hello

It feels like such a long time since I last wrote a blog, even though it's only been a couple of weeks. I've been so busy with work and other things and I just had no head space to think about anything else, so it's good to be back. What did I miss?

I haven't just been working though, the allotment has needed watering and weeding, of course. Thankfully all the hard work has been paying off and this evening we went down and had our first proper harvesting session. We were all squealing with delight as we felt around in the crumbly soil lifting up golden potatoes and cheering as we pulled up our first few juicy carrots- the other allotmenteers must have thought we were a little eccentric to say the least!

In the rest of my spare time I've been crafting my socks off making fancy dress costumes for my friend's 30th birthday 'British Icons' themed party, which all four of us are attending on Saturday. I have been getting a little bit carried away, and can't wait to show off what I've made... more on that in a few days.

Oh, and do you remember I was grumbling about not being able to find an old watering can to go in my little back yard? Just look what my wonderful dad surprised me with at the weekend- it's exactly what I wanted- hurrah!

I've got a little bit more fancy-dress making to be finishing off tonight, but I promise to pop by all your blogs and have a proper catch up over the coming week. I can't wait to read about what you've been sewing, knitting and harvesting in the sunshine. I've missed you all!

sun and seeds

It's glorious days like today that make having our new allotment even more exciting.

Now that Spring has officially arrived, we are well on our way with planting up the more frost-hardy crops and our plot is really taking shape. So far we have planted out sprouts, broad beans, leeks and strawberries plants. We've sowed parsnips and carrots (in between the rows of leeks in an attempt at permaculture) and we've got the raspberry canes in, one apple tree, two pear trees, four gooseberry bushes and a mighty rhubarb plant. We also have a bed each of spring-sown garlic and onions which are coming on nicely and we planted our chitted seed potatoes this afternoon.

Last week we picked up a sandpit on Freecycle- perfect for keeping the girls amused when they lose interest in the gardening.



It would have been the perfect allotmenteering day, had it not been spoiled towards the end by an impertinent octogenarian stopping by to over-zealously tick us off for about 10 minutes about something ridiculously petty. I don't know why it upset me so much, but it did- mainly because we try so hard to teach the girls good manners and to respect other people's property and to play quietly so they don't disturb the peace etc etc, but it would seem that forgetting to padlock the flimsy gate behind us (when it wasn't even locked in the first place) is pensioner lottie crime of the century. I hope his tomatoes get blight. So there.

sow splendidly sunny

More lovely Spring sunshine- perfect for an afternoon up at the allotment. The plots were a hive of activity today and we managed to chat to quite a few of our new neighbours.

We were very busy and planted two pear trees, two gooseberry bushes, garlic and onions.

Like many bloggers, I am extremely camera-shy but I can just about cope with this one, given you can't see my face! Here's me measuring up my rows for the onions...

One of our beautiful pear trees begining to bud...

My dad treated me to these very beautiful and special new hand tools. I think they look so pretty hanging up their with the light coming through the shed window...

 I noticed that someone actually has an Anderson shelter on their plot- I am green with shed envy!

We all stayed until sunset and then headed home for baths and supper.



I'm looking forward to watching the last episode of South Riding tonight as well as getting on with some more costume preparation for Flora's Narnia party next weekend- there's so much left to do!

Hope you have all had glorious sunny Sundays too xx