saved by the bluebell

I was overjoyed to notice that we have wild bluebells poking up from the rather messy patch of hardy greenery, directly opposite my back door. I really love bluebells and think it is a good omen that they have decided to make this patch their home.

Since I've got into gardening, one of the most notable benefits is that I no longer despair when we have a rainy day. It drizzled for most of the day today and my salad is happier than ever, especially my lettuces which are looking positively lush in their moist fertile soil. It looks like the rain will continue into the bank holiday weekend, which will be a pity as I was hoping we could go carbooting again and maybe to a May Day fete, but at least I will have knitting to be getting on with and the rain will be worth it for juicy, crisp salad.

Unfortunately, the moist weather has brought with it some rather slimier, uglier and greedy visitors....

garden pests

The hot air balloon that sailed across the sky as I was sitting out listening to the radio earlier, is a clear sign that the weather is still beautiful and it's looking even better for Saturday, with temperatures predicted to max at 18 degrees. As a family of four in a tiny two-bed cottage, it's been so nice to use the garden as an extra room, especially for the girls who have been spending hours out there this week. However, the extra time they have been spending outside is not without its downfalls....

Forget slugs and carrot fly, my biggest gardening battle seems to be against my family. Pearl has developed a taste for Viola flowers and my pots full of colourful flowers are being destroyed by the day- hopefully they're not poisonous!

My salad isn't fairing much better, with two lettuces having been lost to a stray football and a perfectly lovely row of spinach seedlings being decimated by my cat, who has been digging around in the raised bed. This weekend I'm going to be buying some netting to put over the top to keep her off my germinating seeds.

It's not all doom and gloom though- some crops are going from strength to strength, especially the peas which are happily shooting up in their sack. Their biggest predator is myself... I just can't resist picking off and nibbling on the delicious fresh pea-shoots. Nothing beats the taste of veg that's still growing as you chew! I have been shocked at how much plant pots cost, especially ones big enough to grow healthy veg, so the hessian sacks are a cheap and cheerful alternative to terracotta pots. You can even cut holes in the side, planting more crops and maximising the space and making your own bag garden, perfect for people with limited outside space.