Tuesday 12 April 2011

I'm quite rubbish at keeping up to date with this!

In my defence, I have been busy for the last month finishing off hat orders, working on a few patterns and organising birthday stuff for all 3 children!
Things are coming along well at the allotment, bare rooted strawberry plants went in in March, this year we have Cambridge Favourite, Red Gauntlet and Royal Sovereign.  The strawberry bed is moved every 3 or so years as the allotment is run organically and this prevents bug build up in the soil.
Spuds are in and sprouting too.  This year I've grown Arran Pilot and Ratte as the spud bed is a little small to grow too many varieties.
Peas are pushing through and broad beans are well underway.  On the windowsill at home we've got red and green basil, some costoluto beefsteak tomatoes and a lot of different squashes.
In the back garden, fruits are starting to form on the Leveller gooseberry bush and apple trees are blossoming.  The bay tree has taken a battering after the harsh winter and may not live to tell the tale... 
I've planted herbs in the back garden too this year as I have no luck with pots!  I have taken the risky option and planted mint directly in the ground against better judgement!  We have chocolate peppermint and spearmint, as well as oregano, anise hyssop, greek oregano, chervil, lovage, rosemary and chives.
And we (I really, no one else loves rhubarb here...) have had our first sticks of rhubarb from the allotment.  These were made into a compote with some honey, orange juice and ginger.  Yum!
So I've not been idle, time has just been slipping away from me...  Hopefully I'll find the time to post some pics of the allotment and my new crochet patterns:  baby socks, a soakerless skirtie and maybe even the pushchair bag!