Yey, spring is coming!!!

Just got back from plot 44 and it was really uplifting!! Thankyou mother nature it was exactly what I needed. We (hubby and myself) dug the runner bean trench, and layered it with some compost from the compost bins at home, we recycle all our teabags, peelings and eggshells etc. Lovely stuff it was too. Then we pulled up the cabbages that were looking well past their sell by date, they were chopped up and layered on top, all that has been left to be exposed to the effects of any weather. Later we will put in more shredded paper and any thing else we can think of. We stood and tried to formulate a sowing plan for this year, yet again we will run out of space if we grow everything that we want! I have just finished reading an excellent book called One man and his dig that was lent to me by my friend Goosey. He wrote about getting his first plot and all the trials and tribulations that ensued. He wrote with a humour and honesty that made for great reading. If anyone would like to read it contact me and I will forward it on to you.
This little fellow was coming out of hibernation and making his way up the towel in the shed!The bed of early onions and garlic. This is my attempt at avoiding too much loss through white rot. I thought if I plant them early they will be ready for harvesting before the optimum conditions allow for the disease to take a firm hold. Just a thought....Last few Trafalgar Brussel sprouts. I only grew 4 plants, but had a good harvest from them, delicious they are too.This is one of the cranberry plants, I didnt get any fruit last year, so hopefully this year will fare better
The last few spears of callabrese Still managing to harvest a few stallworts of the hardy vegAnd finally photographic evidence that spring is well and truly on its way!! The first cyclamen flower........ Buds on the gooseberries.............. The first Iris of spring..... it really does make you feel better.

One more!

Just one more bird I spotted this morning, a beautiful Thrush. This bird is a regular visitor to my garden. Two things puzzle me though... why do sparrows ague over one single port feeder when there are several multi port feeders in close proximity, and why dont the birds use the fabulous feeding station that I have provided in the back garden in the sunshine with fresh water!!!!!

Birdless!

Goldfinches

One of my pastimes is feeding the birds. They really need our help especially during this cold spell, this gives me a good opportunity to get the camera out.. again, not much about, plenty of Goldfinches, I saw 1 starling, 1 pidgeon, I think I saw a thrush. I went out early to put some warm water on the bird bath to help defrost it, within an hour it was frozen again! So back out I went with even more... I cant remember it being this cold, for this continuos length of time for years! Dont get me wrong, I am not complaining, far from it, but living so near the coast, we usually get away lightly from any severe weather. I do think it would be nice to see some snow, real snow... not a little light dusting, but proper real deep white stuff!

I cant believe that I have posted twice in one day!!! I must be feeling better... I really do believe that I suffer from S.A.D , I am soo looking forward to the spring.

Anticipation

I know that I haven't posted for a while, okay, for ages, okay okay, MONTHS!.. but...... I have been popping down to plot 44, there just isn't much happening at the mo. Anyway , I do feel that we are turning a corner. The weather is actually doing what the weather should be doing, ie.. very cold! That is excellent news as far as allotment holders are concerned, breaking down soil, killing off the eggs of pests, encouraging fruit buds to form on fruiting trees and shrubs. We have endured the shortest day, and the days are slowly getting longer, things can only get better! I am still harvesting brussel sprouts, leeks, parsnips and .. thats it. Hubby is on a mission to get as much free horse manure as he can.. today he came home with 12 large bags which we duly spread over and around various beds and plants. Potatoes, shallots and fresh seeds have been ordered.. what else can I say... BRING IT ON!!

Beautiful Poole

Yet again we have have had a lovely day, it is quickly coming to the end of October, and yet it is still warm enough in the middle part of the day to take a walk without a coat. I had to go into work this morning to attend an update on the NHS lifting and handling policy, not such a bad thing... I usually come away with some useful knowledge, and today was no exception.. thanks Jan. So when I got home I decided to walk up to the school and give the dog a much deserved walk. As I had signed up to our local adult education school to further my somewhat limited knowledge of digital photography, I thought I would take my camera to document and share the beautiful walk that we are able to take. I hope that it gives our son some lovely childhood memories when he is older, I know that often he wishes that we take the car, and this has become a bit of a sore point between us.. anyway taking advantage of the sunny weather we walked, and this is a pictorial guide of things we saw.. Goosey, you will recognise this walk....

Have a happy half term....

Lovely Views

We have had some lovely weather lately, although it is definitely feeling quite autumnal, especially in the evenings, the nights are really drawing in. I do like this time of year though, its nice to snuggle up in bed early with a good book, something I dont seem to do in the summer months. Anyway, to take advantage of this lovely weather (and also to have a practice with my new camera!) I went up to our local beauty spot. It is called The viewpoint, and offers the most spectacular views overlooking Poole Habour. This is looking out towards Old Harry Rocks, you can see between Old Harry and the tops of the trees is the Sandbanks Peninsula. Oh boy! We do live in a most beautiful part of the world! Sandbanks is reputed to be one of the most expensive places for property in the world!This picture is looking staight across the water towards the Purbeck Hills. Just in the middle on the right is Brownsea Island, home of the rapidly declining red squirrel.I think this view is looking towards Brownsea Island, again with the Purbecks in the background.

If you look closely you can just make out Corfe Castle sitting between the two hills slightly centre left in the background. (If you right click it should bring the picture up bigger.)In the foreground is Poole Park lake with Baiter just beyond.

Hopefully if this weather holds out, I can get to the allotment tomorrow, fingers crossed.

Rewind please!

We have just returned home from a wonderful 7days in Turkey. What can I say? Everything and everyone was lovely. So here I am on a cold wet dreary Sunday morning thinking rewind please...