Winter Statement

It is cold and crisp and frosty.  I've been catching more than glimpses of long tail tits at the allotment.  You hear them before you see them and then you see all of them bouncing along the hawthorn trees.  A robin swooped past me today on the plot.  I didn't at first see what it was until it landed on a branch.  I think he was waiting to see what he would forage from the leaf mould compost I'm trying to make.  I've been collecting bags and bags of leaves from Eileen's garden and have built up two compost boxes.  All hard work but worth it when mixed with kitchen waste and other organic matter.  The only veg I can harvest at the moment is a mixed bag of herbs which seems to do well whatever the weather.

 

Happy Apple Day

Happy Apple Day!  Most of the Sunsets have been eaten.  They are gorgeous, but were smaller this year, probably not enough sunshine.  Almost all the Egremont have gone too as both apple trees are still very young and small and only produce a hatful of apples.  The quince looks gorgous today.  We did a long walk to allotment today this time from Wavertree up near Olive Lane past the old Lock Up and The Well up to Allerton, down Queens Drive and then onto Rose Lane.  The plot looked gorgeous today.

  I look forward to eatin this quince some time soon.  Enjoy your apples.

Route 56

We took a long walk today to the allotment - the weather was perfect.  Crisp, cold and clear - you can see that by the clarity of the photo's.  We set off from Smithdown Road and walked up Arundel Avenue past the Quaker's resting ground, crossed over Hartington and up Fern Grove where we dived into Lodge Lane Asian supermarket.  We bought a patty, a packet of pistachio's and 5 yellow plums and then I spotted this box of quince.

We carried on walking up towards the Welsh Streets in Toxteth and had a look at Cairns Street, said hello to one of the 4 or 5 residents of the whole street as most of it is boarded up.  Here's the video of my walk from one end of Cairns Street to the other.

 

We carried on walking through Princes Park then Sefton Park then up towards Mosley Hill where these mature trees became our view.

And finally we came out on the brow of Rose Lane and into the allotment.  This was a good two hour walk. We harvested the apples, ate some of the autumn flowering raspberries and admired the quince tree's beauty.

 

Meeches Prolific Quince

The Meeches Prolific tree from Keepers Nursery is doing very well.  The tree only went in this season and yet we have seen some excellent results.  The tree is very beautiful and inspiring to see on an allotment.  I think they are just about coming into ripeness, but when to pick them?  I absolutely can't wait to eat them in one form or another.

Autumn Ecquinox

The day is as long as the night.  The Ecquinox is the first sign that winter is on its way.  Got help today on the allotment from young nimble who helped out by eating some of the raspberries, apples and blackberries.  There were lots of blackberries picked which will go in the same pie as the rhubard.

The quince tree seems to be doing well and has four fruits on it.  Can't wait to taste them later in the year.

All the helpers testing the autumn flowering raspberries.  Little nimble can be seen, just!  Gorgeous day today and the allotment looks really good.  I'm looking forward to the winter and I hope there is some very cold weather and perhaps some snow.

Barmy September

Today I spent most of my time down the plot weeding in one form or another.  This is because I've not been keeping on top of those small jobs, so now everything has piled up.  However, two hours in and I could see a difference.  I was very cautious about mowing as I could see tiny little frogs in the grass up by the tiny pond, so I walked around slowly and carefully in the hope that they would move into the long grass.  I saw a very large toad sheltering amongst the raspberry canes last week.  Frightenend the life out of me when he jumped.  He was more yellow than green and about a large as my hand.  I was quite intimidated and walked the long way round so as not to disturb him.

I've thinned the raspberry canes and weeded the borders, cleared around the two apple trees and found a fungus or mold growing on the egremont.  It's rained so much this year that I am hoping it will be a very cold winter so that some of the mold and bacteria gets knocked off.   It's great having good neighbours on the plot especially when they plant these wonderful giant sunflowers. 

Sorrel and Strawberries

Sorrel and Strawberries, a set on Flickr.

Growing sorrel for the first time this year. It is bitter with a lemon twist. I've been using it in curries and salads. The strawberries are a sorry sight this year. Half of them are eaten by the slugs and snails because there has been so much rain. This time last year I was making jam. I suppose this is a good lesson in gardening. No two years are ever the same.

Incredible Edible Flowering and Fruiting Dovecot

Incredible Edible Flowering and Fruiting Dovecot, a set on Flickr.

I wanted to try out my new camera and here is the result. I'm really pleased with the progress of my sisters garden in Dovecot. All the wild flowers are coming up and all in a beautiful light blue. The raspberries are starting to ripen and the whole garden is starting to take shape. I look forward to the bbq when the sun eventually comes out.

Rain

I suppose I wanted to comment on all of the rain we have been getting.  Here's my comment.  I like it and I sometimes don't like it.  I like it because it keeps everyone calm and you don't get any of that shorts and flipflop fashion but I would love to just fall asleep on a lovely bit of dry grass.  A picnic would be okay too, or a bbq.  In terms of the plot well anything that needs a lot of sun are dragging their feet and it's not their fault and the slugs and snails are eating almost everything young and tender.  Well have the country was in drought so I guess they will be okay now and it won't be war of the waters.  

Diamond Jubilee Set

Diamond Jubilee Set, a set on Flickr.

I have nothing to say so I'll just wave....~~