Unseasonable

The weather over the last week has been absolutely glorious. I certainly did not expect to be enjoying a cold kriek (Belgian cherry beer!) on the patio, in the sun, wearing a tank top in march!

Last weekend the seedlings were moved to the greenhouse (following an adventurous clear out and the occasional scream at the size of some of the spiders in there!) I was a little nervous at bringing them out of my spare room...I've grown quite protective of the little baby plants!

This is their new home!











And in this bed went king Edward potatoes and rows of garlic (ready for a few roast potatoes!)






And this is where I plan to read a good book this summer.






Or just drink!





It's an exciting time, with the promise of summer and hopefully even more sun around the corner.

That Friday feeling!

One of the joys of public sector working, as I have recently discovered, is TOIL (time off in lieu), and leaving early on a Friday is one of those perks! It's a gloriously sunny, warm day, and instead of leaving for a weekend away with friends or family, I am far too excited at the prospect of a weekend at home, finally ticking off some of those garden 'to do's'!

The jungle of new growth outside my front door is finally showing signs of bluebells (I was getting worried that it was literally just leaves!)



The hellebores look beautiful...



And look at these primulas....









But this is what I'm most excited by




Yes those patches of raised dirt will soon become a veritable farmers Market (I hope!)

Here's to the weekend!


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Location:Home

I get home from work and it's too dark and dingy to take any decent pictures of the pretty spring flowers blooming in the garden, so this will have to do...


I've been lucky enough to rent a house with a large greenhouse already, but after winter, it's looking less than inspiring and is in need of some TLC. To prepare for a Mediterranean micro-climate (the aim of my greenhouse this year), and to display my array of different tomatoes, bell peppers, chilies and herbs, I've done a little research as to steps to take!

A few weeks ago I burnt a sulphur candle in there. This is supposed to kill any diseases that may hurt any plants growing, and kill any bugs or pests. A word of warning...run from the candle and shut the door tight...it stinks! Sulphur candles are available from most hardware stores and garden centres for around £7.99.



I have dug in manure and blood/fish/bone to the soil in the bed in the greenhouse to ensure suitable nutrition.

Some tips I have picked up from various sources:
1) keep the glass inside and out clean- to allow as much light into the greenhouse, and to prevent pests and diseases.
2) inspect the glass and the aluminium frame for cracks and gaps that could let out valuable warmth. I thought an idea could be to fill gaps with bubble wrap or some old cloths
3) clear work space- sounds fairly self explanatory but if I'm going to cram as much in there as I can...I still need a functional work area.
4) general cleaning and tidying, even if it's just to make any time spent in there as enjoyable as possible!

I plan to have a greenhouse sort out over the next few weeks. Before and after pics to follow!

A touch of spring with my coffee

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Location:Surrey

Anticipation

At present I am restricted to either sitting up straight, or laying down completely flat. My lower back has given in and rendered me a slave to pain, involving a day off work to try and get better. When at work normally I fantasise about being at home, using my time to clear out the greenhouse, or dig in manure, instead of reading files on murderers and rapists. I can barely make it to the loo...let alone go outside!

This doesn't stop me from being excited about the little bursts of spring occurring in the garden...and inside my house. Outside a carpet of green leaves have burst through, teasing me with the future promise of little twinkling bluebells. My silvery green tulip leaves are protecting little pale pink buds, and little glimmers of blossom are poking through the trees and hedges.

Inside my seeds are forming into real plants:














And there are promises of pretty flowers




Like this lily of the valley





And this White and soft pink amaryllis.

It's enough to make skip through the garden....*ouch...yelp*....another time!

Location:Home