf and two others to go around Christmas time, leaving one for me. I'm always amazed when I managed to get something to grow from seed so was really pleased with my 100% success record in the Spanish Palm stakes ! Passion Fruit plants also germinated well and am hoping for a take over bid by them next year.
Senecio greyii cuttings have settled in well and will get a haircut to reshape. Jasmine creeping up the deck has done nicely, honeysuckle succumbed to mildew again but it's starting to sprout again now ! Dad's forsythia cuttings are doing well in their pots, as is the lovely pink shrub that I nicked from his neighbour. They really need to get in the ground now, but that means clearing the border and won't happen for a while. Am thinking of just keeping them in the pots until the spring.
I've run out of composting room. All three darleks on the plot are full as is the giant one at the plot. There are various old compost bags of cuttings and other flotsam and jetsam strewn around the place. Need to give the plot darleks a turn and riddle to see what can be used now to create some space.
Overall thoughts on the year ............. less is more ! Having outgrown the plot and bits of neighbour's garden, I was pleased to get the lottie as it will give me the space next year to grow a great variety of successionals like broad bean and peas. Didn't realise you could have BBs running right through the summer. However last year of creating the plot, and then this season concentrating on the lottie really has taken up 150% of my time. The OH sees me when he sees me but is impressed by some of my efforts.
I hope that next year, I'll be a bit more organised given the fact that all the hard landscaping is now done.
Oh .............. and I must get a bigger freezer !
Laters folks.
xx
Just spent a weekend in some very pleasant company of other like minded peeps in a really lovely part of NE England but close enough to the Scottish border that they accepted my Scottish £20 without so much of a bat of an eyelid. Wouldn't get that service darn sarf ! They'd hold the note up to the light for half hour to check for running ink, and then declare it unacceptable currency due to the fact that "there's plenty of dodgy ones abart".
Sadly ill-health in the family means a quick scoot darn sarf tomorrow for a few days, or more, don't know yet, so both the lottie and the plot are having to take care of themselves for a bit.
Will dig some turnips and take them with me though as they are really looking like they should be in the pot rather than the soil. The perpetual spinach is currently acting as a green manure, the carrots in the bath are probably feeding the slugs and the rhubarb is finally dying down nicely.
The poor jerusalem artichokes have taken another direct hit from a bad wind (I thought they were the ones to create the wind) a couple of nights ago, but will have to be left until I get back.
Big greenhouse is now empty of growing things, just got loads of black buckets in there drying out to make the riddling easier, oh and one pot of fuschias under fleece. All the toms have gone so first job on my return will be to give it a good wash down and disinfect ready to insulate over the winter. I've decided to only heat the Hall's g/h this winter and need to get the mini plastic g/h covers suitably cleaned and installed to add to the protection.
The successes of the season on the plot were:
Broad beans (will be going up to the lottie next year though)
Turnips (Still going strong)
Carrots (Second year of success in the bath, to be recommended)
Perpetual Spinach (Just keeps growing and growing)
Rhubarb (but as it was only transplanted this year I've not been able to touch it)
Garlic (harvested enough to keep me going well into next year)
Salad leaves and little gem lettuces (need to concentrate on them more but they did ok)
French marigolds did their bit ............ borders are STILL producing and those in the g/h did a good job of keeping the whitefly down
The disasters:
Tomatoes (too many plants of too many different varieties without a proper watering plan) - going to consolidate next year and concentrate on bush (Totem) and tumbling baskets with perhaps the odd Gardeners Delight thrown in for good measure. Got really fed up with all the side shooting and training of the cordon varieties.
Aubergines (just not enough of a return to justify allocated half the small greenhouse to them)
Hestia dwarf runners (late start followed by an erratic watering plan didn't achieve the desired results - won't bother next year)
Those that could have done better and will try again:
Peas (but they'll be up at the lottie)
Chillies and Peppers (not enough tlc afforded to the babies to make them produce much)
Strawberries (a better planting and spacing plan required - think I may throw some in the hanging baskets rather than the petunias - far more useful)
Basil - lime and purple - did next to nothing, but then i did next to nothing to encourage them either. Will definitely try again.
The rosemary bush took well to it's new raised bed home which I think will be turned over to the 'erbs next year.
The fruit bushes really need to get in the ground rather than keeping them cramped in pots. Was going to get some rasps, but have now decided to plant spuds in that border (just got to get some on order). May still get a Tayberry for the square bed in front of the deck, I'll see how things go, but better get it on order quick.
The Alstroemeria surprised me by blooming twice ! Will treat it to a bit of potting up and some new soil.
The Sunshine Blue blueberries are still ripening and would get another bowlful if only I could be bothered to get out there and pick them. Doesn't appear that the birds want them as they've been unnetted for a good few weeks now.
I will try and deadhead some pansies today inbetween packing, they look as if they could do with it !
The Spanish Palms sown from seed are doing really well. One has been delivered darn sarf and two others to go around Christmas time, leaving one for me. I'm always amazed when I managed to get something to grow from seed so was really pleased with my 100% success record in the Spanish Palm stakes ! Passion Fruit plants also germinated well and am hoping for a take over bid by them next year.
Senecio greyii cuttings have settled in well and will get a haircut to reshape. Jasmine creeping up the deck has done nicely, honeysuckle succumbed to mildew again but it's starting to sprout again now ! Dad's forsythia cuttings are doing well in their pots, as is the lovely pink shrub that I nicked from his neighbour. They really need to get in the ground now, but that means clearing the border and won't happen for a while. Am thinking of just keeping them in the pots until the spring.
I've run out of composting room. All three darleks on the plot are full as is the giant one at the plot. There are various old compost bags of cuttings and other flotsam and jetsam strewn around the place. Need to give the plot darleks a turn and riddle to see what can be used now to create some space.
Overall thoughts on the year ............. less is more ! Having outgrown the plot and bits of neighbour's garden, I was pleased to get the lottie as it will give me the space next year to grow a great variety of successionals like broad bean and peas. Didn't realise you could have BBs running right through the summer. However last year of creating the plot, and then this season concentrating on the lottie really has taken up 150% of my time. The OH sees me when he sees me but is impressed by some of my efforts.
I hope that next year, I'll be a bit more organised given the fact that all the hard landscaping is now done.
Oh .............. and I must get a bigger freezer !
Laters folks.
xx
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Family matters
kept me away from both the plot and the lottie at the weekend. First night back on the plot last night.
Still trying to clear out the greenhouses to clean and prepare for the winter.
New next door neighbours who I think tried to jump through the hedge ! Big gap in in now which will need wiring together ! Found a football under the hedge my side, no broken greenhouse panes - thank god for toughened glass. I can see we're going to have trouble here.
Turnips are now increasing in size and will lift a few more soon. Miner is still getting at the spinach so will counter attack tonight.
Shed is just overflowing with new toys donated by lil bro who's on his way to Menorca to live. New shelves are already full to bursting.
Stuff for the compost heap coming out of my ears. Need to get that up the plot quick. Need to get broad beans, peas and sweet peas sown ........... or I may just leave them til I've caught up with everything. Cauliflowers have been moved to the greenhouse, but are going all leggy. Think I'll just ditch them too.
No time, no help, too much to do, nights drawing in far too fast and work is a pain. Weather is very blowy and dark today, tut tut looks like rain ! Winter is on it's way.
Can you tell I'm depressed ??? lol
Still trying to clear out the greenhouses to clean and prepare for the winter.
New next door neighbours who I think tried to jump through the hedge ! Big gap in in now which will need wiring together ! Found a football under the hedge my side, no broken greenhouse panes - thank god for toughened glass. I can see we're going to have trouble here.
Turnips are now increasing in size and will lift a few more soon. Miner is still getting at the spinach so will counter attack tonight.
Shed is just overflowing with new toys donated by lil bro who's on his way to Menorca to live. New shelves are already full to bursting.
Stuff for the compost heap coming out of my ears. Need to get that up the plot quick. Need to get broad beans, peas and sweet peas sown ........... or I may just leave them til I've caught up with everything. Cauliflowers have been moved to the greenhouse, but are going all leggy. Think I'll just ditch them too.
No time, no help, too much to do, nights drawing in far too fast and work is a pain. Weather is very blowy and dark today, tut tut looks like rain ! Winter is on it's way.
Can you tell I'm depressed ??? lol
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
This week is plot week
The plot has been sadly neglected due to it's younger lottie sibling taking up all my time this year. It's had the odd afternoon here and there but pretty much told to look after itself.
As the evenings are drawing in and sunset is somewhere just before 7pm now, I can spend a couple of hours a night on the plot tidying and winding down. The weather in true style of Britishness has surprised us all, and yesterday was like a summer's day. The greenhouse got a drink, and various bits of plot got cut away and shoved in compost bags as I've run out of space in the bins.
The Naughty marietta marigolds still keep blooming though even though I've not deadheaded them in weeks. The sweetpeas have all finally been cut down and my total lack of attention to depodding means that I've got a fair few seed pods for next year (which I really must get round to sowing soon).
The pink shrub cuttings that I stole from Dad's next door neighbour have taken really well, and one or two of them are in fact in bloom. They, along with the forsythia are going to be kept in the cold frame over the winter and planted along the border (haven't decided which one yet) in Spring.
I'll get out there again tonight and do the royal tour but here are a couple of pics just for tasters. Don't ask me what variety the tomato is as I haven't a clue.
The aubs are Black Beauty although you'd never know it. I don't know if they're under ripe, over ripe, whether they've ever been ripe or if they're just protesting at being ignored, but they'll get eaten anyway. Just going to look for a ratatouille recipe now. From 8 plants this is all I got so I should be grateful for small mercies.
I gave the deck a good wash down and tidy up yesterday, but it really needs a power spray and another coating of linseed oil before the winter. Most of the fuchsias are under cover now and lots are sprouting already!
I've discovered that I love perpetual spinach. Had another lovely load last night and is definitely something that I'll grow again. I'm trying not to sow too much now as I want to try and get myself back on an even footing before all the chaos starts again next year, but I may just start another tray of PS under cover to get me through the dark winter.
The cauliflower seedlings have been moved to the greenhouse but I forgot to count how many finally came through. They're rather leggy though and need thinning as there's two or three in some cells and none in others. Fickle things.
See you later alligator.
As the evenings are drawing in and sunset is somewhere just before 7pm now, I can spend a couple of hours a night on the plot tidying and winding down. The weather in true style of Britishness has surprised us all, and yesterday was like a summer's day. The greenhouse got a drink, and various bits of plot got cut away and shoved in compost bags as I've run out of space in the bins.
The Naughty marietta marigolds still keep blooming though even though I've not deadheaded them in weeks. The sweetpeas have all finally been cut down and my total lack of attention to depodding means that I've got a fair few seed pods for next year (which I really must get round to sowing soon).
The pink shrub cuttings that I stole from Dad's next door neighbour have taken really well, and one or two of them are in fact in bloom. They, along with the forsythia are going to be kept in the cold frame over the winter and planted along the border (haven't decided which one yet) in Spring.
I'll get out there again tonight and do the royal tour but here are a couple of pics just for tasters. Don't ask me what variety the tomato is as I haven't a clue.
The aubs are Black Beauty although you'd never know it. I don't know if they're under ripe, over ripe, whether they've ever been ripe or if they're just protesting at being ignored, but they'll get eaten anyway. Just going to look for a ratatouille recipe now. From 8 plants this is all I got so I should be grateful for small mercies.I gave the deck a good wash down and tidy up yesterday, but it really needs a power spray and another coating of linseed oil before the winter. Most of the fuchsias are under cover now and lots are sprouting already!
I've discovered that I love perpetual spinach. Had another lovely load last night and is definitely something that I'll grow again. I'm trying not to sow too much now as I want to try and get myself back on an even footing before all the chaos starts again next year, but I may just start another tray of PS under cover to get me through the dark winter.
The cauliflower seedlings have been moved to the greenhouse but I forgot to count how many finally came through. They're rather leggy though and need thinning as there's two or three in some cells and none in others. Fickle things.
See you later alligator.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Progress and pansies
Everything is rush rush rush atm so the poor plot is still being ignored in favour of it's new cousin up at the lottie.
Tomatoes are now being picked on a regular basis, but I wouldn't say they were the tastiest in the world. Fuchsias need cutting back and putting in the greenhouse, but the chillies would have to move over !
The courgettes are done now and should be dug up, but all the bins are full so I'm just slinging everything in a compost bag and creating a new pile up at the lottie.
The wall flowers went in last week, some had been potted on, some not. The potted on ones look lovely and lush, those that hadn't look a bit feeble. Round in the front border, some urchins (birds ?) actually pulled a couple of plugs out of the soil. We do however have some
lovely pansies (thanks Mum). Could believe my eyes when I saw this black one ! The primroses are destined for the lottie.
The pansies in smaller pots/troughs are definitely further ahead than those in the whisky barrel (I've a sense of deja vu here, so I may have typed that already). I guess restricted roots are pushing them upwards, so a couple of spares in pots when in the barrel to fill it out a bit.
Have been picking the hestia runners but they're a bit stringy. Think I left them (ignored them) for too long. Sent the OH out last night to pick a handful before the predicted frosts struck and he came back with what looked a pea pod ! Turned out to be a sweetpea pod ! Perhaps he's trying to poison me or something ! :-O Needless to say, I had to go out and harvest the beans myself.
Spinach and turnips are doing well. Must get round to eating some of the spinach. All I seem to do is cut off leaf minered leaves and compost them. Haven't eaten any yet ! Just about beating the slugs to the carrots ! My friend up at the lottie offered me some of his as I think he's drowing in carrots. I politely declined !
My raspberry supplier can't sell me 5 canes, so I'm seriously thinking of ditching that idea and moving the gooseberries and currants to that border leaving the square bed for ............... erm ..... something else ! Potatoes perhaps ! Now that's a good idea KP. Won't have room for them up at the lottie and I was pretty much blight free on the plot ...... will go and have a read up !
Thinking, always thinking !
Tomatoes are now being picked on a regular basis, but I wouldn't say they were the tastiest in the world. Fuchsias need cutting back and putting in the greenhouse, but the chillies would have to move over !
The courgettes are done now and should be dug up, but all the bins are full so I'm just slinging everything in a compost bag and creating a new pile up at the lottie.The wall flowers went in last week, some had been potted on, some not. The potted on ones look lovely and lush, those that hadn't look a bit feeble. Round in the front border, some urchins (birds ?) actually pulled a couple of plugs out of the soil. We do however have some
lovely pansies (thanks Mum). Could believe my eyes when I saw this black one ! The primroses are destined for the lottie.The pansies in smaller pots/troughs are definitely further ahead than those in the whisky barrel (I've a sense of deja vu here, so I may have typed that already). I guess restricted roots are pushing them upwards, so a couple of spares in pots when in the barrel to fill it out a bit.
Have been picking the hestia runners but they're a bit stringy. Think I left them (ignored them) for too long. Sent the OH out last night to pick a handful before the predicted frosts struck and he came back with what looked a pea pod ! Turned out to be a sweetpea pod ! Perhaps he's trying to poison me or something ! :-O Needless to say, I had to go out and harvest the beans myself.Spinach and turnips are doing well. Must get round to eating some of the spinach. All I seem to do is cut off leaf minered leaves and compost them. Haven't eaten any yet ! Just about beating the slugs to the carrots ! My friend up at the lottie offered me some of his as I think he's drowing in carrots. I politely declined !
My raspberry supplier can't sell me 5 canes, so I'm seriously thinking of ditching that idea and moving the gooseberries and currants to that border leaving the square bed for ............... erm ..... something else ! Potatoes perhaps ! Now that's a good idea KP. Won't have room for them up at the lottie and I was pretty much blight free on the plot ...... will go and have a read up !
Thinking, always thinking !
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Brass monkeys
Would have had their fleece, hat and mitts on last night, so I thought I'd better get the bedding plants in before it was too cold.
So in went about 70 odd wall flowers tonight. Some had been grown on (the first box arrived squished if you remember but I managed to rescue about half of a box of 70). The second box arrived in an equally sat on state, but I'd not managed to get them in pots so about another 35 have gone in small ! Trouble is it's howling a gale again tonight accompanied by some not very warm rain but apparently the temp will be up on last night.
At least they've been watered in !
Just got to pansies and primroses to go now !
So in went about 70 odd wall flowers tonight. Some had been grown on (the first box arrived squished if you remember but I managed to rescue about half of a box of 70). The second box arrived in an equally sat on state, but I'd not managed to get them in pots so about another 35 have gone in small ! Trouble is it's howling a gale again tonight accompanied by some not very warm rain but apparently the temp will be up on last night.
At least they've been watered in !
Just got to pansies and primroses to go now !
Monday, September 17, 2007
And then the rains came
Woke up to find the wet weather of Saturday had drifted over to Sunday with a vengance.
Pouring rain plus driving wind put paid to any work being done at the lottie, so I toddled off to B&Q looking for a new bracket to replace the broken one on the shower rail. No joy there, back to a bit of twine to hold it together.
Then popped into Ikea to see what their Gorm shelving range was like. Ideal shed shelves I was thinking. Came out with a huge stock pot as well so one very satisfied customer.
So the rest of the day was clearing, building, and reloading up the shed ..... and if you think it's messy, you should have seen it before !
The poor JAs are looking a bit bare in the middle where the ties were. Just have to see if they stay upright !
Picked another bowl of various goodies, Supersprout's Pineapple tomato, some Black Cherry toms amongst other red things. Managed to save 30 seeds from the SS tom so will have some for next year and with my new downsizing arrangements, will have some to give away too.
Now you know my love for all things purple, and now I have purple turnips ! Look a wee bit skinny so I hope they fatten up now we've had a good soaking.
Something's been at my spinach though. I've been doing my usual cut off the ugly leaves and try to ignore them, but they just keep coming. The consensus is Leaf miner. Hope the damn thing leaves some for me ! I usually get this on the beetroot, but at least the roots still grow, whereas the leaves are a pretty important part of the make up of spinach. As soon as Dawn get's up I'll go out and see what the wee beastie has ravaged overnight and if necessary investigate an appropriate "systematic insecticide" ! What's one of them when it's at home ? I wish the books would give brand names ! I've got a whole shelf full but which to use ? Decisions, decisions. :-D
Pouring rain plus driving wind put paid to any work being done at the lottie, so I toddled off to B&Q looking for a new bracket to replace the broken one on the shower rail. No joy there, back to a bit of twine to hold it together.
Then popped into Ikea to see what their Gorm shelving range was like. Ideal shed shelves I was thinking. Came out with a huge stock pot as well so one very satisfied customer.
So the rest of the day was clearing, building, and reloading up the shed ..... and if you think it's messy, you should have seen it before !
The poor JAs are looking a bit bare in the middle where the ties were. Just have to see if they stay upright !
Picked another bowl of various goodies, Supersprout's Pineapple tomato, some Black Cherry toms amongst other red things. Managed to save 30 seeds from the SS tom so will have some for next year and with my new downsizing arrangements, will have some to give away too.
Now you know my love for all things purple, and now I have purple turnips ! Look a wee bit skinny so I hope they fatten up now we've had a good soaking.
Something's been at my spinach though. I've been doing my usual cut off the ugly leaves and try to ignore them, but they just keep coming. The consensus is Leaf miner. Hope the damn thing leaves some for me ! I usually get this on the beetroot, but at least the roots still grow, whereas the leaves are a pretty important part of the make up of spinach. As soon as Dawn get's up I'll go out and see what the wee beastie has ravaged overnight and if necessary investigate an appropriate "systematic insecticide" ! What's one of them when it's at home ? I wish the books would give brand names ! I've got a whole shelf full but which to use ? Decisions, decisions. :-D
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Rain at long last
but also accompanied by quite strong winds. Lost a Jerusalem Artichoke stem which snapped clean in half despite being roped to the decking.
Hope everything else will be grateful for the drink.
Succumbed to the lure of Morrisons and bought two more Clematis. Being a sucker for purple, I got Elsa Spath and The President. Potted them up last night before the winds hit. Don't look any worse for wear.
Turnip leaves are exploding, just hope there's some root swelling action going on down below.
Tomatoes are struggling on, picking about 10 cherries a day now. Got another small bowl of blueberries last night and if I hunted in the bush I'm sure I could find more Hestia runners.
I've been emptying the black buckets and recycling the compost, keeping it for the lottie. Also got rid of two pepper plants that were looking awfully yellow and sickly. More victims to my complete neglect of the greenhouses this year. Fuchsias are just bouncing around in the breeze as are the pansies. Must get the side border planted up soon.
More wall flowers arrives, but just as sat on as the last box. Maybe the postie just doesn't like wallflowers ! I'll be able to rescue nearly the whole box though, so I've got mum's money's worth.
xxx
Hope everything else will be grateful for the drink.
Succumbed to the lure of Morrisons and bought two more Clematis. Being a sucker for purple, I got Elsa Spath and The President. Potted them up last night before the winds hit. Don't look any worse for wear.
Turnip leaves are exploding, just hope there's some root swelling action going on down below.
Tomatoes are struggling on, picking about 10 cherries a day now. Got another small bowl of blueberries last night and if I hunted in the bush I'm sure I could find more Hestia runners.
I've been emptying the black buckets and recycling the compost, keeping it for the lottie. Also got rid of two pepper plants that were looking awfully yellow and sickly. More victims to my complete neglect of the greenhouses this year. Fuchsias are just bouncing around in the breeze as are the pansies. Must get the side border planted up soon.
More wall flowers arrives, but just as sat on as the last box. Maybe the postie just doesn't like wallflowers ! I'll be able to rescue nearly the whole box though, so I've got mum's money's worth.
xxx
Sunday, September 09, 2007
About time I got the camera out on the plot
.... which has been sadly neglected. I have turned the next door compost bin though which was very dry. However needs must (as the other two bins are now full), so I turned, ejected all the big lleylandi cuttings from last year that I'd just thrown in there to keep out of the way, added some moisture and newspaper and now can get on with the business of building a proper heap.
The shed is just overflowing with all sorts atm. I'm definitely in need of some secure shelving before I disappear under a pile of pots and feeds. The green greenhouse tubing effort that has done me so well so far, is creaking under the weight. Had a look in an old IKEA catalogue there and I reckon the Gorm(less) range would suit my purposes very well. Will get out there with a tape measure tonight.
Right onto the important stuff - the crops !
These are marmande on the left (I think). Trouble is they're rotting before ripening. I've lost about three on this truss. Not got a clue about the ones on the right - possibly Legend. Again some strange markings at the top. I may just pick them and shove them in a drawer to see what happens.
What's left of the lettuce patch. There is another trough of cut and come again leaves somewhere, but Mr Sluggy is eating more of them than we are. I've sown some more within the same trough and have some Valdor lettuce on the go but they're nowhere near planting out stage yet.
The rhubarb patch has really taken off a treat. Next year - crumble !
The forsythia cuttings that I took from Dad's garden earlier in the year and really getting established now. There's a pink flowering bush in there as well which were taken from his next door neighbour as well. I'll keep them in the cold frame until spring and then they're going along the communal border for when I'm not nicking "her upstairs" garden ! The polycarb sheeting is covering a late bucket of rainbow carrits ! Hopefully have them by Christmas.
These chillies are in the same corner as the aubs. I'll definitely have to pick a few of them soon. I think they're quite mild (although could be dreadfully wrong here) - just fry an eat - it will be a a taste adventure.
My two aubergines (can't find the other one) have been chucked in a corner of the little greenhouse and left to get on with it. I might be able to harvest the bigger one shortly though now I've got some ripening tops to make some ratatouille with. It will only be one portion though and not the freezer load that I was hoping for. I'm definitely not an aubergine growing type person. That's two years now I've failed with them. I'll try a couple of token Black Beauty's next next but for fun only ! :-P
Something's attacking the spinach! Not got a clue what. The leaves have patches of papery patches. So I just cut them off and hope for the best ! One plant was complete sheared off at the base but not a slug trail to be seen. The turnips seem to be settling in quite well though.
Don't even want to talk about the greenhouse ! The majority of the ripening toms are the Gardners Delight, everything else is just starting to set ! A bit bloody late to put in an effort now ! (although it could be due to my rather haphazard watering efforts this year).
Mum's brown marigolds that share a hanging basket with some cherry toms have escaped Mr Sluggy's attention which can't be said for the one's in the ground. They keep doing well even though they're rather crowding out the toms !
The deck is looking a bit leggy now I've given the fuchsias a haircut when all the leaves looked as if they'd caught some kind of nasty disease. Since then, we've had no rain to speak of so the disease rate has slowed down considerably. Everything is still blooming though.
Sarah's Delta doing ok but could do better. Will give it some more attention next year. With some pinching and filling out, it would look lovely. I really don't like the way older blooms go from blue to pink, or in Deep Purple's case, from purple to pink. I really love Deep Purple though and have taken some cuttings for next year. Burnt the first batch to a crisp in the propogator (which was in direct sunlight). Second batch have carefully been put down on the floor away from the early morning sun.
Some of Mum's Can Can pansies blooming. The one's in the smaller trough have definitely grown into larger plants than the one's in the whisky barrel. Root restriction I guess.
Took my first crop of Hestia Runner beans this morning. Plenty more wee beans to come if we can get an elongation frost free period.
Clematis Durandii and passion flower. About half a dozen blooms on the clematis this year and jolly nice they look too. No blooms on the passion flower yet but I suppose they'd do better next year having had a year's growth.
Either Gartenperle or Tumbling Tom. Cannae mind which now. Labelling hasn't been top priority this year. Had a few picks, but nowhere near as heavy cropping as the Gartenperles last year despite plenty of blooms.
Diascia Apple Bloomsom has really done well. I've had this a couple of years now, but this year is the first time it has gone bananas. Going over now, but will definitely try and look after it for next year.
This is the second blooming period for my wee cactus in the bathroom - Mammillaria Spinosissima. Poor wee thing just gets ignored totally. It's now about 6" tall so congratulations for it's efforts.
The Naughty Marietta marigolds along the border keep beating me in the dead heading race but they continue to bloom and bring a bright splash of sunshine to the garden. The courgettes are all but done. There's still a couple of fruit growing, but I will hoik the spent ones out tonight.
I've had one or two pickings off the blueberry bushes, and can see from the window that I need to have another pick. I really need to sort out the soft fruit beds. I want a raspberry bed and a tayberry. The soil for both really need enriching before I order. I need to negotiate with the supplier as well. I really haven't got room for 10 canes which come as standard so I'm hoping he'll let me have just the 5. I was in a garden centre yesterday and they were selling buy two get one free for £4.99 per plant !!! Thieving bar stewards ! Suffice to say their plants stayed where they were. I was a good girl and only ended coming out with a pack of copper fungicide which I've often read about but never had in stock. Something else for the creaking shelf !
Right, off to pick some carrits. There's a cake baking competition at work and my contribution is the carrits for carrit cake ! I don't bake ! Don't like this at all though, 6.39am and it's still very dawn like. Red clouds too, not a good sign.
TTFN
xx
The shed is just overflowing with all sorts atm. I'm definitely in need of some secure shelving before I disappear under a pile of pots and feeds. The green greenhouse tubing effort that has done me so well so far, is creaking under the weight. Had a look in an old IKEA catalogue there and I reckon the Gorm(less) range would suit my purposes very well. Will get out there with a tape measure tonight.
Right onto the important stuff - the crops !
These are marmande on the left (I think). Trouble is they're rotting before ripening. I've lost about three on this truss. Not got a clue about the ones on the right - possibly Legend. Again some strange markings at the top. I may just pick them and shove them in a drawer to see what happens.
What's left of the lettuce patch. There is another trough of cut and come again leaves somewhere, but Mr Sluggy is eating more of them than we are. I've sown some more within the same trough and have some Valdor lettuce on the go but they're nowhere near planting out stage yet.
The rhubarb patch has really taken off a treat. Next year - crumble !
The forsythia cuttings that I took from Dad's garden earlier in the year and really getting established now. There's a pink flowering bush in there as well which were taken from his next door neighbour as well. I'll keep them in the cold frame until spring and then they're going along the communal border for when I'm not nicking "her upstairs" garden ! The polycarb sheeting is covering a late bucket of rainbow carrits ! Hopefully have them by Christmas.
These chillies are in the same corner as the aubs. I'll definitely have to pick a few of them soon. I think they're quite mild (although could be dreadfully wrong here) - just fry an eat - it will be a a taste adventure.
My two aubergines (can't find the other one) have been chucked in a corner of the little greenhouse and left to get on with it. I might be able to harvest the bigger one shortly though now I've got some ripening tops to make some ratatouille with. It will only be one portion though and not the freezer load that I was hoping for. I'm definitely not an aubergine growing type person. That's two years now I've failed with them. I'll try a couple of token Black Beauty's next next but for fun only ! :-P
Something's attacking the spinach! Not got a clue what. The leaves have patches of papery patches. So I just cut them off and hope for the best ! One plant was complete sheared off at the base but not a slug trail to be seen. The turnips seem to be settling in quite well though.
Don't even want to talk about the greenhouse ! The majority of the ripening toms are the Gardners Delight, everything else is just starting to set ! A bit bloody late to put in an effort now ! (although it could be due to my rather haphazard watering efforts this year).
Mum's brown marigolds that share a hanging basket with some cherry toms have escaped Mr Sluggy's attention which can't be said for the one's in the ground. They keep doing well even though they're rather crowding out the toms !
The deck is looking a bit leggy now I've given the fuchsias a haircut when all the leaves looked as if they'd caught some kind of nasty disease. Since then, we've had no rain to speak of so the disease rate has slowed down considerably. Everything is still blooming though.
Sarah's Delta doing ok but could do better. Will give it some more attention next year. With some pinching and filling out, it would look lovely. I really don't like the way older blooms go from blue to pink, or in Deep Purple's case, from purple to pink. I really love Deep Purple though and have taken some cuttings for next year. Burnt the first batch to a crisp in the propogator (which was in direct sunlight). Second batch have carefully been put down on the floor away from the early morning sun.
Some of Mum's Can Can pansies blooming. The one's in the smaller trough have definitely grown into larger plants than the one's in the whisky barrel. Root restriction I guess.
Took my first crop of Hestia Runner beans this morning. Plenty more wee beans to come if we can get an elongation frost free period.
Clematis Durandii and passion flower. About half a dozen blooms on the clematis this year and jolly nice they look too. No blooms on the passion flower yet but I suppose they'd do better next year having had a year's growth.
Either Gartenperle or Tumbling Tom. Cannae mind which now. Labelling hasn't been top priority this year. Had a few picks, but nowhere near as heavy cropping as the Gartenperles last year despite plenty of blooms.
Diascia Apple Bloomsom has really done well. I've had this a couple of years now, but this year is the first time it has gone bananas. Going over now, but will definitely try and look after it for next year.
This is the second blooming period for my wee cactus in the bathroom - Mammillaria Spinosissima. Poor wee thing just gets ignored totally. It's now about 6" tall so congratulations for it's efforts.The Naughty Marietta marigolds along the border keep beating me in the dead heading race but they continue to bloom and bring a bright splash of sunshine to the garden. The courgettes are all but done. There's still a couple of fruit growing, but I will hoik the spent ones out tonight.
I've had one or two pickings off the blueberry bushes, and can see from the window that I need to have another pick. I really need to sort out the soft fruit beds. I want a raspberry bed and a tayberry. The soil for both really need enriching before I order. I need to negotiate with the supplier as well. I really haven't got room for 10 canes which come as standard so I'm hoping he'll let me have just the 5. I was in a garden centre yesterday and they were selling buy two get one free for £4.99 per plant !!! Thieving bar stewards ! Suffice to say their plants stayed where they were. I was a good girl and only ended coming out with a pack of copper fungicide which I've often read about but never had in stock. Something else for the creaking shelf !
Right, off to pick some carrits. There's a cake baking competition at work and my contribution is the carrits for carrit cake ! I don't bake ! Don't like this at all though, 6.39am and it's still very dawn like. Red clouds too, not a good sign.
TTFN
xx
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Ask and ye shall receive
I've recently been after lengths of pvc pipe to screw to the inside of the raised beds up at the lottie to act as guides for netting, fleece covers. Well this morning, I look out of the spare bedroom window to find a 5' length of the stuff stuck through the hedge !
Blessed be the litter louts and wee vandals of the area ! If they want to get me some more, I'll almost forgive them the mess they make of the street !
:-)
Blessed be the litter louts and wee vandals of the area ! If they want to get me some more, I'll almost forgive them the mess they make of the street !
:-)
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
A sure sign that winter's on it's way
My robin is back ! Much as I'm pleased to see him, it means that it's all downhill from here.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
My mind is elsewhere
Lordy, is it over a week since I've added to this ??
Spending some quality time up at the lottie this week, building raised beds but let's see if I can remember what I've been doing on the plot in that time.
Tomatoes - struggling on. At least I'm getting to pick them now, but very few and far between. Next year there there will be a maximum of 10 plants in the greenhouse and mainly Totem (bush). I've got fed up with all the tying and side shooting of cordons, oh and watering. I'm either going to have to set up an automatic system, or really get my act together. This year was not good.
Aubergines - there are still 3 fruit hanging on for grim death. Still very small and not at all what I'd hoped for. May only bother with one or two plants next year.
Gave the fuchsias a good old hair cut. Far to many dodgy looking leaves and found a bit of rust too, so gave them a good old thin out. The Diascia is still romping away, very impressed with that.
The pansies, wallflowers, turnips and spinach appear to have been well protected from Sluggy and his pals. No damage to speak of. I do have a morning inspection and will have to replace the pellets soon though. It's been quite dry this last week (apart from a drizzly day on Saturday), so the sluggies have obviously been hiding somewhere warmer and wetter or perhaps they're just concentrating on the marigolds which really have suffered this year. It's a good job there are literally hundreds of blooms cos at least half of them are slug brunch. Will make a better effort to protect them next year.
Hestia runner beans are just starting to bear fruit but it really is a struggle. Chillies too, there's one or two I could pick now, but overall really disappointed. I'm sure this is because I've spent so much time at the lottie and not given them the attention they need.
I cut down the majority of sweetpeas at the weekend to compost. They were straggling all over the place and making a proper mess. I've left one batch for seeds though.
I must have a look at the blueberries. I'm sure I noticed some ripe ones there the other day, picked another handful of strawberries last night too. Nothing to write home about. Going to try them in hanging baskets next year I think to give them a bit of breathing space.
The petunias that actually get watered are still going strong, but must admit to have ignored most of them. The pink ones in the diascia pot look very attractive next to their pink neighbours.
The Jerusalem Artichokes are massively tall now, I'd say 11-12' tall. No sign of any flowers though.
In the front border the Love-in-the-Mist is pretty much done now, but I've saved some seed pods, there are still a couple of poppies blooming as well and I've saved plenty of those for next year. The nasturtiums are still doing well in the front, but I really want to hoik them out to make way for the pansies and wall flowers, they can stay for a bit longer though while I'm still concentrating on the lottie. The jasmin in the front has been hidden by the nasturtiums, I found it by accident the other day, it's looking very health though lol.
Jobs to so - hedges need a trim, grass needs cutting, winter annuals need planting up, fuchsia cuttings needs to be taken .......... let's just hope for a long warm September !
:-)
Spending some quality time up at the lottie this week, building raised beds but let's see if I can remember what I've been doing on the plot in that time.
Tomatoes - struggling on. At least I'm getting to pick them now, but very few and far between. Next year there there will be a maximum of 10 plants in the greenhouse and mainly Totem (bush). I've got fed up with all the tying and side shooting of cordons, oh and watering. I'm either going to have to set up an automatic system, or really get my act together. This year was not good.
Aubergines - there are still 3 fruit hanging on for grim death. Still very small and not at all what I'd hoped for. May only bother with one or two plants next year.
Gave the fuchsias a good old hair cut. Far to many dodgy looking leaves and found a bit of rust too, so gave them a good old thin out. The Diascia is still romping away, very impressed with that.
The pansies, wallflowers, turnips and spinach appear to have been well protected from Sluggy and his pals. No damage to speak of. I do have a morning inspection and will have to replace the pellets soon though. It's been quite dry this last week (apart from a drizzly day on Saturday), so the sluggies have obviously been hiding somewhere warmer and wetter or perhaps they're just concentrating on the marigolds which really have suffered this year. It's a good job there are literally hundreds of blooms cos at least half of them are slug brunch. Will make a better effort to protect them next year.
Hestia runner beans are just starting to bear fruit but it really is a struggle. Chillies too, there's one or two I could pick now, but overall really disappointed. I'm sure this is because I've spent so much time at the lottie and not given them the attention they need.
I cut down the majority of sweetpeas at the weekend to compost. They were straggling all over the place and making a proper mess. I've left one batch for seeds though.
I must have a look at the blueberries. I'm sure I noticed some ripe ones there the other day, picked another handful of strawberries last night too. Nothing to write home about. Going to try them in hanging baskets next year I think to give them a bit of breathing space.
The petunias that actually get watered are still going strong, but must admit to have ignored most of them. The pink ones in the diascia pot look very attractive next to their pink neighbours.
The Jerusalem Artichokes are massively tall now, I'd say 11-12' tall. No sign of any flowers though.
In the front border the Love-in-the-Mist is pretty much done now, but I've saved some seed pods, there are still a couple of poppies blooming as well and I've saved plenty of those for next year. The nasturtiums are still doing well in the front, but I really want to hoik them out to make way for the pansies and wall flowers, they can stay for a bit longer though while I'm still concentrating on the lottie. The jasmin in the front has been hidden by the nasturtiums, I found it by accident the other day, it's looking very health though lol.
Jobs to so - hedges need a trim, grass needs cutting, winter annuals need planting up, fuchsia cuttings needs to be taken .......... let's just hope for a long warm September !
:-)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The next bit
Tonight I made a major decision. No more planting goes on up at the lottie until the raised beds are built, so ...........................
A tray of turnips and spinach went in what was to be the strawberry beds. I've decided that the slugs get far too many fruits to leave them in the ground and will have them in hanging baskets next year ........ or something like that.
So here are my new born, look at the nice straight rows with their protective shield (bird friendly of course) . If I find one bit of slug chomp in the morning, I shall be out there with my scissors !
There's another tray of turnip and some pak choi to squeeze in somewhere. This is where the raised bed at the lottie theory may fall down and I may not have a choice !! lol.
I've planted up/potted up the 70 Pansy Can Can that mum bought me. Look how much space I've given them ! I usually squish my plants far to closely so I actually measured these out ! I've another 3 containers full and about another 20 potted up waiting for the border. :-O This first little one is very pretty though, so I'm hoping for a nice display over the winter.
The very kind suppliers are sending me out another box of wallflowers to replace the sat upon ones. I reckon I can save about half the injured tray, but am giving them a couple of days rest to ease their stress before I pot them up too.
The Hestia runners look OK from a distance, but like the tomatoes, are being painfully slow to set. There are some teensy beans showing but it may be nearer Christmas by the time we eat them.
This fuchsia still needs a name. It's the one currently called Gavin and has been hiding away in the greenhouse all summer, just because, well just because that's where he's been sitting. Any suggestions on a name would be muchly appreciated.
And finally, the piece de resistance ........... Deep Purple. I do love this one before it fades to a cerisey pink. It's much nicer when it's dark. I wonder if it was called after the band ??
I think I shall make this my wallpaper for a while.
And now it's time for bed said Zeberdee.
A tray of turnips and spinach went in what was to be the strawberry beds. I've decided that the slugs get far too many fruits to leave them in the ground and will have them in hanging baskets next year ........ or something like that.
So here are my new born, look at the nice straight rows with their protective shield (bird friendly of course) . If I find one bit of slug chomp in the morning, I shall be out there with my scissors !There's another tray of turnip and some pak choi to squeeze in somewhere. This is where the raised bed at the lottie theory may fall down and I may not have a choice !! lol.
I've planted up/potted up the 70 Pansy Can Can that mum bought me. Look how much space I've given them ! I usually squish my plants far to closely so I actually measured these out ! I've another 3 containers full and about another 20 potted up waiting for the border. :-O This first little one is very pretty though, so I'm hoping for a nice display over the winter.The very kind suppliers are sending me out another box of wallflowers to replace the sat upon ones. I reckon I can save about half the injured tray, but am giving them a couple of days rest to ease their stress before I pot them up too.
The Hestia runners look OK from a distance, but like the tomatoes, are being painfully slow to set. There are some teensy beans showing but it may be nearer Christmas by the time we eat them.
This fuchsia still needs a name. It's the one currently called Gavin and has been hiding away in the greenhouse all summer, just because, well just because that's where he's been sitting. Any suggestions on a name would be muchly appreciated.
And finally, the piece de resistance ........... Deep Purple. I do love this one before it fades to a cerisey pink. It's much nicer when it's dark. I wonder if it was called after the band ??I think I shall make this my wallpaper for a while.
And now it's time for bed said Zeberdee.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Damn - I cooked the babies !
Got home from work fully intending to paint some raised bed edges with fence stain only to find that I'd forgotten to open the mini g/h yesterday.
Had to re-sow a tray of turnips, pak choi and winter lettuce. That'll teach me for taking my eye off the ball and expecting rain !
Mum's wallflowers arrived but it look as if Mr Postie had sat on them all the way from Jersey. Half the plugs were out of the tray and floating about the box. So I've given them a drink and put them on the windowsill to see if they pick up but will phone the company today.
Thinking of consigning most of the aubs to the compost heap. I don't think there's any point trying to get anything else to set now. So Black Beauty 2 - Calliope 0. 2 out of 8 plants growing fruit - not impressed.
Waiting for dawn to break to go on a slug hunt. See if they dare touch my pansies, I'll not be a happy woman. :-) Oh and I read somewhere that blue pellets aren't as bad as first thought although I'll carry on with the "safe" variety until it's commonly accepted.
Wonder if I'll get any painting done tonight!
Had to re-sow a tray of turnips, pak choi and winter lettuce. That'll teach me for taking my eye off the ball and expecting rain !
Mum's wallflowers arrived but it look as if Mr Postie had sat on them all the way from Jersey. Half the plugs were out of the tray and floating about the box. So I've given them a drink and put them on the windowsill to see if they pick up but will phone the company today.
Thinking of consigning most of the aubs to the compost heap. I don't think there's any point trying to get anything else to set now. So Black Beauty 2 - Calliope 0. 2 out of 8 plants growing fruit - not impressed.
Waiting for dawn to break to go on a slug hunt. See if they dare touch my pansies, I'll not be a happy woman. :-) Oh and I read somewhere that blue pellets aren't as bad as first thought although I'll carry on with the "safe" variety until it's commonly accepted.
Wonder if I'll get any painting done tonight!
Monday, August 20, 2007
We have red tomatoes !
Four to be precise. Tumbling Toms. Not quite ready yet, but they'll be chomped by the end of the week.
Evicted the beetroot and Morning Glory and nasturtiums from the whisky barrel container and planted up some ruffled pansies that mum bought (thanks mum). Put some more in a trough, and terracotta pots, and potted up the rest to grow on and be planted out the front when I know what's happening with the front border. There were 70 plugs all in all, now just waiting for the wallflowers and primroses to arrive. I will have colour over the winter, I WILL.
I cleared the bed ear-marked for the raspberries (pea and sweetpea bed). There's just a couple of french marigolds and a couple of lettuces sitting there now. Just noticed a huge slug drop off one of the marigolds so stuck him in the compost bin. Whitefly might not like FMs but slugs love them.
Picked another small handful of strawberries yesterday but lots had rotted and suffered from sluggy damage. Blueberries look as though they're ripening at last, if I can be bothered to take the netting off, I'll have a taste this week.
One or two aubs are carrying on in the g/h. Don't think I'll bother next year. SO much effort for so little return. 8 plants and only going to be two usable fruit. Well maybe a token one. Chillies are just about starting to fruit but it's sooooooooooooo late so I'm going to be thankful for anything. Not like last year when the cayennes and numex twilight were producing by the score.
The second Deep Purple fuchsia is now putting in some effort. Lots of lovely blooms just waiting to pop, and all the other fuchsias are still going strong apart from Gwendolin thingy which still refuses to budge. RDM51 had the same trouble with his Gwendolin so I don't feel so bad. One of the g/h will be a nursery for the fuchsias over the winter. Will get the cuttings planned pretty soon, but most are still in bloom so can't do anything yet which is just as well as there is so much to do.
Right, just popping over to the lottie. See you there !
Evicted the beetroot and Morning Glory and nasturtiums from the whisky barrel container and planted up some ruffled pansies that mum bought (thanks mum). Put some more in a trough, and terracotta pots, and potted up the rest to grow on and be planted out the front when I know what's happening with the front border. There were 70 plugs all in all, now just waiting for the wallflowers and primroses to arrive. I will have colour over the winter, I WILL.
I cleared the bed ear-marked for the raspberries (pea and sweetpea bed). There's just a couple of french marigolds and a couple of lettuces sitting there now. Just noticed a huge slug drop off one of the marigolds so stuck him in the compost bin. Whitefly might not like FMs but slugs love them.
Picked another small handful of strawberries yesterday but lots had rotted and suffered from sluggy damage. Blueberries look as though they're ripening at last, if I can be bothered to take the netting off, I'll have a taste this week.
One or two aubs are carrying on in the g/h. Don't think I'll bother next year. SO much effort for so little return. 8 plants and only going to be two usable fruit. Well maybe a token one. Chillies are just about starting to fruit but it's sooooooooooooo late so I'm going to be thankful for anything. Not like last year when the cayennes and numex twilight were producing by the score.
The second Deep Purple fuchsia is now putting in some effort. Lots of lovely blooms just waiting to pop, and all the other fuchsias are still going strong apart from Gwendolin thingy which still refuses to budge. RDM51 had the same trouble with his Gwendolin so I don't feel so bad. One of the g/h will be a nursery for the fuchsias over the winter. Will get the cuttings planned pretty soon, but most are still in bloom so can't do anything yet which is just as well as there is so much to do.
Right, just popping over to the lottie. See you there !
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
At last !
A couple of the cherry toms appear to be ripening, and I've got two blooms on the honeysuckle.
Talk about drawing teeth !
The temperature is distinctly colder now though and I really don't know how long we've got before winter drawers are on.
There's a white lily still in bloom but that's the last of them. The fuchsias are still blooming all over the place. Must get organised and take some cuttings.
The diascia is still in full bloom although dropping like pink snowfall all over the deck. I've two blooms on the clematis but there's another couple just waiting to hatch.
Got a couple of trays of turnip in one of the mini greenhouses, a tray of beetroot and spring onions but it really is painful watching them try and grow. Don't know if they'll ever get in the ground at this rate. Yeah I know I shouldn't transplant but will try anything once.
At least there's a blue sky this morning, hopefully it will bring the temperature up later.
Talk about drawing teeth !
The temperature is distinctly colder now though and I really don't know how long we've got before winter drawers are on.
There's a white lily still in bloom but that's the last of them. The fuchsias are still blooming all over the place. Must get organised and take some cuttings.
The diascia is still in full bloom although dropping like pink snowfall all over the deck. I've two blooms on the clematis but there's another couple just waiting to hatch.
Got a couple of trays of turnip in one of the mini greenhouses, a tray of beetroot and spring onions but it really is painful watching them try and grow. Don't know if they'll ever get in the ground at this rate. Yeah I know I shouldn't transplant but will try anything once.
At least there's a blue sky this morning, hopefully it will bring the temperature up later.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The visit of the sparrow hawk
One just landed on the top of an obelix outside the office window. Sat there watching the bird table for a few seconds, turned round, saw me, flew off.
Lovely bird with no breakfast.
Lovely bird with no breakfast.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Just got a delivery drom Dobies
So on the sowing menu tonight we had:
White Lisbon Winter Hardy Spring Onions (I know it's early but hey ho)
Pak Choi Tatsoi Supi (says they don't like being transplanted - we'll soon find out)
Turnip Arcoat
Turnip Aramis
Also got my Broad Bean Aquadulce Claudia ready for overwintering and some Mustard that I'm going to throw about with gay abandon and see what this green manuring lark is all about.
All the above are intended for the lottie, but want to get the raised beds made first so will raise them in the mini-greenhouse on the plot first.
Gave the aubergines a trim and brush up tonight. Found a few greenfly so gave them a bit of a spray. The Black Beauty are setting much better than the Calliope (which aren't - not even one). Definitely going to cut down on these as well next year. Far too much like hard work for very little reward.
Was going to pin down a couple of strawberry runners but forgot. Will try and do that tomorrow.
White Lisbon Winter Hardy Spring Onions (I know it's early but hey ho)
Pak Choi Tatsoi Supi (says they don't like being transplanted - we'll soon find out)
Turnip Arcoat
Turnip Aramis
Also got my Broad Bean Aquadulce Claudia ready for overwintering and some Mustard that I'm going to throw about with gay abandon and see what this green manuring lark is all about.
All the above are intended for the lottie, but want to get the raised beds made first so will raise them in the mini-greenhouse on the plot first.
Gave the aubergines a trim and brush up tonight. Found a few greenfly so gave them a bit of a spray. The Black Beauty are setting much better than the Calliope (which aren't - not even one). Definitely going to cut down on these as well next year. Far too much like hard work for very little reward.
Was going to pin down a couple of strawberry runners but forgot. Will try and do that tomorrow.
As promised - Love in the mist
So purty don't you think ?
Loaded up the car on Saturday to take a load of bricks and other things up the lottie, blow me if it wasn't the family day at Pollok Park and couldn't get the car in. Grrrr. So came home and cleaned out the shed. Nice and clean(ish) now with everything in it's place, all pots washed and tidied. How long will it stay like that ? Till I spill the first lot of compost I suspect.
Still it was a job that needed doing and now it's done, so I can cross it off the list.
Yesterday was teeming rain so at least I haven't had to water anything outside. Even kept the greenhouse doors closed and the central heating went on last night as it was so cold. I really am a pussy.
Some flowery type pics just to add a bit of colour.
Here's some of the toms that are struggling on. Who knows whether I'll actually get to eat any this year.
Last but not least .......... ta dah ! The garlic ! I suppose I have had some success with that this year.
Am rethinking the beds for next year and am considering the square foot thingy again....... watch this space.
Ciao for now.
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