These photos and developments are from a very cold and very very desolate day on the plots in November when EVERYONE else in the allotmenting world seemed to be more clever than us and had staid at home, warm and comfortable. Well, that was until we got started and then realised that no, we were the clever ones and we had the whole place to ourselves and the birds and if you work hard and steady you warm up soon enough and get stuff done :)
* So the top of 24a...and the tree fruit arch, humm, what's happened to the trees?! *
Yes the 6 trees at the arch (2 apples, 2 plums, 2 pears) all had to go; they were all sickly and the fruit wasn't ripening or even, in some cases looking at all normal. They were too crushed, there wasn't enough nutrients to go around and we were over ambitious and naive. But that is another true joy about gardening ~ you never, ever stop learning and the plot is a constantly changing, evolving place.
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| Way back in July.. |
Anyway, I left Andrew to his work - digging out and then digging over single digging/bastard trenching and adding loads of goodness as he went, just like the last post. Goodbye path! Hello 2 very exciting new trees...
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I tackled this bed. It was a joy - loads for the compost and boy I love weeding. The soil was just perfect for getting those long tap roots from those blasted dandelions out ~ the whole thing in one go = *shudders of joy* Sadly, as with every single bed I didn't come across a single worm :( The New Zeland flatworm infestation we had a few years back has done terrible damage! Now I haven't seen one of those in a long time either which is great, but then, there isn't anything for them to eat...I am seriously considering a day were I guerrilla steal worms from roadside verges (hehehe). Don't worry I have a vis vest ;) ...
This is where I got to before home time; all those parsnips are huge and gorgeous looking - roll on Chrimbo dinner! The turnips were tossed on the compost as they were tiny and weren't going to grow anymore this year...the beetroots were lifted a few days later and pickled but shhh... Christmas pressies ahoy! Looks yum.
This is where Andrew got too before said hometime - see the way the whole field was becoming enveloped in a misty cloud? That cloud was cold and damp and rain was a-coming!
Oh but we went back since and there are more photos and stories to share - "hurrah!" I hear you exclaim. See you soon xxxx
Namaste
It looks great. I find weeding satisfying too when the soil is just right. Our weed control fabric is doing a sterling job though.
ReplyDeleteA shame about those fruit trees, but you are right, gardening is an ongoing learning process. If it doesn't work then you have to try something else. You have been working hard, and your plot's looking fantastic, I'm very envious. Hope you have a good week Carrie.
ReplyDeletelooks very enticing. Also a parsnip fan!
ReplyDeleteIt's true...just about the time you think you have a plant figured out it takes a walk on the wild side :-) I admire you for getting outside this time of year. My garden would look better if I did, but I hate the cold.
ReplyDeleteWell done to both of you getting the plot all ready for next year. It's looking good and all that hard work should repay you with lots of flowers, fruit and vegetables.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Flighty xx