Allotment 2015

Into the new year brings exciting plans for my lovely half allotment. I have been planning all winter to work with the no dig method. I have gave read info on this and most inspiring is Charles Dowding. This man is a wealth of knowledge and has proven that the no dig method can be really successful.

This is my original half , covered in manure!

And now introducing our second half, we have inherited some goodies such as a compost bin and slightly weathered potting shed. I am so excited. With more space we hope to grow some good old staples and extend the growing year.

As you can see the new plot needs has some work needed. but I'm already dreaming of summer bountiful veggies.
I am tempted to see if we can live off our veggies alone, although this is a little scary, any other allotmentiers set themselves challenges or want to join in?

Lots and lots of growing.

Apart from the amazing truffle dress, there hasn't been to much sewing going on. BUT there has been alot of growing. I mentioned earlier in the year that as well as our own back yard plot we also have half an allotment. I am in love with my allotment, just walking up through the village, picking all the goodies, which at the moment are amazing! Bags and bags full of fresh produce. 

This is my back garden with lots of sweet corn and kale, food for the body flowers for the soul.

This is the allotment which has grown up from a dirt patch to over growing with goodness
 

Arthur loves a swing on the way home.
 

This is what we picked today after one week growing. We have triple the amount you would in a veg box. I now have to start planning what to do with it all!
 

I know many of you also grow, how have you found it this year, we think Devon has had perfect rain to sun shine ratios.

I've been busy

I am a girl with good intentions, I planned to take part in the Indie pattern of June challenge, and well I didn't make June. I did get my lovely dress finished by the end of July but as you will see the summer months have taken over and I haven't had time to show you all.

What I have I been doing, well enjoying the summer here is a quick peek in photos

 

We have had a real summer of sun, lots of family get together, days out,gardening. And it's not finished yet I hope. As for the that bit of dressmaking, all I can say is that it's one of my best makes so far and I'm looking forward to sharing more about it. Any guess, it's the Colette truffle dress, post coming soon.

What A Week

And I really mean, what a week! The first half had been intensive preparing for an interview. AS some of you will know, I enjoy my job as a physio technical instructor but I work to many hours and find the home life work life balance difficult. To cut to the chase I have bagged myself a new job, more or less the same. A generic therapist working physio and occupational therapy duties in the haematology ward of our main hospital in Exeter, I can not tell you how pleased I am and what a great opportunity this is for work and home, so lets hope the next month moves along and I get to start.

With all the excitement I ended up with a tummy bug and a few days in bed! This changes the plans for a bank holiday but has enabled me to really enjoy the home, and things that I like to do, so to the main point : My allotment!

MrPB helped dig over the beds, and we have six small beds with runner beans, french beans, shallots, potato, mixed carrot and parsnip and cabbage hearts. Well it's in and we will keep our fingers crossed.

My biggest joy has been the humble shallot, I think  it is because is it has survived all weather and looks lush and healthy.

So that was the tidy half, this is the more caotic side yet to be mastered to my vision!!

We have been so lucky inheriting a asparagus bed, that I have often had this for breakfast, I feel like a queen.

As you know all the other jobs don't go away, but I have been thrilled that some of the garden has started to look after itself. A great example of this is Arthur's willow den, started lasted year and just looking amazing.

Yes the garden is still for veggies to and my favourite space saving beds are old tyres, they really are amazing. This year we have rhubarb, runner beans, nasturtiums, tomato and sweet peas no less.

So alot happening in the veggies garden and life. But just so you know I'm not down hearted after my jersey disaster I already have a summer dress on the table. Here is a sneak preview, and yes my first fully lined dress.

I hope you all had a good weekend. x

Book Review

The Allotment Chef: Home-Grown Recipes and Seasonal Stories by Paul Merrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a wonderful book. Really honest and down to earth stories. A family trying to start allotmenting and changing consumer habits, or the reality of making an effort.
In the past this is the kind of book I flick through, but I read every page, Paul has a great sense humor and I didn't feel it was cliched veg growing/ cooking book.
The only grind I had with the stories was that Paul was able to spend so so much time raising his plot when only some of us can dream! Which leads me nicely to say that next on my allotment series of book planned to be read will be allotment gardening in half an hour.
Well worth a read!

View all my reviews

Being Visionary.

I have been totally absorbed over the last week in my new allotment. Over the years we have grown summer veg in our back garden, but I'm really pleased that we now have half an allotment within walking distance of our house. The only challenging thing is it looks like this :

 

So to be gardening in freezing weather in scrub land means that I can now name myself as a visionary!

  
I managed to clear a small area and made what will become a strawberry bed, and Mr.PB has knocked up a compost bin.  So a major part of my free time this year will be devoted to extending our growing season. 

I have been totally inspired this great book, down to earth funny tales of trying to bypass Mr Tesco and get your kids involved. I am totally hooked, Mr.PB is a little worried that I am becoming obsessional about Paul.

 

Just spending a little time at the allotment really filled me with enthusiasm and excitement, just the day before I was feeling so tired and fed up with the weather and lack of time.  Just shows you that simple things in life can really give you a lift So made little eccles cakes, so so yummy, and quick, I think they will become  a family favourite in no time.

 

Feeling a little smug, as I have managed to keep in touch with the homemaker self that has been missing a little recently. I intend a curl up on the sofa with the allotment chef, a warm fire and our new wall art.

 I hope you are all having a lovely weekend too, just so you know I am even planning a little dressmaking soon, so watch this space.