Friday, February 13, 2009

Back to the Allotment

Ed and I went back to the allotment today for the first time in 2009. We were almost scared of what we would find, and it certainly looked weedy and neglected when we got there. But we harvested some leeks and some borecole (a curly cabbage-related thing). And we found most of the weeds were shallow, surface-rooted things which came up very easily. In an hour and a half we had cleared about an eighth of the whole plot, which is very encouraging.

I'll go back later in the week and plant something in the ground we cleared. Broad beans and garlic can go in at this time. And we'll return once a week to clear a bit more. By the time spring really gets started we should have it all shipshape.

I enjoyed myself enormously. I had forgotten how much I love going there. It helped that it was a beautiful day. The sky was blue and the sun was shining, although there was an inch of ice in the water butt. But after only a short while of digging we had stripped off our layers of woolies and were in our shirtsleeves. I chatted to one of the allotment holders who filled me in on what had happened since I was last there. I took stock of what is still there - my soft fruit bushes, my apple tree, the rhubarb is already coming up and so are the daffodils. Ed and I planned what we would plant in the coming season.

It's good to have dirt under my nails again.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Welcome back!

Always good to get muddy again isn't it - I miss it terribly if I'm not in daily contact with the veggies.

Oddny said...

We put in extra garlic as well today! I really missed going down while the weather was so bad, always feel better after a brew on the plot.

Petunia's Gardener said...

Nice to "see" you again. Most winters, we're still outside on a regular basis, but not this winter! It does feel good to have some outside time again.

Anonymous said...

Good to have you back, Mel. I'd been wondering where you were, and hoping everything was OK with you and yours.

(There's a shed with a Mel-shaped hole in it as well...)

Fran
xx

Blicky Kitty said...

So delighted to read your post. We're still beneath a blanket of snow here.

I was wanting to ask you about greening up of churches. Do you know of any folks over there that might know about greening up old buildings (and old congregations)?

Nik said...

Oh, it is great to get back into the garden isn't it? I tend to not miss it, but when I'm in it I wonder why I don't do it more often lol. Mine's been sorely neglected but no excuse here as I should be busy getting my winter crops in if they want to have a chance.

Lesley said...

Welcome back! Glad you are all ok.

Unknown said...

Wonderful to have you back again

Anonymous said...

I think our garlic has been in for a while now - are we way too early? Or does it depend a lot on south vs north?

welsh girls allotment said...

Good to see you back, I had my first proper visit to the plot on Saturday and it really does feel good to be able do something after so many weeks of ice and snow !!

Sol said...

wooo hooo Great to see you back1 you have been missed!!!

Doublebanker said...

Hate getting muddy....but welcome back!

Just started a giveaway

Stop by when you have a chance!

Jim and Barbara said...

Know just the feeling of getting back to it.Really is my strees free zone.

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