Plot 50

Mid Week update ....

2012-02-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

I've started some seeds at home, on Tuesday. They're sitting in what passes as our "airing cupboard". The are some:-

Lyon Prizetaker leeks - should be ready a bit earlier than the Mussleburgh, that I normally grow; but, I grow some of those as well.

Winter Density lettuce - I'm trying to get us to eat more salad/lettuce. I want to grow a lot of lettuces - little and often! Couple of different varieties at a time.

Early Long Purple 2 aubergine.

I ought to start some onions seeds off.

Currently, it is very cold here. A Siberian cold front, coming in from the East -obviously! The wind is bitter. How long it'll last is anybodies guess. It's the first bit (bite?) of winter we've had this ... er! ... winter! I have to admit that I do get irritated by people complaining that it's "SOOO COLD!" It's bloody winter! What do you expect? We're actually on roughly the same latitude as Moscow! It's only because of the Gulf Stream, that our weather is so mild! We need Winter! It would be boring if it was always Summer! It's all about the Wheel of Life, the Circle of Wotsit .... Just relax, and enjoy the changing of the seasons!

I suspect that it'll be too cold to do any digging; the ground is going to be rock hard! I'll pop out with some "compost material". I may store this in a bin liner, until I can use it in trenches - bean trenches? Possibly, for celery; which I want to have another go at growing.

I've got some peas and sugar snap peas, which I had been putting out during the day. I've kept them indoors for the last couple of day, (and, a few more); but, they'll need to be taken out to The Plot soon! I have a long, cloche/mini tunnel set up at The Plot; which, I can move the plants to, when they're ready.

I've potted up my Greyhound cabbages into individual pots - 8 of them.

My snapdragons are holding their own; but, they're not doing much. To be expected; but, I've never grown them from seed before; so, I've no idea!

Where's "Little Keira" today?

2012-01-29T13:30:00.000-08:00

After yesterdays day out in Whitchurch - OK! We were only there for about an hour! - I went to The Plot today. Managed to pay my annual subs; which were a bit late - apologies to all concerned. At least that's out of the way!

I did a bit of Winter digging. Things a the beginning to get into shape. Here's are some snaps, to show the current state of play

Looking South across The Plot

Looking North (ish)

Looking South West

Yes! I know! It doesn't look like a television gardeners garden; but, I think that I'm on top of things. Mind you; there is Siberian weather forecast for next week; so who knows might happen! Often, when I'm getting the upper hand; the weather intervenes!!! Things are a bit unseasonal at the moment; but, colleagues at work are always going on about it being freezing -THAT'S ZERO, OR BELOW! - they want it to be 24 hour Mediterranean weather!

Here's one of my self-seeded teasels. Should they be flowering now?

Here two from last year, that I left for the birds ...

Here's some Swiss Chard; which adds a bit of genuine seasonal colour; well, until the frost bites! I've got some other colours; but this was the best example.

Potato Day

2012-01-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year, when Plot50's thoughts turn to POTATOES! I treated SWMBO to a visit to the 14th Hampshire Potato Day, in Whitchurch.

There are a number of Potato Days around the country. I've only been to the Whitchurch one; so, I've no idea what the others are like. In the past, I've gone by bus and train. It's amazing how heavy a few seed potatoes can become! This year I had "Little Keira" to get me there and back! No carrying!

To be honest, I could probably get all the potatoes that I need from the local garden centres; without a 100 mile round trip!; but, it's such mad, mad experience! I like the idea of supporting the event; it's packed - I heard someone suggest that there ought to be timed ticketing!; and, you can buy individual seed potatoes! You can grow one potato! Which doesn't make sense with a 5kg bag from the garden centre!

People who haven't been, even veg. growers, just don't quite understand! What social situation can you hear a little old woman say, "I'll have some dried blood, please!"; without it seeming odd? (The dried blood would be a fertilizer! Er! ... I hope!)

Basically, the Whitchurch Potato Day is held in a school gym! Quite a large gym ... one half covered in trestle tables, covered in seed potatoes - arranged by type - First Earlies; Second Earlies; and, Mains. As a librarian, I appreciated the colour coded labels!! I'm not sure how many there were this year; but, last year they reckoned around 133 varieties! People don't quite understand that there are that many varieties (big ones, small ones, bakers .....??)

The other half of the gym is taken with trade stalls, mainly selling seeds and plants; but, SWMBO found a woman selling knitting yarn .... from her own sheep! The rest is taken up with stalls! About a quarter of the room is taken up with people queueing to pay! There's even a "Potato Counting Desk"; where someone counts your potatoes; and, gives you a chit to take to the till. You show the chit to the person on the till! The chit is based around sevens!! My chit said 3 x 7 + 3 .... because I had 24 potatoes!! It actually makes sense; and, it does save time! (the man doing the counting, did confess that he wasn't an expert on his seven times table ..... he had it written down!)

So; I hear you ask, "What did the silly old bugger buy, then?"

First Earlies

5 Red Duke of York
3 Epicure
2 Arran Pilot

Second Earlies

2 Edzell Blue
2 Yukon Gold
2 Marfona
2 Maris Peer

Mains

1 Highland Burgundy Red
3 Cara
1 Shetland Black
1 Pink Fir

(Now I need a load of empty egg boxes!!)

Also bought some seeds from the Thomas Etty stall (including: Purple Podded Peas; Fat Lazy Blond lettuce; Rubien Brussel sprouts - a red variety!; Painted Lady runner beans; Tall Lazy Housewife kidney beans; and, Good King Henry); some from the; the Beans and Herbs stall (Chioggia Barbietola stripey beetroot; and, Butternut squash). I also bought some horseradish roots; and, a couple of packets of green manures (Phacelia; Trefoil; and, Winter Tares!)

Bad Haircut Day!

2012-01-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

It started as a good day. Stroll into town; collect the post - my Forono Beetroot seeds had finally arrived - more seeds from Amazon!!! Wot's the most non-book thing you've bought from Amazon???? Then, an egg and bacon butty in a very friendly little cafe, in Westbourne. No! It's too small to have a Website!

We then went into Bournemouth by bus - No! I don't have to drive everywhere in Little Keira! There was the obligatory person bellowing down their 'phone! How rude of us to be listening in on her "personal" conversation! We did once hear a conversation that went along the lines of, "I can't talk, I'm on the bus! ... How much is he paying? .... Well, I can get a better deal than that! .... £20 an ounce! ..." I had zoned out; but, SWMBO realized that the woman wasn't talking about culinary herbs!

Anyway; we popped into an outlet of a well known music/entertainment chain, to see if they had a copy of a live Slash album - one with the "Theme from The Godfather solo", which make the hairs on the back of my head stand on end! (the Godfather bit kicks in about 3:28/9 ; so, if you don't want lots of noodling guitar; then go to about 3:00 .... and er! ... Play it Loud! Probably 11!!! Or, I'm a hat salesman!!!!)

Bloody Hell! They did!!! Normally; what I want to buy, isn't there! I'm an old person! I did impress the lad at the CD racks! It's a long time since anything I've done has elicited the response " .... Cool!" Not bad for a fifty year old bloke!!! Though do I really want to impress 13 year old, skateboarding, metalheads??? SWMBO also found me a copy of The Duellists, by Ridley Scott - which visually, is truly, ravishingly, gorgeous! Yes! I know! It's very probably a bloke thing - Napoleonic military uniforms; duels and swordplay; but, it is beautifully photographed!

After finding a pair of shoes that weren't "trendy"; didn't look "orthopaedic"; and, most importantly, were cheap! - we split up, so that I could have ..... a haircut!

For me, this is worse than buying shoes; or, choosing cushions!!! My hair had become a bit long and wild! SWMBO reckoned that it looked like, either I was afraid to go and get it cut; or, I couldn't be bothered! She was right on both counts! My hair generally doesn't get cut; more butchered! I could do a better job myself .... without my glasses!

I took instruction from SWMBO - on the collar at the back; half way down the ears; fringe cut back so that it wasn't in my eyes! She wouldn't come with me to supervise; as I'm old enough to get my haircut by myself!!! It's not me that needs bloody supervising!! It's the hairdressers! I once had a V cut into my fringe!!!

So, off I trot. I knew that I'd made a mistake, when the ~~butcher~~ barber didn't understand the idea of "on the collar!" To be fair, I don't think he was English! That is not meant as some kind of Daily Mail/Express thing; I just think that a grasp of basic English is important when taking instructions! I think that I would have had an old fashioned "pudding basin" cut, if I hadn't gone for a Number 4 all over! (that's a buzz cut for you Americans!) It's often a safe option - they can't go too wrong!

I consoled myself in a pint (or, two!) of Wadsworth Swordfish, in The Goat!

This is another one which make the hairs on the back of my head stand on end! ...

New Year - new growing season!

2012-01-18T11:17:00.001-08:00

Last seasons rhubarb

Although I haven't updated this Blog, recently, I have been out to The Plot over the last two weekends. I've been taking it steady; partly, because the ground is a bit wet, and, heavy going - though not too wet to work with; and, also because I want to enjoy, and, savour the experience!

It's fun; or should be; and, it's not a race! I'm doing this for any veg. that I manage to grow (there is some; but, not enough!); growing stuff - which is very satisfying; but, chiefly, because I want some fresh air and exercise. I spend my working day in front of a computer; in a hot, noisy office - it reached 27C at my desk today!! So; a freezing cold January afternoon, up to my knees in mud, listening to the footy on my solar radio is just the job!

So; what have I been doing out there? Well, I've been keeping up with my Winter digging. I am experimenting with an area on "No-Dig"; and, when I broke down my old compost heaps; I have spread compost over this area. I have so far managed to resist digging this in!

I've covered two of my rhubarb clumps with bins, to get some forced stalks. Mmm!

At home; started some Peas (Feltham Early); some Sugar Snap (Ann), both in washball tubs; some Sweet Peas, roottrainers; some Greyhound cabbage (pointy variety); and, some Snap Dragons (Bronze Dragon a pinky/purple flower, with dark foliage)

I have also bought some seeds on Amazon. You can buy absolutely anything on Amazon!!! These were Thompson and Morgan Marigolds called Sherbet Fizz; and, some Forono beetroot, which are long and dark.

Next time I need to take some up to date photos of The Plot.

Driving to Lyme Regis in the rain, is better than working!

2011-12-29T11:21:00.000-08:00

Obviously, the heading for this post is obviously a joke! No! If you don't understand; I can't explain!

Anyway; I took some flexi-time; to avoid the annual stock take at work. I took "Little Keira" into the Mini dealer, for a free "Winter Check" - tyres, brakes, oil etc. No problems found! They threw in a hoovering, and a wash (for Keira; not me!)

Afterwards; I picked up SWMBO; and we drove to Lyme Regis. We kept on hitting heavy showers; so, Little Keira clean, shiny paintwork didn't last long! I don't know what they used on the windscreen; but, the rain drops ran up the screen; giving the effect of "spots before the eyes!"

Once there, we had a spot of lunch on the Tea and Dinning Room; at the Old Town Mill. We'd been there ages ago; and had nice food there; so we thought we'd give it a look. It's now under new management. The food is excellent! I had an "aubergine pate; which was very tasty! SWMBO had a pork sandwich (a description, that doesn't really do it justice!); which I had to finish off; was also, very tasty! I'd like to eat there again!

We bought some flour in the Mill - at one time they didn't exactly charge you for it; merely, ask you to pay what you think! I also bought some "Drunken Woman" lettuce seeds!!

A nice long Bank Holiday weekend ...

2011-12-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

Slightly Satanic eyes!!!! "You will feed me!"

Whiskers and Paws!

We've done very little over the last couple of days; apart from a bit of cat sitting! I volunteered SWMBO to pop in and feed the two mogs above! Their Mum thought that I was bullying SWMBO to do it; when, in reality, she'd have paid to do it!! They have behaved themselves; so far! There are just four feeding sessions to go; so ....

Today we had a stroll into Bournemouth; and then, back along the front, and up Alum Chine.

Mad dogs running into the surf; and, carrying ridiculously large sticks! It was very busy down there - there was even a group having a BBQ!

Steps in Alum Chine; which I can't get quite right.

Ivy, growing up a lamp popst!

No pictures of doggies with big sticks ..... but lots of bark!!!!

Regrettably, I'm at work tomorrow; and, Friday; but not Thursday, as I'm trying to avoid the annual stock take thing!

I haven't been out to The Plot; but, I will go out at the weekend! Honest! Weather allowing! I've started thinking seriously about next years growing. I'm considering driving to Whitchurch, for their Potato Day, on the 28-29th January. They're boasting 133 varieties of spud! ou can buy single seed potatoes! With Little Keira, it'll be easier than struggling on bus and train with slightly too many spuds!They are a number of stalls selling plants and seeds. It's quite mad .... but fun!

SWMBO suprised me with a notebook that she'd made for me - and mighty fine it is too. She knows that I have a serious notebook habit/fetish! I'd said she could have some old maps, that I had no more use for. My intenetion was that she could make Christmas decorations like Purple Podded Peas; who was using instructions from Rhymes With Magic. Anyway; SWMBO made me a notebook (with sewn signatures!); and, one of the maps as a cover! 'ers a Plymouth maid; and I'm from Ded'm; so the Plymouth map was appropriate! She has done a couple of others since; including a another for me; using an Exeter map - appropriate; as I'm from Exeter!

Pre-Christmas composting .....

2011-12-18T12:07:00.000-08:00

I have to confess that I have taken my No-Dig experiment a bit too literally! I haven't actually been to The Plot in a while! To be fair, the weather has been a bit rubbish! Wet'n'windy! Seasonal, really; but, there is still talk of droughts!

Today, I actually got off my bum, and went out to The Plot for a couple of hours. I did mange to "not dig"! Well, I did dig out compost; but, I didn't dig soil! It would have been too wet really!

I broke down; and, moved my main compost bin. I moved the two daleks. The uncomposted "Dalek" material went into one of the empty "Daleks" ; and, the uncomposted "main bin" material was used to start the "New Main Bin".

I started spreading the contents of the bins over my "No Dig" area; carrying on from where I left off last time.

I started consolidating some of the loose material ; but some of that is woody material, and may need to be burned! I haven't had a bonfire for a year or two! Obviously, being sensible, and responsible, bonfires are bad! Being a pyromaniac bloke .... well they're great fun!! I'll have to load up Arthur Brown onto my MP3 player!!! "I AM the God of Hellfire! ......."

I lifted a couple of leeks for home; along with a giant parsnip (it looks like an offensive weapon!) and a couple of nice looking turnips!

Next weekend, being Christmas; I'll probably not being going out to The Plot. Shame really, 'cos, there'll be nothing on the telly; and, all the shops will be shut!! I hate listening to the same old "Christmas musak" over; and, over; and, over ..... Why do people think that Bing, Frank and Dean moaning on, like they've got a bellyache, is seasonal; and, gets them in the mood? I hate having to listen to songs that,in some cases I do like, either played to death; or, performed in every possible musical genre! My favourite Christmas song, doesn't get played that much; fortunately! Gaudete, performed by Steeleye Span!!

Though this version has some plus points .... It might be a bloke thing!!!

Thankfully, the Festering Season will soon be over; the days will start drawing out; and, a new growing season will start!

Christmas spirit

2011-12-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

We've just come back from our weekly shop, at Castlepoint - Bournemouth premier shopping experience!!! It's basically a curved row of big name high street shops, next to a two story car park; that is held up with steel support; and, netting and builders scree, used to catch any bits that fall off!! It's an ongoing saga of blame; and, no resolution.

This evening I was cheered to see the return of the giant, inflatable, purple, seasonal penguins!

Now! Anybody that knows me, knows what a miserable old git I am. I hate Christmas! Well I do like some of the trappings - Brussel sprouts, Christmas pudding, mince pies, Wallace and Gromit on the telly! But, the sight of the five giant Christmas penguins has got me in the Christmas spirit!!!

No dig experiment starts here!

2011-11-27T12:34:00.000-08:00

Pre-covering ...

In the process of covering

Today, I started the NO-DIG Experiment! I covered the area that was this years main Squash bed, with wetted newspaper; and then, covered this, with some homemade compost. I left the last bits of squash plant in place; just clearing the perennial weeds that I could see. I would have covered more ground; but, I ran out of newspaper! I'll acquire more newspapers next week; and carry on next weekend. I'll probably add more compost over the top.

The main question that I'll need to answer is - not will it work; but, can I resist digging this patch?

I took out some "composting" material; and, dug it into trenches in (B4); and, took home the last of the squashes - 5 Queensland Blue; and, 8 baby Butternuts - cute, little one portion sized! So far, I've managed to give squashes to a dozen ladies (Pumpkin Gigolo?); I'll need to give a away a few more!

I would like to have to have done a few other things today; but, I got the things that I wanted to do, done! Next time, I want to:-

Get some Spring bulbs in.
Move some Chard into the "Spring Bulb Bed".
More "No Dig" covering.
Start clearing (G1) (I4)
Sort out next years compost pile (I have material to start it!)
Mark out my beds/paths.

Sunday @ The Plot

2011-11-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

Obviously not The Plot! It's Exbury!

I spent a pleasant afternoon at The Plot, as planned. It was sunny; but, cool. The ground was a bit damp; but overall, the conditions were just about right for a bit of light hoeing, and digging

The hoeing was to deal with weeds on the recently dug patches. Recently, the weather has been wet, and mild; so, the weeds are still doing well!

The digging .... Yes! I'm still thinking about "no-Dig"! But, I love digging! I think that I probably need to do this gradually. I'm thinking that I'll start this winter, with the patch that had this years main squash bed. There is usually a pile of grass clipping, on-site; so, I'll snaffle a couple of barrow loads; spread them; cover the grass with wet newspapers; and, cover the paper with compost from one of two piles, that are ready to spread around. Ah! That's for next time!

Even more ramblings .... and ranting!

2011-11-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

I'm not a proper Deadhead - I'm not really a "joiner" - as Groucho Marx put it, "I don’t want to belong to any club that would have me as a member." There used to biker t-shirts with the legend "Sworn to fun! Loyal to none!" - probably still is!

I digress! Who'd have expected that? I'm more of a Deadhead, with a small d!

I have American Beauty; Workingman's Dead; Live-Dead; and, Aoxomoxoa on CD. Which I have been playing a lot over the last 6 months; or so (along with Gong's Radio Gnome Trilogy; but, that's another story! My musical tastes probably suggest the intake of large quantities of pharmaceuticals -this post probably does! The only drugs that I ingest are caffeine and "beer". To paraphrase a joke from The Hamsters " At our age, standing up too quickly, can have the same effect as Class A drugs!" OH thinks that probably ought to get my blood pressure checked!!)

I thoroughly enjoy these CDs. I'd like some more Dead; but, my local record shops (that show my age, straight away!) only seem to stock best sellers, and X-Factor drivel! (No! X-Factor is NOT about music; it's just a light entertainment show, where everything is choreographed, very carefully, to maximise ratings!) Yes! I know! I can buy stuff on the Web! I like going into record shops (and bookshops) and browsing; and impulse buying!

Fortunately, The Dead have a November treat. They are running a 30 Days of Dead. Each day in November; they have a free MP3 download; from their live archive. They did this last year; but, I hadn't started listening to the Dead, then. I've downloaded the lot so far; and thoroughly enjoying them. There's stuff I've got as studio versions, like Dark star (don't get me started on Dark star ....!); Sugar Magnolia and Candy man; and some that I have heard before. This is a great introduction to their music. I'm hoping for versions of Ripple, Box of Rain and Morning Dew! Keep thecoming! Though my MP3 player is getting a bit full!

Sorry! That was rambling. To be fair; this Blog is chiefly for me. If anybody does read it; they may get some inkling into how my head works! I could give more insight, if you want; but, that would be scarry stuff! I'd be worried for you!

In true "FaceBored" tradition, I'm off to the kitchen, to get a beer; and, watch the England/Spain game! It'll probably have 11 substitutions per side; and, peter out into the dull, lifeless affairs that these footy friendlies usually are!

Saturday Plot skiving!

2011-11-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

I didn't go to The Plot today; but, I will go tomorrow! Honest! Last weekend, I went out on Sunday; and did some digging! Nice, steady pace; just enough to be relaxing, without killing my back! I took home a load of squash/pumpkins (No! I haven't worked out the difference; if there is one!) - 7 in total; we used one small one for soup; and the rest were given away. I managed to give away 8 to various women across Dorset and Hampshire! There are probably other halves asking "Who's giving you pumpkins? ...... Oh! It's only him!" I was going take one into work, for one of our many charity days. I suggested a "Guess the weight" competition; but, the girl organizing the day wasn't keen on sending out an email inviting people to come and feel my pumpkin!!!

Today, we were going to go to Salisbury. I didn't fancy driving; so we were going to go, by bus. After a late breakfast of a bacon butty, in town (is there anything better than a bacon sarnie?; maybe a sausage sarnie!!); we decided that we could face sitting on the bus for nearly hour and a half there; and the same back! So; OH went off looking for material for some project, or other (she did tell me; but, Blah! Blah! .... Knitting! Blah! Blah! .... Beading .... Only joking! I do take an interest; honest!); and, I took myself off back home; via the pub (The Goat and Tricycle - 2 pints, if you must know! Blowing Stone, from the White Horse Brewery; and Maiden Voyage, from the Great Western Brewing company); taking some pictures in Bournemouth Gardens, and the Square.

Firstly, some buskers. The first one I've seen around quite a bit. There was one day in the Summer, when he seemed to be playing a section of the Floyds Wish you were here; over, and over! I'm not sure if his dog is listening intently; or, just bored! Maybe he doesn't like Wish you were here!!!

This chap, wasn't strumming, or picking; he was tapping, or drumming the strings with his right hand. He must have been using an echo effect; but, the sound he was making was very interesting!

There is a bit of colour left in the Gardens; but the leaves have pretty much dropped. Here's a tree, though ...

There was a group with cameras, taking pictures - a "photo walk". There is London Photo Walk group, who are out and about tomorrow, around Tower Bridge. I should have asked who/what they were; but, I didn't want to "muscle in" on their fun.

I went to do my own thing. Pestering squirrels! Who look cute; but, let's face it - they're just flea-ridden, lousy, tree rats!! Not that I'm biased!

I had to take this. It's droplets on a wooden park bench.

This one is for all those sad people who mock me, for my interest in manhole covers!

Exbury Gardens, Autumn colour

2011-10-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

I decided that, as it had been very wet during the week, I'd not go digging at The Plot on Saturday; which was due to be dry; but, go on Sunday; also, due to be dry!

Of course, overnight it has been raining (and still is, as I type) ; so, Sunday digging; or, getting around to planting my onions etc., is a no go!

All was not lost, horticulturally; or, should that be aboriculturally? Myself and SWMBO took "Little Keira" across The New Forest to Exbury Gardens.

It was interesting to see how the leaves are turning more, the further east you go. Not that we went that far! I always think of The New Forest as Dartmoor-lite!; but, the orange/brown, dead bracken was very striking.

Exbury is very striking. Loads of trees, loads of varieties. That meant that there was a range of shapes and colours. It's a huge site, with lots of paths, and routes around. It definitely needs another visit. It's one of those places that requires visiting at different times of the year. Not having had a car for so long; it is easy to forget how easy it is to go places, without having being limited to bus routes and timetables! Now that we have Little Keira, we have a lot more freedom! We will be back to Exbury, I think!

We both took pictures; but, I'm not sure that either of of really did justice to what we saw. do SWMBO has put some of our smudges on her blog; and here are some others ...

Wisteria stem

The point of the exercise was to take time out and enjoy. I'm currently reading The art of mindful gardening by Ark Redwood. It's not a gardening book as such; not another book on how to grow peas! It's a Zen Buddhist approach to the garden. It's a bit airy fairy for me in places; but, one of the messages is to take time and enjoy. Don't stress about it. That's what we were doing. Savouring the peace and quite; and, enjoying the change, or moving on, of the season.

I have to say, I do get fed up with the people who whinge on about it being cold! Currently, it's about 5 degrees above average temperature for the time of year! These are the people that want Caribbean/Mediterranean temperatures from March until October; and think that the whole summer was ruined, because we had a shower in April!

Midweek colour

2011-10-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

I've decide not to go out to see The Hawklords tonight. Of course, I could stay up 'ill gone midnight; but, I'm not sure about the getting up tomorrow bit!

So an early night; staying in listening to Chelsea (hopefully) beating Everton in the Carling Cup, on the radio ; whilst having a beer (Fuller's London Pride, if you must know!!

As it has been absolutely chucking it down with rain this week; I thought I'd put a few bright, unseasonal snaps; by myself and SWMBO. Some have probably been used before - sorry! Here on the south coast the leaves have only just started turning ; which is a bit late, really. My guess is that they'll all turn at once; then suddenly all drop! Around here, we have a lot of trees - which is a good thing! - the leaves drop; and, block the drains - which is a very bad thing, because the road flood! It's like Venice around, sometimes!

Yes! I know! I should put these into a Flickr account; and, just have a link!! A future project!

Out on the razz!

2011-10-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Picked up SWMBO at her workplace as usual. On our way out there was a double rainbow. Is that a good omen?

Unfortunately, the double rainbow shots suffer from rain drops on the lens ....

The plan was to drive off to a pub, out of town, for some food - though no beer for me. I had chosen The Lamb at Winkton. Unfortunately, they were shut due to a fire in the kitchen! Bugger! Plan B; we doubled back to The Woolpack, in Sopley.

A very pleasant, relaxing meal was had by all! I had lamb shanks; and, SWMBO had salmon.

Now we have Little Keira, we need to get in the habit of visiting local, out of town pubs. There are a number around here to chose from!

Tomorrow night, I'm probably going to go to Mr Kyps, to see The Hawklords - various ex-members of Hawkwind, playing .... Hawkwind music! I know! Ageing rocker! Old Hippie! .

It is a "school night"; but, I have got agreement to go in late to work on Thursday, as I have some flexi-hours in the bank.

2011-10-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

The Borderlines, busking in Salisbury

Quietish weekend. Me and SWMBO took Little Keira; for a change of scenery. A spot of grub in Fisherton Mill; followed by bit od a wander around. No beer, unfortunately; I was driving!

I did buy a copy of Richard Mabey's Weeds : a cultural history. Very interesting. I'd seen it around before; but, I hadn't bothered to look at it before. I was waiting for SWMBO in a bookshop (we both have "publishers constipation!" Neither of us can pass a bookshop!), when I started reading it. Obviously, I was hoping to find out, how to eradicate the little bleeders! While it does not fulfil my original need; it is a very interesting read. Weeds aren't bad; just misunderstood!

We came upon The Borderlines; well two members of them, busking. I've seen them in Salisbury before. They play Rockabilly, with a wonderful twangy guitar sound - cross between Daune Eddy and Chris Isaak! Wonder if they do "Brand new Cadillac"?

The plan for Sunday was to plant up my garlic and onions. Of course, all good plans (of mine!) go out the window! I spent the time digging instead. I'm progressing, steadily down (CD) My plan for "no dig" is still on the back burner! I "harvested" 13 squash/pumpkins - they are now curing on some slats. I have homes for three of them; but, the thought of all that fibre is a worry!

Tomorrow night, we're going to eat out at The Lamb, in Winkton. Let's hope that pumpkin isn't on the specials board!

Plot update ...

2011-10-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

I spent the afternoon digging at The Plot. I finished off the "Tulip Bed"; and raked in some poultry manure pellets. That will get the foxes' noses twitching! So, apart from acquiring a hundredweight of tulips and daffs - OK! That's a slight exaggeration! - I'm ready to get planting!

I raked in more poultry manure pellets into the "old strawberry bed" (A-B6) - ready for some garlic, shallots and onions; which, I'll try and get in, after work, next week. Aslo, some pellets in the "new strawberry bed" (D-F2) - plant up next weekend??

I started the winter dig. I roughly turned over the green manure - weeds! - in (C1-2)

I did take home a Queensland Blue squash. We've already been eating my squash! More squash soup next week. And risotto! And stuffed! ... and .... and! I quite like the receipe for pumpkin meringue pie! I have been able to give some away; but, people are starting to give a certain apologetic look, when I ask if they like squash!

My Swiss chard is hanging on. It looks a bit pathetic at the moment; but I'm hoping for big things! My leeks are doing nicely; as are the three Florence fennel plants, which I'll harvest this week, so that that SWMBO can bake in the oven in oil and tomatoes .... Slobber! I've started some "oriental salad leaves" at home; which may go to The Plot (under cloches?); or they may become trendy "micro leaves"!

I'm not sure about going "No Dig", as I really enjoy digging! Probably a "bloke thing!" I have been thinking about doing things differrently. Ultimatley, I'll keep one set of beds in the rotation for "deep digging!" This will need to be mulched straight away; as one of the the problems with digging, is that it brings weeds seeds to the surface; which, then sprout! Also, good microbes are also brought to the surface - which is not good for them! That is why the soil goes grey after it's been dug! If the soil is covered with wet newspaper, or cardboard; and then, with compost/manure; this is stops this happening.

I'm also thinking about spreading structural (tall) plants - such as rhunbarb, bronze fennel, lovage, acanthus, hops etc. - around the grid of beds; and, not sticking to set plantings in set beds. I may have to keep a couple of large beds for spuds; squashes and corn; but the rest will been sort of "polyculture".

I wasn't sure that go out I'd visit The Plot today, as I was out late! I didn't get home 'till 1 in the morning - well past my bed time! I was out watching The Hamsters; who are, unfortunately on their final tour; after 25 years on the road! They are a three piece outfit, who play what they call "Thames Delta Blues".

They blues and R'n'B -some of their own material, some oldies and Jimi Hendris and ZZ Top covers. Covers is really the wrong word; as they are not a tribute band. Great musicians; and, very entertaining; I'm tempted to drive to Salisbury in March, to see them again.

The Hamsters' drummer

The Hamsters

After they had swapped instruments!

The "Burnin' Vermin" guitar

My next musical adventure may be to see Hawklords at Mr Kypps. They are a Hawkwind offshoot; made up of former Hawkwind band members - pretty much an endless supply of those to choose from!

Digging, planting and harvesting ..

2011-10-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

Row of transplanted Chard

Chard

I spent Sunday afternoon at The Plot. Saturday was taken up with chauffeuring SWMBO to Shaftesbury; and back. A nice crawl through Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. Passed loads of pubs that looked like they did decent beer!

At The Plot, I finished digging the new strawberry bed. I'll need to rake it down a bit - I'm good at digging; but, not as good at levelling! - add in some chicken manure pellets; and, lay the plastic mulch sheet. Then away we go!

I finished forking over the "old" strawberry bed (AB6); which, I'll use for overwintering peas (me growing peas, is a triumph of hope, over experience!); broad beans; garlic; shallots; and, onions. I transplanted four Swiss Chard plants to this "clean" bed (pictures above); but I'll still have about 3 x 1.5m of ground for the overwinter stuff.

I did a bit more work on the "tulip bed". It's nearly done. I've just got to get the tulips (I've got some, already) and daffs .... and some pansies/violas for winter colour/cover. I have loads of self seeded marigolds (not French/African!); which I may try and transplant. Should work until the heavy frosts hit!

I picked the last of the patty pan squashes - a range of sizes; a small Sweet Dumpling - something has already nibbled, so I don't know what's inside!!!; a Jack 'O'lantern; and, a Queensland Blue! We're going to have trouble getting through them all - there are possibly a dozen at The Plot! I know that they store; but, we don't have much storage space - the bath is full of spuds!

Having listened to Alys Fowler last week; I'm still mulling over thoughts about The Plot. They are, as yet yet unformed. What ever I end up doing (or not doing - my indecision is final!); I'm going to have have a proper game plan; and, be more disciplined in my approach. The key factor to take into account is .... it's FUN!

Vegging out in, London!

2011-10-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

A lily

Morning off to recover from my day in London. Beer, vegetables and books! A very pleasant day; though it the traffic was stop/start on the M3, from the start to about Winchester; but, we made up the time; and got into Victoria, just a few minutes late.

Anyway, the show. They re-jigged things this year. The flowers and sales stalls (bulbs, plants, books tools etc.) are in Lawrence Hall; a large exhibition room; which seems to get very hot!

Lawrence Hall

Gladdies ...

I managed to find a copy of The Art of Mindful Gardening: Sowing the Seeds of Meditation by Ark Redwood; which is not so much about gardening; more about "mindfullness" (a Zen thing) and the garden. I came across it on The Gong website (?!?!!?) - I think that the author has connections with the band.

Some of the displays were quite spectacular; the lilies (see top picture) were giving off quite a heady perfume.

Across the road in the Lindley Hall, is where the fruit and veg. are this year. The entrance had a pair of "woodland" scenes.

Lindley Hall

I was a little disappointed that there weren't that many squash/pumpkins this year - there has been more in previous years; but, there was some impressive veg. on display. Some,were what you expect - tad dull; and, anal for my tastes.

Some very neatly tied shallots; some in sand; some ... in cat litter??

Romanescu

Er! Carrots!

I found the display of veg by Tim Rumball, the editor of Amateur Gardening magazine; and, a member of my allotment association. He won "The Great RHS Media Challenge" ...

Tim Rumball's display and cup!

I had booked to hear Alys Folwer talking on the subject of "The Edible Garden". I sort of expected it to be just flogging her book The edible garden. She didn't have copies that book; but she was selling/signing her latest book, The thrifty forager : living off your local landscape, (which I bought) which sort of builds/compliments the previous title. She just talked about her ideas (covered in both books) - chiefly growing, or, foraging to eat!. She was very interesting and enthusiastic. It has given me a few things to think about. I do like the idea of "polyculture" - a sort of free form potager. I think that it probably easy to do, if you can do it in your back garden! I would sort of like to go "no-dig"; promoted by Charles Dowding (who was on a stand in Lawrence Hall) - but, I just love digging! I'll have to work on my routines for getting to The Plot; and, making better use of time there.

I also bought a copy of My garden, my city, and me : rooftop adventures in the wilds of London by Helen Babbs, from Helen herself. I do enjoy a good "allotment/veg. growing" autobiography. She seemed very sweet - I'll have to take a look at her blog.

After a couple of hour at the show; I left time to get a beer, or, two before my coach back home. I managed to visit The Speaker (Great Peter Street); The Antelope (Eaton Terrace); The Fox and Hounds (Passmore Street); and, the The Duke of Wellington (Eaton Terrace).

I accidentally managed to get on the wrong coach home. I hadn't noticed, but the driver said that I should be getting on the "032"; but, he'd let me on the "035"! Brilliant! I got into Bournemouth about 8:30; rather than 10:00! What a mistake to make!

Baked Patty Pans ....

2011-10-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

As cooked by SWMBO. Very tasty it was, too!

2011-10-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

I spent theafternoon digging; whilst listening to Chelsea beat Bolton 5-1. At one point; the radio commentator, suggested that Bolton goalkeeper's - a Hungarian - goulash would taste alitle sour tonight!?!?!

I hard pruned my blackcurrant; and moved it to (F1). So; no blackcurrants next year; but, I picked some today! Along with some strawberries!

Very seasonal! We've been having record temperatures for late September and early October. Apparently, it's not an Indian Summer; which occurs after there has been a frost!

Yesterday, we tried to go to the Beer and Pumpkin Festival, at the Square and Compass, in Worth Maltravers. Unfortunatley, because of the "nice" weather; everybody; and his dog; and his wife; and his children .... seemed to have turned up! We couldn't find a parking space; so, we had to pass on that! Hopefully, next year the weather will be appallin!! I did catch sight of some orange pumpkins, through the crowd, as we drove past!I wouldn't have been able to have a beer, as was driving!! I still need to find a "Drink Drive Buddy!"

There is always the RHS Autumn Show on Tuesday; where they'll be loads of pumpkins; plus loads of giant veg!

In the mean time; here's a (slighly blurred) Patty Pan (Fatty Pan?); which; SWMBO is in the process of stuffing, and baking, for tea tonight!

I have about a dozen pumpkins/squashes, mostly Queensland Blue, I think! It may get to the point where SWMBO will ban me from growing squashes next year! The two giant courgettes - marrows! - may be two marrows too many!

Anyway! Today, I went to town with my grass hook (sickle!), on the various "green manure" beds. Some of these were planned; the rest are what other people call ... weeds! These have been cut down; and, I'm now leaving them to the heatwave, while it lasts!

I finished grubbing out the old strawberry bed; and, did a bit of double digging in the new strawberry bed. I didn't do as much as I'd have liked; as it was so bloody hot! It was almost too hot to move around outside - Yes! I did wear my hat; I kept my shirt on; and drank lots of water!! I hope that I can get my digging done; and, the beans, peans, garlic, shallots and onion sets in the ground before the cold weather hits. Snow is due in October; though I'm not sure where yet!

DoubleDigging Day!

2011-09-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

I spent the afternoon double-digging like buggery! I took advantage of the dry week to get my spade out; and work on the corner, where I plan to plant tulips and daffs. I still haven't finished, ; but, I'm nearly there! I could have gone on - my head said, "Go for it!" .... my back said, "I'm feeling my age!" I must admit, that even after two bottles of special anti-inflammatory medicine, I still feel like I have the back of a ninety year old man! He can hacve it back!

Here are some "Before" and "After" shots - Yes! I got my Nikon out!

Before ...

After ...

Before ...

After ...


After .... is that a straight line???

I Cleared down my sunflowers; well, they were mostly growing sideways; though, I've left some stumps to tip over! The "New Compost Heap" is quite tall, at the moment. Yes! I should have grabbed a "smudge!" I cleared a couple of squash/pumpkin plants, that aren't going to produce anything sensible - even with the heat wave that's been forecast.

I did grab some quick snap of a couple of my pumpkins. They're all about the size of a head albeit is green and deformed one!. They are difficult to spot; because the main "pumpkin bed" is a bit of a jungle! The joy of pumpkin growing, is discovering fruits that you didn't realize were there; once the foliage dies off! Here they are - can't remember what they are! They have sort of rambled off, in all directions! The first one here, is actually on a vine, that is growing over the "Old Compost Heap"; so, I can't empty that yet!

Got home; grabbed a beer (Baths Ales Barnstormer, if you must know!) ; logged on, to update the Blog and look at a few regular blogs'n'sites; to discover that the official Pink Floyd YouTube channel is playing the Wembley '74 performance of Dark Side of the Moon! Floyd and beer! heaven or what? (Well more beer would be good!) It's a recording that they're releasing as part of a box set of Dark Side material, tomorrow! They're releasing all of their back catalogue, again (remastered again!); but, a couple of things are coming out in different as fuller packs - the ultimate being the Immersion versions; with lot's of material previously not available, officially! The concert, that I'm listening to has been bootlegged out of existence! The Floyd have finally, realised, that some won't this stuff; even if they don't think that it's up to their high studio standards! There are versions of this on YouTube that sound rubbish .... this is brilliant; and it's criminal that it has been released before now! It's available on YouTube until the 28th September. Hopefully, they do something similar with the rest of the '74 concert, when they release the "Wish you were here" Immersion box.

Plot updates ....

2011-09-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated for a while; so here goes.; while drinking coffee; listening to The Floyd, via YouTube!Yep! I know! The picture quality aint great; but, the music!

The Plot - It's been a bit wet recently! Either, too to go out; or, the ground is still drying out from the rain! The last two Sundays, I've been working on the bend/corner; which, I plan to fill with Spring bulbs; and, pansies for winter colour.

I've grubbed out the lemon balm "hedge"; and I've started double-digging back, into the plot. Yesterday it was wet! Very wet! My mobile got soaked; even though it was in my waterproof jacket! When I turned it off (it's probably an age thing; but, I turn my phone off even when I don't have to!), it switched itself back on! I ended up taking the battery; and leaving it to dry out overnight! I got thoroughly soaked; and my jeans were coated in a thick layer of mud - I nearly took them off to drive home! Thought better of that, though! I did manage to pull up two rosemary bushes ( I have others); so, I'll have a clear run at the double-digging once the ground has had chance to dry out. There's some rain due Tuesday night; with the rest of the week dry! Can't really tell, as we have our mini weather system! Apparently, it's all due to the Isle of Wight!

Driving-wise;"Little Keira" is still great fun to drive! I been adjusting the tyre pressures, and I think that I've got it sorted now. The ride is much smoother than it was. It's not immediately obvious what they should be - there's a "sticker" inside the drivers door, which gives pressures in "bars"; depending on the tyres and number of people on the car. The pressure given, converts to about 31 psi; the tyres say 51 psi??? Hey! I've had a driving licence since 1981; but "Little Keira" is my first car; so, it's all new to me! I think that my driving has improved. Much smoother gear changes; and, my "pull aways" from standing are vastly improved!

Music-wise; I'm looking forward to the release of the Dark Side Immersion box set (due out next Monday); and, The Hamsters and the The Hawklords, at Mr Kyps next month. My MP3 player is currently playing The Radio Gnome Trilogy (Flying teapot; Angel's Egg and You) by Gong; SF Sorrow and Resurrection, The Pretty Things; an assortment of Seasick Steve; plus a "playlist" of odds'n'sods, such as The Sweet, TRex, Iggy Pop, Captain Beefheart, REM .... and, or course !952 Vincent Black Lightening, by Richard Thompson! I've just bought a copy of Copperhead Road by Steve Earle, which I'm getting into. What I want to get next is Dirt Farmer, by Levon Helm.

Weekend digging ...

2011-09-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

I was at The Plot on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. On Saturday, I finished double-digging (E1) to (E2). I still need to double-dig (D2); ready for the "new" strawberry bed! I have a large mulch sheet, that I plan to grow the plants through.

On Sunday, I moved the strawberry runners (temporarily) into (E1); so that I can grub out the "old" strawberry bed - which is full of couch grass! I started giving that a quick forking over, ; but, it will need a full double-digging at some time. Next year, that area will be the squash/pumpkin bed; or, will it be spuds? My plan is still taking shape!

I started clearing out some of the lemon balm (on the curved edge). I'm going to clear out the this corner; including the "old" herb bed; and, plant up tulips; with pansies for winter cover/colour!

The road edge of the "new" herb bed is going to have a border/hedge of comfrey. This is partly because there is a spades width running parallel to the road, that just doesn't drain. Hopefully, the comfrey won't mind "wet feet"; and, will suck up some of the excess moisture!

I did some general weeding; and, used my monstrous looking billhook to chop down some of my sunflowers - my new compost pile is getting quite high now; I'll have to turn it next time!

I took home some rhubarb, and some courgettes - well, one of them was half marrow, half courgette!

Post Bank Holiday update .......

2011-08-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

We didn't really do much over the Bank Holiday! Well; you don't have to! it's not compulsory!

On Saturday, we drove to Salisbury; because we hadn't been for a while. It did mean that I couldn't have a beer; but, the Ringwood to Salisbury Road is dangerous sober; with a couple of fatal accidents a year! (Nothing to do with people speeding, and overtaking on bends!!!) I did have a great beef sandwich at Fisherton Mill; which always good for food.

On Sunday, we were planning to visit ChiffChaffs, near Wincanton; which was open as part of the Yellow Book scheme (National Garden Scheme). When Sunday morning arrived, "near Wincanton" seemed to be a long way to go! So we didn't go! I did visit a Yellow Book garden (without SWMBO) in Christchurch - Annalal's Gallery. I've been meaning to go for a long time. It's a very small, walled garden, on three levels; but, it has loads of planting. Amazing use of space! You have to go through the house; which was fun. The owners are artists, and there's loads of "art work" in the house and garden. I particularly like the "pencil gates"! Much of the art work had been moved out, to gallery space around the corner. Unfortunately, I was running out of time (I was due to be on cooking duties on Sunday evening!, otherwise I'd have taken a quick look.

I did spend some time at The Plot - two afternoons. I spent the time digging! I dug up the remaining spuds in (E1/E2); and, double-dug most of the area (about two spades widths to go) This area is going to be used for raspberries and strawberries. I was hitting "yellow" soil, two spits down; so, I'm wondering whether, or not, I should have "triple dug" dug it! I also moved my "new" compost pile from (A3) to (B3). I got a little bit of general weeding down; so, The Plot is beginning to look tidier! It's still a scruffy, weedy patch; but, I'm getting there!

Back at work, today! Chance to book more leave! Yesterday, I had a quick look at the RHS website, to see if there was anything about their London Autumn Show, on 4th -5th October. This is not very publicized on the site - in my opinion! It is there; but, not easy to find! The show is brilliant; and ... cheap! ... and, I know a great boozer (The Speaker, in Great Peter Street); just around the corner! It's great fun - fruit displays; flowers; giant veg.; seed sellers; and this year, Alys Fowler (from the telly!) is giving a talk. So; I booked some leave ; got a coach ticket organized (No! I'm not ready to drive "Little Keira" to/around London, thankyou very much!) - thank you SWMBO!; rang up the RHS for a ticket for Alys! Day out in London; probable beer; NOT at work; horticulture and Alys Fowler! Sorted!

October maybe a busy month for me. As well as the RHS show; there are a couple of bands worth catching at a local club, Mr Kyps. First, on the 15th, are the The Hamsters, who are a three piece outfit, who do there own material; and, do great covers of Hendrix and ZZ Top numbers. Unfortunately, there are on their fairwell tour, after 25 years! Which is a huge shame! Just over a week later, on the 26th, are Hawklords; a Hawkwind spin-off band; containing various ex-Hawkwind members - but, not Dave Brock!

Monday Plot update ...

2011-08-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

One for the ladies!

It's supposed to be very wet overnight, and tomorrow; so, I made a quick trip to The Plot, to do a bit of tidying. I wanted to gather up several piles of composting material, dotted around The Plot, into one big pile on the site of next years compost/ley area. I now have one big untidy pile; which looks like a deliberate pile; rather than lots of little rubbish piles! I pulled up the sweet peas and the marigolds, that had gone to seed; and added those. There are still plenty of weeds; and I need to chop down the lemon balm; but, I have a nice compost cairn (A3); which will rot down to nothing, if I keep turning it!

What I did find, was the above courgette. The courgettes, squashes and pumpkins all went in late; so, I wasn't expecting any thing much. The main pumpkin bed has loads of foliage; and some fruits have set; but they probably won't develop into much; unless we have a a long warm Autumn.

Here's some shots of the Air Show, on Friday, from The Plot ...

Red Arrows from The Plot

Red arrows through the hollyhocks

.... and, a shot from th T.Rextasy show on Friday evening ...

T.Rextasy

Last minute spud digging!

2011-08-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

I nearly didn't go to The Plot today. I was a bit tired after my orgy of tribute bands over the weekend! I was going to take it easy, before the return to the paradise that we call work! Late in the afternoon, after SWMBO and had been for a brief drive (I picked up some Aquadulce Claudia broad beans); I decided to have a very quick visit, to dig up more spuds. A quick, in and out; get through Bournemouth before the traffic leaving the Air Show had built up.

Unfortunately, I got gossiping - the bane and pleasure of allotmenteering! I did get some good tips on places to visit around Bath! I did get around to digging up all of the Anyas; the remaining King Edwards; and, half of the Lady Balfours - I didn't weigh them; but, I'm glad that had "Little Keira", rather than relying on the bus! There are still half of the Lady Balfours and some Shetland Blacks, in the ground. They'll have to wait 'till next time.

I double dug (F2). The plan is to double dig back through (D-E2); which is where I plan to move my strawberry bed. I'll grow them through a sheet to try and minimize the weeds!

I shall pop along to The Plot, on the way from work next week, weather allowing.

2011-08-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday, just; and I've just got back from seeing Think Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute band; who were playing at the Pier Theatre, in Bournemouth. They weren't bad. The start was a tad iffy; the guitar parts of Hine on you crazy diamond needs to be .... well ... diamond sharp! Nice selection of tunes - though with the Floyd, there is so much that could be covered ... and left out!; nice light show; no Floydian visuals (The Australian Pink Floyd have developed their own!); and the singer Hayley Sanderson (who sings in the "Strictly come dancing" band) did a great job on The Great Gig in the Sky. Only downside was a slight ticketing cock-up! There were a number of double-booked seats! Fortunately (for me), it wasn't a sell-out!

Last night was T.Rextasy - the offical tribute band to Marc Bolan and T.Rex! They were playing as part of the Bournemouth Air Show - No! There is no connection! They are really good! And LOUD! Loads of great music that I remember growing up to! The first single that I ever bought (that's a vinyl; not a download!) was "20th Century Boy!" Here's ther version ....

Here's the real thing ...

I haven't been to The Plot as planned. I was going to go on Thursday, but we had flooding here in "sunny" Bournemouth, of epic, if not Biblical proportions!

I did go out briefly on Friday, and harvested some King Edward spuds (baked potato for dinner!) and some broad beans. Today was a rest day between tribute bands! Tomorrow, I'll go out there! I Promise! SWMBO has promised to hold my potato sacks, while I fill them! Does that sound a bit rude?

Unfortunately, there'll be no baked spuds for as while; as our oven has given up the ghost, again! Well, it refuses to heat up! I was going to make some bread! I made some in the week; and, we had "broad bean bruchetta". We could have potato soup - there's plenty of spuds for that!

2011-08-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

I spent most of the afternoon at The Plot, today. I spent most of the time grubbing out my raspberries (AB2); which was a bit extreme; but, I think needed doing! I will start again. They were a scruffy, weed infested mess! In fact, I think that there were more couch grass roots, than raspberry roots! I will prepare a bed, and acquire some fresh plants - summer and autumn varieties. The current plan is to move the strawberries; rhubarb; red and blackcurrant bushes to the western edge of The Plot (C1 to F2) I need to put a Plot-Plan in here sometime.

I did a bit of general weeding - obviously not enough!; and, picked some broad beans; which SWMBO cooked up with some pasta, bacon, and a cheesy sauce - very tasty!

General update - kohl rabi and turnips (which went in last weekend) are showing; the Swiss chard isn't, yet! The carrots that went in the weekend before last are showing nicely. I have to do some work on the net curtain cover; sow the two pieces together, so that they don't dragon the ground. The green manures are all showing through nicely!

I have to work on "The Plan" for next year. It's taking shape; but, I need to include a schedule of moving stuff (like the fruit and the herbs); and, re-jigging the flower beds.

I have several piles of compost that need consolidating into a new fresh heap; excluding the "nasties" - all those bloody couch grass roots, from the raspberry bed! - which will have to form a "toxic heap!"

I'm off, on leave this week; so, I can spend a bit more timeout there. But there are vague plans to "do something"! I will probably have to drive West, with SWMBO, to visit the in-laws (Ah! I can get rid of some of my spud surplus!) There is also the Bournemouth Air Show; which is the main reason that I took leave. (The Air Show is great; but, the traffic in Bournemouth, during the Show is appalling! Actually, it can be pretty bad on any hot, sunny day, when all the grockles rush to the beach!) There'll be The Red Arrows; the Vulcan; a B-17 (The Sally B); a Hawker Hunter called Miss Demeanour; and, the Battle of Britain Flight! (The Plot is on the flight path in/out of Bournemouth airport; so, if I'm at The Plot, and not watching on the seafront; I can get my own personal fly past!) On Friday night, the TRex tribute band T.Rextasy are playing on the beach; so, I might go along. I might also take Think Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute band; who are playing at the Pier Theatre, on Saturday. Sunday, the plan is to go to Chiffchaffs, an RHS garden; that will be ope, as part of the "Yellow Book", or, National Garden Scheme.

Still enjoying "Little Keira". Still finding that there are an awful lot of idiots on the road! People have no patience! Or sense! Yesterday, I encountered two particular example of "jelly brain" drivers! The first was a idiot, who had been up my backside for a while (if I can't see your reg. plate, in my mirrors; YOU'RE TOO CLOSE!); suddenly decided to to overtake me at speed, Formula One style! Absolutely no need at all! I was doing 28 in a 30 zone! Yes I know! Those extra 2 mph make all the difference! I expressed my "amazement", by flashing my lights! He expressed his "amazement" at my reaction by sticking his arm out, and making what I take to be an obscene gesture! He was moving far to fast for me to tell how many fingers! Fortunately, this made him swerve into the cycle lane; and, it was only his "superb" driving skills that enabled him to miss the curb! Fortunately there were no cyclists! The second "jelly brain" was a taxi driver! I had been in a "convoy" following a horse-drawn carriage - Yes! Really! The traffic was naturally slow; I'm having to keep an eye on the traffic; keep an eye on the lights at the top of the hill (they always change to red on me! Guaranteed hill-start!) The horses go off to the left (which means that I want be behind them, anymore); a Range Rover ahead suddenly decides to change lanes; and, go left at the last minute .... Suddenly, there's a yellow taxi overtaking, on a slope, in slow traffic; just before the lights! I should have take his details and reported him! I have no delusions that I am in way a half decent driver; but, with idiots like that, it's no wonder there are accidents. That kind of driver is surely likely to force other people to make errors! What if someone has a mechanical failure? What if someone else doesn't get out of your way in time!!

Sunday digging

2011-08-08T13:40:00.000-07:00


Echinacea

I went out to The Plot yesterday.The plan (which I stuck to!) was to spend a few hours at The Plot; and get home in time to watch the second half off the West Ham v. Cardiff game.

Whilst things are still scruffy e.g. "not TV gardeners plot!"; I feel that I getting a degree of control. This doing less, more often, is beginning to pay off!

The green manure that I sowed in (E1) the other week, is coming on a treat; the green manure sowed last week is already showing through! No sign, yet, of the Florence Fennel sowed in (D1). Early days!

My flower beds

My flower beds are doing well; though they need some serious dead-heading. Next year, I plan to extend the three original beds into what is now the "Herb Bed"; which will move (GI1-4). Currently, the flower beds are bit chaotic - beyond cottage garden. I need to put them into some semblance of order; juggle things about a bit; and, move an Acanthus; and some Lupins into the beds. I shall take advice from SWMBO, who has an eye for these things - a girl thing, apparently! Mind you, she'll be surprised that there aren't neat, regimental rows - a boy thing, apparently!

I forked over half of (C3-5), as a long strip; and sowed Red Clover, as green manure (I'll do the other half another time!) My plan is to grow spuds here next year. Now that I have "Little Keira"; I can drive to Whitchurch Potato Day (28th and 29th Jan, next year), and buy more seed potatoes than we can cope with! I've already been giving away some of this years crop!

I sowed some Turnip; Kohl Rabi; and Swiss Chard; which may be a bit late; but, nothing ventured ....

I never managed to sow my French beans this year; so, I scattered them in a patch (HI3) chiefly as a green manure!

As I said; I managed to get home in time to watch the second half of the footy; then spent time lavishing time and effort, giving "Little Keira" a good wash and polish! I even got her black trim looking nice and black, again! She was all shiny and gleaning! SWMBO found this most amusing; suggestions that I lavish more attention on "Little Keira" then .... Huh! To be fair; "Little Keira" probably has more "beauty products!" The conclusion to this interlude is .... the inevitable downpour and thunderstorm on Sunday night! I swear the road outside had turned into a river!

Compton Acres

2011-08-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

Italian Garden

I didn't go to The Plot today; but, i have been going after work in the week. I'm beginning to get things back in shape! I've planted some seeds! Admittedly "green manures!" I need to "plant more; dig less!" I'll go out tomorrow, if it's not raining!

What I did do was have a wonder around Compton Acres; which is just down the road from us! It's quite wonderful! There's a woodland walk, which separates some formal gardens; particularly the Italian Garden (above) at one end; with the Japanese Garden at the other (below).

What I did like was the bronze (I think!) Sabre tooth tiger ....


Grrrr!

.... which far more impressive; and less silly than the "Pride of Bournemouth" lions that are currently dotted around Bournemouth. They've been "decorated", and placed around the town, as part of the bicentenary celebrations. They are sponsored, with the money going to charity (The Born Free Foundation; and, Julias House).

2011-07-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

Sandle Cotteg fork!

I'm back at work after a week off. I probably should have taken two weeks; as it takes a week to wind down! Even so, it was nice having nothing to do, and all day to do it in!

I managed to spend some time at The Plot on Friday and Saturday afternoons. I was just pottering; tidying up; trying to get on top of the annual weeds; which are coming on a treat!

I weeded and thinned my parsnips - some of the thinnings were an acceptable size to take home - parsnip soup (with some of my spuds; and, some "over-wintered" Japanese onions, that hadn't succumbed to some kin of rot!); and the rest roasted, with roasted spuds (Shetland Blacks); and, stir-fried cabbage .... cabbage that we got to eat, before any other critters got there first! I had grown them under remnants of net curtain, that I started scouring cloth shops for! Seemed to work! I've got two more at The Plot! Would cabbage parcels, stuffed with pigeon be karma?

My cabbage ...

Last night, and this evening, I've spent half, to an hour at The Plot, working on (F1); where the Maris Peer spuds were. I lifted the last two plants; and, then "double dug" the patch; and sown a green manure - a general mix. I've still got the Shetland Blacks to lift; then I'll repeat the "double dig"/green manure process.

On Sunday, we took a drive to Sandle Cottage, a "Yellow Book", or, National Garden Scheme garden, just outside Fordingbridge. It's a huge garden - they have a lake that's bigger than The Plot! There were loads of sweetpeas, fuchsias and dahlia (they boast over 100 planted - certainly a huge variety of ... er ... varieties!) There's a walled kitchen garden ...

Sandle Cottage walled kitchen garden

They don't have allium white rot!!! These were huge!

Huge onions!

Afterwards, we drove south over the New Forest; which was very pleasant. The New Forest is very lovely, but I do think of it as Dartmoor-Lite! Coming out of Lyndhurst, we saw a cricket match in progress; well it would have been, apart from the ponies that had chosen that moment to amble across the pitch! (Apparently, the origin of the field position "The Slips", is because of the mess left by livestock!!!) Of course, we didn't think to grab a picture, until afterwards!

Driving "Little Keira" is great fun; and my driving is getting smoother! I do get very bothered by the complete prats on the road! I drive along the Wessex Way/Spur Road, between Bournemouth and Ringwood. There is a stretch that is 50 mph! Too slow for most people! Why? From the northern edge of Bourenmouth, it's the national speed limit! 6o mph, right? Apparently not! I'm worried that I'm touching 62; but there are people screaming past .... and pulling away! Is it any wonder, that there are regular accidents; sometimes weekly! .... with cars in the trees! Can't be down to speeding can it?

Mid week update

2011-07-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Dragonfly sculture, in the Japanese garden, Kingston Lacey

I'm off for the week! Whoppee! Unfortunately, it's now Thursday (where's the week gone?)

We've been out in "little Keira". On Tuesday, we went to Lyme Regis; which isn't easy by public transport form here! You get about 2 hours, before you have to catch the bus back! To b be fair, that's probably enough time; but, if you want a leisurely lunch, and beers; a walk along The Cobb (probably not recommended after the leisurely beers!) I picked up a couple of bottles of beer from The Mighty Hop Brewery - Mighty Red IPA, and Black Pearl Porter.

We decided to drive on to Exeter, which we have been to since 2003 (when we left, after living there for just over 10 years) The center has had a bit of re-development - which it needed! The High Street was labelled the most soulless in Britain! Hitler gets the blame, with his Baedeker Raids, of April and May 1942! The City is probably more to blame - I've seen a joke tourism poster from the 50/60's from the local paper, which said something along the lines of "Come see Exeter .... before the locals knock it down!" Mostly, it hadn't changed much at all! There are more places to have a cup of coffee (the usual suspects!); and, some more shopping opportunities. But; as a nearly 50 year old chap .... do I really need a Top Shop and a Karen Millen? No! I want to be able to be able to buy Hawkwind and Grateful Dead albums! Ah! The Left Bank record shop in Paris Street! I was amused to see some teenagers wearing "Devon English Language School" I assume that they were foriegn language students! I did wonder if they were taught that the correct form of addressing someone, was "Allo my luvver! Ow's Muther? Ow's Feyther?" ( I remember French lessons at school in Taunton .... French zounz much bedder in broad Zummerzet!)

Today, we went to Kingston Lacey, a National Trust propery just outside Wimborne. We had a very pleasant stroll around the grounds - looking at the Kitchen Garden; which has over 80 allotment plots (a recent NT initiative!); and, looking at series of chicken wire sculptures.

It's still abit weird having our own car! Normally, I have to give it back after a week! My driving is improving. My footwork and gear changes are getting much smoother!

I haven't been out to The Plot this week - despite it now being easier to get there and back again! I have to establish a routine - which is out of kilter this week! Tomorrow, I shall get my hoe out! I think that I have to dig up some more spuds - we've just had some Maris Peers, marvellously roasted by SWMBO!

Bit of an update ...

2011-07-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Dried apricot, sultana and pecan Danish @ Baker & Spice

"Little Keira" is great fun! I'm getting used to smooth gear changes and footwork; but, I haven't driven regularly before! I drove into work all last week; and stopped off at the Plot for an hour, or so, a couple of times, after work. Got to do a lot of tidying! I still need to "Dig less! Grow more!" I planted up the Echinacea, and a Rudbeckia, bought in Abbotsbury, on Sunday. Today, I picked up a red Rudbeckia (Cherry Brandy) at the weekly market, in Christchurch - I'll plant that up later in the week! I can now pop up to the Plot, just to put one plant in the ground!! How decadent!

Myself, and SWMBO, are on leave this week (hence being in Christchurch today!) So, will be mixing doing nothing at all; driving somewhere (Lyme Regis is on the cards, at the moment!); pottering at the Plot; and, giving "Little Keira" a wash!

The weekend started off with what seems to be an increasingly regular visit to London. SWMBO wanted to go to Knit Nation (a knitting thing, at imperial College); and, visit The Cult of Beauty (about the Aesthetic Movement) next door in the V&A. I went off into the centre of town (Up West?) with the idea of getting a beer in a decent pub; and finding a reasonable record shop to get my grubby hands on a CD, two that I can't find locally! Unfortunately, my spirits were damped - along with pretty much ever other bit of me! as it honked down with rain! I forgot how bad the crowds can be! Loads of very slow moving (and thinking!) people, who don't seem to know where they are; where they're going; or, that there are other people around them! Why stand at the bottom of an up escalator, holding everyone up .... and then start moving when people try to get around you!!! I would say "You know who you are!" - but the problem is YOU DON'T! The voices in my head have suggested to me that people with those bloody stupid "suitcases on wheels", who plough, obliviously through crowds; are doing the Devil's work, and should be dealt with accordingly!!! I didn't get a beer; which might have calmed me down a bit ... there again, I might done my voices bidding! (Only kidding!) I did get a copy of You, the 3rd album in the "Radio Gnome Trilogy", Gong! We finished of the trip with a coffee and Danish (see above photo) at Baker and Spice!

Little Keira's second trip out ...

2011-07-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

We took a Sunday afternoon drive to Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens.This can be done by public transport; but, it needs to be planned like a military campaign (and, they always go well, don't they!)

It's a mix of "proper" flower beds; and, what can only be described as woodland walks! Loads of plants! The most impressive being the Gunnera; which looks like giant rhubarb!

Gunnera flower spike -about 2 foot high


This leaf was about 6 foot across!

The scarry thing is that they die off in the winter; and, regrow the following season! Once established, they are monstrous!

We had fun feeding the fish in the lily ponds - though they did get a bit "splashy!"

Before we left, I bought a yellow Echinacea, and a Rudbeckia for the Plot. I can plant them tomorrow evening, on my way home from work!

Little Keira is now home!

2011-07-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

Little Keira parked up for the night!

We finalized the deal this morning; so, Chez Davey is now the proud owners of the above shiny lightening blue Mini Cooper - "Little Keira". All went very smoothly - disturbingly easy, really! Both myself, and SWMBO feel like proper adults today!

We had a pleasant, 90 mile circular trip around Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire; which was very pleasant! It was nice going places that "the bus" doesn't; and, not having to worry about the next bus!

We have an unwritten list of places to visit and explore. Unfortunately, SWMBO doesn't drive; so, visiting interesting country pubs (and, I have a list!) will lack something - BEER! I'll have to find a "Drink/Drive Buddy!" ... if you know what I mean!

I may start a "Where's Keira today?" thread!

Mid-week update

2011-07-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

Some snaps of my Heleniums, taken last Sunday at The Plot! Sunday was taken up with digging in "green manure!" - some of it real "green manure"!

I need to do some proper planning from now on! With our Mini Cooper (aka "Little Keira") due to be picked up on Saturday, I'll have more opportunity to be at The Plot; so, I'll need to use that time wisely!

This is actually Little Kiera!

On the "Little Kiera" front; everything is on track; it's now just a matter of whether the bank decides to view us moving "our" money between "our" accounts; and then spending it, is some kind of fraud, or, money laundering! To be fair, we don't normally spend those kind of sums, and not on second-hand cars! At least we're not trying to do it with suitcase full of used twenties!!

Three day week!

2011-07-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

This has been a good week ... a three day week!! (No! Not some kind of early 70's nostalgia thing - though I have been listening to Gong and The Dead a lot!)

I took Thursday and Friday off; so that SWMBO could could enjoy my company!! On Thursday we popped up to London for a pleasant wander around Chelsea! (No! I still haven't convinced her to go to The Bridge! Anyway, that Chelsea is in Fulham!)

First stop, Baker and Spice for a reviving coffee and .... No! Not my usual Blueberry Fruit Muffin; but, a Fresh Fruit Brioche! Very tasty; and, it must be one of my 5-a-day!

A spot of lunch; and some beer in the Coopers Arms, in Flood Street (only one pub this time!); then off to the Chelsea Physic Garden. This was, as usual, very peaceful and calming - except for the savaging I got from the pocket-panther that was stalking around. He/She was very friendly, with a gorgeous black coat. Puss had obviously been sun itself, because its coat was red hot. I had no warning (tail flicking!) of the sudden ball of fur, tooth and claw!! Vicious little bugger! I don't know if it was just crabby, because it was too hot (they don't have any real concept of cause and effect); it had deliberately lulled me into a false sense of security; or, I had touched some sensitive spot. Who knows! I should have remembered the line from "Hunting Tigers Out in Indiah" ....

(Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band - the first 3:38 mins are from the pre-Python kids TV kids program "Do not adjust your TV set!")

I have got some Plot work in - just digging in "green manure". Now, I have lots of nice "clean" brown patches; rather than the lush green ones! I did take some time there yesterday; and disturbed a little toad, which was minding its own business under the black plastic of my "nasty" compost cairn! Unfortunately, he's hopped off before I'd got my camera out! I'll go out tomorrow; and "potter!"

I have to say, I'm getting a bit cheesed off with travelling on buses - well, not the travelling; but, with my fellow passengers! They're not all bad; but, with most things, it just takes a few to spoil it for everyone! Teenagers "expressing" themselves; teenagers "sharing" their crap music (Do they really like "music" that has been so autotuned, it sounds like The Chipmunks? And no! I don't expect anybody else to have my musical tastes! Gong anyone?); language students who talk loudly (and, I mean shout!), and without taking a breath! (being the "summer season" we've the annual influx of school age foreign teens, who don't know the language - though to be fair, they speak better English than I do their language; they speak better English than some of the people that I work with! - don't understand the money, and don't know where they're going - usually, the other way!); then there are the "senior" passengers who are on holiday, and want to know if this bus goes to The Hotel? People don't seem to understand that because they consider that their conversation is person; other people can't, or won't be listening! I really don't want to know about your, your family's or your friends personal problems , medical issues or love life! (The other day, I had to listen to someone, who was 'phoning someone about a court hearing - some kind of custody hearing - apparently, the social workers were concerned that she might hurt someone! As she pointed out, it was ten years ago that she stabbed someone! That's all right then! We ere going through Boscombe!!)

And QUEUING! They ought to use the slogan "No need to queue for a bus in The Square!" Being first at the stop doesn't entitle you to getting on the bus first - it's just a bloody scramble! You don't have to wait in a queue (nice orderly English line!); anywhere near the stop will do - I've even seen someone that I know was catching the same bus a me, waiting on the other side of the road (am I that scary?) Even an orderly queue doesn't work not if 30 language school students all turn up at once! I was once at the head of the queue, when a chap came and stood in front of me; he was so close, he was nearly standing on my feet!

All this could be solved with the momentous event of buying my first car - at nearly 50! A "lightening blue mini Cooper! Yes! I know! I had said to people that I wanted a shiny red Clubman! But hey! I just need to sort out the insurance; and pick it up next Saturday morning! Where to go? Shaftsbury, and then onto Stourhead? There are pros and cons :-

Cons ... watching the drinking! Reduced reading time - buses can be good for that! Dozing before work (though the downside is waking up in Salisbury, which isn't necessarily a bad place to wake up!)

Pros ... Easier for shopping; no bus "morons"; can leave later for work; can get home quicker from work ; can stop off at The Plot after work - and get more done; can pop out to The Plot any time that I want; without relying on the buses - hoeing at sunrise? Myself and SWMBO can do things - we're drawing up a list!

2011-06-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hellenium and bee - not taken this year

I have been to the Plot much lately .... it's been too wet! My last couple of trips had been just weeding; which there was a lot of .... and still is!

On Sunday, I enjoyed some dry weather and got on with some digging. I dug in one of the over-wintered broad beans, as a "green manure". I moved some lose compost material on (GH4) to the "nasties" daleks; then dug the ground over.

I actually managed to do a bit of harvesting - some strawberries; the first of the raspberries; some black currants (which went into a pie!); some carrots; beetroots; some over-wintered Japanese onions; and, the first, first early spuds - some Shetland Black and Maris Peer (of which some are to be used for a bit of battering for beer, with a work colleague! Seems fair!)

General update .... apart from the weeds - loads of horsetail and fat hen, of course; the parsnips are doing well (they've been thinned and weeded; the leeks will shortly need to be transplanted; the latest batch of broad beans is poking through, as are the sweet corn (though they're nothing to write home about, just yet!) The sunflowers are progressing as only sunflowers can - onwards, and upwards! My helleniums are all flowering (red and yellow ones) and the bees are already tucking in!

Looking at the Plot on Sunday, I had one of those regular feelings of "I should be doing more!" ... "I haven't quite tamed this bit of dirt yet!"

Well; I have actually got my act together and sent the bit and bobs to renew my old pink, paper driving licence, for a new fangled photo driving licence! So; hopefully, in two to three weeks time (Post Office allowing!) I should be able to walk into a showroom, and buy a bright red, shiny Mini Clubman!

Red Mini Clubman

Well! That's the plan! It means I could drop into the Plot after work; or pop, up at odd times without having the bother of what can be hour and half each way, by bus! It'll be easier to carry stuff - though I won't be able to have a swift one in The Goat!!

I won't be able to spend all morning at the Plot like the retired chaps; but, I'll have more fexibility. I'll also be able to do less, more often; rather than a huge amount, once in a while! ...Work smart; work less. I've got a book somewhere around called The Half-hour Allotment/ Lia Leendertz, which gives some useful tips, which I'll have to review!

This weeks sad, hippy, dippy music links are :-

"Morning dew", performed by the Dead:-

Sympathy by Rarebird :-

I'm not sure anybody out there's ready for the druggy madness that is Gong! Come on! Could you realyy cope with Pot Headed Pixies in flying Teapots from the Planet Gong? Thought not!

More ramblings from over the compost heap ....!

2011-06-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

I have been to the Plot over the last two weekends; but, to be honest, all I've done is weeding - my ongoing battle with "The Devil's Asparagus" (aka Horsetail!)

Generally, it's looking a bit weedy - the Fat Hen has taken over; lots of horsetail and Shepherds Purse ; but not much Groundsel. My carrots, parsnips and beetroot are doing fine. We've had some broad beans (though they've probably gone over .... green manure and seed saving!) and loads of strawberries ... mmmm! Strawberries, creme fraiche, meringue and ice-cream!

I need to do some planting. Last Saturday, I took up my French beans (to be honest, they'd got so big, they could probably have gone by themselves!) and a tray of peas. The idea was to get hold of some bamboo canes, and plant them up on Sunday. Good plan, except for the rain and wind! Too wet to hoe! I cannot complain about the rain! We need it .... and lots more.

So I stayed home and made a large batch of ratatouille. Unfortunately, it wasn't with my own veg. At the moment, growing peppers, toms, aubergines is not that easy with the Plot a hour and half away by bus!

I've spotted a Cardiocrinum Giganteum growing in The Lower Gardens in Bournemouth (by the pond, next to the taxi rank in The Square) There were flowers the year before last; but, not last year. I've only caught a glimpse from the bus, so far; but, there is at least one flower spike this year.

Yes! Yes! I know! SWMBO will remind me ("... for my own good!") that I need to sort out my driving licence (it's and old style pink jobby!); and, buy a car! .... A Mini! A Clubman would be ideal for carting stuff to and from the Plot - though not bags of manure!

I did manage to start some courgettes; which are now sitting in the front window sill, along with the monstrous squash/pumpkins plants. The plan is to take them out and plant them this weekend! Ah! Plans! "Plan A" should always be "Have a Plan B!"

Tomorrow, I have to reprise my "Blueberry muffin loaf" for a charity day, at work on Friday. The charity is Everyman; whose mission is to "... to stamp out testicular and prostate cancer." The original idea was to do something on my birthday, a significant one, in December. It was pointed out that, that might not be a good idea, as there are lots of charity things around about then. I liked the idea of two birthdays (twice as much cake?), as I could spread it out a bit - it being so big! It is now not about me ("Indignant huff!"); but, the important thing is the money raising! As well as cake - people will wear blue (easier for me than pink!); and sport beards and/or moustaches! I suspect that some of the women could grow better ones than some of the chaps! Obviously, that's a joke! Of course the chaps could grow a beard, or and moustache! (Though come on! if your ginger .... you're not gonna do it in a week are you? You know who you are!)

Currently, I'm reading The Leaping Hare by George Ewart Evans and David Thomson. It's a very pleasant read; but, it would be great as an audiobook, because a fair bit of it (so, far!) is transcripts of interviews with old country folk - it would be great to hear the accents!

More baking ....

2011-05-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

Inspired; in part by my Baker and Spice bluberry muffin last Friday; and, a wonderful muffin made by someone at work, for her birthday - why do we make (or least buy!) cake/s for "people in the office", on our birthday? Shouldn't it be the other way around? - I decided to have a go at a receipe that I hadn't tried for years. A blueberry muffin loaf!

We had all the ingredients .... well not the blueberries, but a quick trip to M&S solved that one!

So here's one I made earlier! SWMBO seemed to approve, so that's alright, then!

Too wet to hoe today!

2011-05-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

It had been raining overnight (and, this morning); so, I decided to have a "quite day!" I should have gone out to The Plot Saturday, or yesterday!

Instead; I baked a loaf; which I hadn't done for a long time!

Wot! No chips?

2011-05-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

I didn't go to The Plot;nor did I play around with my seedlings! Instead, I made ravioli! Yes! I made my own pasta! Inspired by Herbie Likes Spaghetti, I decided to photograph my progress! Apologies for not having pictures of a cute cat though!

So, I made my own pasta dough. The flour and eggy mixture was mixed and kneaded until I got a nice smooth ball of dough; which I left to rest, while I did the filling, and the sauce.

The filling was made with onions, garlic (SWMBO claimed that there was too much garlic!) and some mushrooms that had been hanging around in the fridge (so, they probably had lost some flavour, and needed all that garlic!)

The 'shrooms were chopped finely, and everything was slowly cooked down .....

... and then blitzed, with a hand blender (with a little creme fraiche for richness!), so that I had a nice rough paste for the filling.

That done, I made a rough ragu (finely diced carrot; celery; onion; and yes, even more garlic!; some tomato puree; and, chopped fresh tomato; all slowly reduced down!

Obviosly, this is not blurred - it's steam!

I hand rolled the rested dough, so that it was the right size to put through the "pasta machine" I had to call upon the services of SWMBO to help here. I don't know how the TV cooks, (sorry chefs!) do it; but I find that I need at least three hands to work one of those things!!

Surprisingly, I had made just enough dough, and filling!

I layered sauce and ravioli ....

... then topped with cheese!

Into the oven for about 15 mins .... then voila!

Time for a beer! Yes! I know! What a big head! It's supposed to have one! It's a wheat beer!

The result was well received by SWMBO - though it wasn't my best ever ravioli! (That one was made with salmon!) It needed a nice rough red wine; and some "old school" garlic bread (Yes! More garlic!) - the sort made with a baguette and foil; and drip down your arms!!!

I did the washing up too! Yes! I know SWMBO is a lucky girl (well she would have been if there had been chips! ... and a chocolaty pudding!) Don't tell me; tell her!

The Knitted Garden ...

2011-05-29T04:37:00.000-07:00

I went to Bournemouth Library yesterday, with SWMBO, and two of her daft knitting work mates; to see The Knitted Garden - an exhibition of knitted objects, with a garden theme! It was quite stunning, if a bit trippy! (Probably best not display it in Boscombe! Local Bournemouth joke; and, obviously, there are some very nice people in Boscombe; and, some of them VERY mellow!!!) Here are a few snaps; but, there are loads more on the Web.

The exhibition start in the entrance lobby; and continues through the library. There are various flower bed; a couple of ponds; various critters (hedgehogs, an owl, other birds, bees, frogs, spiders, slugs and snails .....!)

In the library itself, along with a picnic/bbq and a shed (with knitted tools!) and a veg. display; there are flowers in pots and hanging baskets! There was even a washing line with drying "draws" and a string vest! (I erred on the side of caution, and didn't take pics of a washing-line full of knickers! I'm sure the "gurls" would let me have copies of their snaps! Only joking!)

Apparently, my hair was looking a bit like this!!

All round a great idea! No Weeding! Few pests! No problems with watering; or, frosts! The only problem that I can see, is making sure that you use the right washing cycle!

I ought to be making tracks; and, popping out to The Plot! Though, I could just chill for the afternoon; sort out some things in the windows - my squashes are starting to push through; I have to do something with my celeriac; and .... the french beans are trying to get out the window! I can always go out tomorrow.

Three bookshops and two pubs ....

2011-05-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

A successful trip to "the big city"; though getting back was a little tedious, with road works in London; and, what seemed the whole city emptying south and west for the Bank Holiday!

The usual visit to Baker and Spice (in Elizabeth Street) for the usual coffee and a blueberry muffin ...

After that, it was off along the Kings Road; first to the Taschen bookshop; and then to Waterstones, because SWMBO wanted to go to a "proper" bookshop!??? (She actually meant a mainstream bookshop; but, my weird mind chose not to understand!) Speaking of weird, here's something above a shoe shop (imaginative shop name!) opposite ....

No idea what it's got to do with shoes, though!

So; it was off to The Coopers Arms in Flood Street for a spot of lunchch - sausage'n'mash and a pint of Bombardier for me (Club sandwich for SWMBO) I'd been here before; but, SWMBO hadn't. She approved my choice! (I have a nose for for a good pub; and, a bladder for the gents! SWMBO has approved the use of the next comment (joke?) - that I have two unfortunate conditions ... Publishers, and Brewers Constipation! I can't pass a bookshop (neither can she!); or a pub!) Hope that I nested/bracketed my comments properly! Who'll ever notice?

2 bookshops and and a pub sorted! Next part of the plan - to the Chelsea Physic Garden, which is just around the corner!

It was looking mighty fine today! In the past I've gone at the wrong time of year, when things weren't "up"; or, had passed over. Today, it was green and lush!

Lots of very busy bees; though they did seem a bit dopey! Too much nectar?

This a "living willow" garlic bulb; part of a garlic display/festival that the Garden is running over the weekend!

Next, it was off to the Angie Lewin exhibition at Potterton Books (Bookshop #3!). An interesting little bookshop; but a little arty for my tastes. It was nice to see the Angie Lewin prints, rather than cards; magazine illustrations; or, her book Angie Lewin: Plants and Places by Leslie Geddes Brown; which is gorgeous!

Five minutes walk away is the Fox & Hounds (Pub #2!), for a swift Waggledance! .... before popping back to Baker & Spice for yet more coffee (and a hot chocolate for SWMBO); and, a loaf and a couple of "cheesecake brownies" to take home ...

The brownies were individually wrapped!! How sweet! (Oh! I must be tired! My inner designer is showing!)

This is a "leopard print" loaf (Camp inner designer?) ... can't remember its "proper" name; but, I know that the textured crust is created by coating the dough with a "batter", before it goes into the oven.

That's gone on a bit! Sorry, if you got this far!

Mid-week ennui ...

2011-05-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

It feels like Friday; and, I'm bored!

If it was Friday, I'd have been in London for the day, with SWMBO - which is something to look foreward to! The plan is to visit and exhibition of work by Angie Lewin (a printmaker), at Potterton Books, in Chelsea; and then onto The Chelsea Physic Garden - just down the road. Unfortunately, we've chosen to visit the area when the Chelsea Flower Show is on; so, it's likely to be busy in the area!

I may have to retire to one of a number of back street boozers, for a pint of something calming! Favourite for this is The Fox and Hounds, in Passmore Street; or, The Coopers Arms, in Flood Street.

... and then home for Fish'n'Chips fro m Chez Fred (OK! So they're working on their website!)

Plot update ....

2011-05-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

Spent the afternoon at The Plot ...

Dug in the green manure where the squashes are going. Someone has left me, what I take to be a squash plant! It maybe from someone at work;, who offered me some squash plant/s last week. It can be added to the squashes that I started in trays yesterday (Queensland blue; butternut; Sweet dumpling; Jack o'lantern; and, two sorts of Patty pan) now sitting in one of the front windows; along with 32 sweetcorn seedlings and 31 (out of 32) peas!

I planted out six each romanesco (Martian cauliflower!) and red brussel sprouts under some netting/cloche thing that I bought yesterday - I'm hoovering up net curtain remnants in fabric shops; but, I daren't tell them what I want it for! My cabbages! I put some broad beans in, in the the area on the curve; where I dug in the wallflowers last week.

The above are strawberries (obviously!) and broad beans picked about two hours before these pictures were taken ... and to be eaten shortly!!!

The following is Seasick Steve, from last last Fridays Later with Jools Holland (this may have been first broadcast last Tuesday, not sure!) He's playing his cigar box guitar; and, the bass-player is John Paul Jones! No! Not a Pope; the bass player from Led Zepplin!

I'm off to re-hydrate with some beer! I feel that I've already it off!

Addendum to the last post ...

2011-05-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

I should really have put in some links to some relevant Burton and Lowry sites:-

For Under the volcano, try home.istar.ca/~stewart/volcano.htm

For Burton, burtoniana.org

Finally finished ...

2011-05-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

I knuckled down, and finally finished :-

A rage to live: a biography of Richard and Isabel Burton / by Mary S. Lovell - the biography of Sir Richard Burton, the Victorian explorer; traveller; Arabist; diplomat; linguist; and, famously (or, infamously) the translator of 1001 Arabian nights and the Karma Sutra ... The bloke was one of those derring-do Victorians who made the Empire. Sort of a real life Flashman! Unfortunately, he was unconventional for his time (not very "Victorian"); and, brilliant at making enemies. He was often misunderstood and misrepresented; so loads of myths surrounded him - and still do! This book goes some way to re-dress the balance. Burton, and his wife Isabel, are absolutely fascinating. The book is a great read; a ripping yarn; almost a boys own adventure, at times. It's well researched; and, well written; but, the only problem is that is so bloody big, and heavy - the main text is 799 pages!

Under the volcano / by Malcolm Lowry - this is classic (a Penguin Classic, in fact!) of the last century. I had always to read it, after I'd come across a reference to a academic thesis, titled Real and imaginary golf courses in Lowry's Under the volcano. (I've just done the cataloguer thing; and, done a search in the British Library catalogue; and its called Real and imaginary golf-courses : Systems of order in Malcolm Lowry’s Under the Volcano / J.D. Hadfield. The entry doesn't say that it's a thesis, or the level; but, it was from Warwick Uni.; and, dated 1982) No! I'm not interested in golf (and, I'm happy to rant on about golf on the radio!); and, there are golf courses mentioned in the book! Good grief! It was heavy going! The cheery tale of the alcoholic ex-Consul's last day - it's not giving anything away to say he dies at the end! I'm not sure that I'll re-read; certainly not soon! I think that I missed loads of literary, classical, historical references. It was difficult to tell whether a particular event was actually happening; had already happened; was going to happen; or, was just in the imagination of the characters! The booze flowed far more freely than the text - well that's not true, as I think it maybe an example of "stream of consciousness"; or should that be the drunken ramblings of the alcoholic author! I still don't know why the Consul turned to drink; was it because his wife had an affair with his step-brother and/or his friend? Did she have the affair/s because of his drinking? Were the affairs just in the imagination of the Consul? When I finished, I wasn't sure whether I wanted a strong drink; or, to go on the wagon! I have to say that I found Richard Burton much more to my taste than the Consul!

Now I need to find something light, in style and physical weight to read next.

Lazing on a Sunday afternoon ...!

2011-05-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't go to Plot on Saturday, 'cos there was rain forecast (I think that it was "in the South - which means anywhere between Bicester and the Isle of Wight!); so we went to Salisbury instead! The bee above is on an allium, at Fisherton Mill, where we had a leisurely lunch; and I had two leisurely Hopback Summer Lightening (Summer Lightening made me think of Grease, the film!)I tried to listen to the Cup Final on the way home, on the bus (I usually watch on the telly); but the wonder that is the future of radio - DAB - was all "pops, drops and squeaks!" What I could make out I didn't miss much!

In the week, I sowed some sweetcorn and peas in "roottrainers" - I will succeed with peas!; and also, four types of French bean (borlotti; Blue lake; Cherokee trail of tears; and, Kentucky wax wonder), in freezer - a method suggested by Terry Walton in Garden News.

Yesterday, I went out and dug, and dug, and dug!! I dug in some gone over" wallflowers (green manure) - I transplanted some primroses from here to (AB7), and some gladiolis to (CD7); and (CD1-3); which had lots of annual weeds, and quite a bit of "devils asparagus!"

I planted up two home raised caulis; and, 3 bought cabbages; which i covered with some net curtain remnants, that I bought in Salisbury on Saturday - will succeed with brasicas!

My sunflowers are showing through nicely, as is my fenugreek and mustard mix green manures - I'll have to dig in the "squash bed" green manure soon! My parsnips are poking through, well there are some "frilly edged" weeds in the right place!

I had a general weed - mainly horsetail; and left the plot tidier than when I arrived. I have to admit that lost track of time; and didn't leave time to stop off for some re hydration therapy at The Goat ... on the way home (Yes! I know that beer is not a hydrating fluid!); but, I did take home some fresh broad beans and strawberries, which we ate last night, if a bit late!

Having watched the song section of the Eurovision - I went to bed before teh voting started; I don't think that I missed anything! - here is a proper song; sung and played by a proper musician ..... John Lee Hooker. It's about the floods in the American South in 1927 (?)

Plot update

2011-05-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

Spent the afternoon at The Plot. I was worried that there would be a bit of a jungle, with the "useful rain" that we've had over the last couple of nights. Fortunately, it wasn't too bad. Lots' of the "Devils asparagus" though! That comes through no matter what! The ground was still very wet; not boggy; but, it drains very quickly, and will be bone dry in a day or two!

I dug over the bits of (EF7) that I hadn't touched when I planted up the pelagoniums the other day. I planted up nine dahlias; and, transplanted some self seeded pot marigolds (from C6) around them. The dahlias are bordered on three sides bu the marigolds; and the fourth side by 3 rows of pelagoniums!

I had an extra dahlia; so, I put that into (CD7); along with five more of the pot marigolds; garlic chives from the "Old Herb Bed"; and a couple of "ordinary" chives.

Having taken th emarigolds that I needed from (C6), I forked over. next time, I'll put some more carrots and beetroot (I have some "stripey" beetroot seeds - well the beetroot is, not the seeds!) You can just make it out as a brown square (two thirds up; just left of centre), in the above picture.

There was some general hoeing and weeding; but, I didn't bother with (AB7) - though I could see some Horsetail!

SWMBO had volunteered to do a bit of cat-sitting for a friend; so, I tagged along for some of the visits. There were a bit spooked by us; but didn't mind the food bit!

SWMBO finished a new pair of socks for me. The last pair ended up on the compost heap; because I managed to felt them .... while wearing them for the day, at The Plot!

Apologies for the hairy legs!

Mid week waffle ...

2011-05-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

An old snap of a Nigella seed head

I showed somebody at work some pictures from the last post; and warned them that if they looked at any other bits, well, it's geared to a readership of .... me! She sussed that it was sort of a diary; but how about a "thought for the day?" Well! That's a thought! But, I'm not coming up with one everyday; or even every week!

So to start off with, how about:-

The world would be a better place, if more people listened to Dark Star, by The Grateful Dead!

These are three audio clips of the Live/Dead version.

There are loads, and loads of other versions around ... This is a link to the first of a four part version. The next part follows after the last one has finished.

Why do I like it? Not sure that I can explain, really. It's a long, rambling, bluesy (acid drenched?) piece, that I can lose myself to on the mp3 player (loud!); and switch out some of the outside world. Noddling guitars; a bass that's being used almost a lead instrument; and, lyrics that don't seem to mean anything!

More pictures from the Jolly Boys Walk

2011-05-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

A ford!

A lane

Cowparsley

Various sign posts:-

A seat by the disused railway line, at the Ringwood end of the walk

Don't ask me why, but I like this sort of abstract tangled stuff - is this "knot magic?"

Some stiles and gates:-

This has a walkway through the boggy stuff!

The Woolpack, Sopley

After The Woolpack, the path follows the road follows the lane, to the right of this wacky gatehouse ...

More Alpacas!

.... and some horses, for those that prefer them!

Meretocratic Society - a whing!

2011-05-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

I didn't watch the "Royal Wedding" - just saw the highlights on the news. That was enough! The build up was bad enough. ITV had been trailing their coverage by going on about "moments in history!" Two posh people having a big wedding (they couldn't really have had a quiet one, could they?) is NOT history! A moment in history is the fall of the Berlin Wall; Mandela leaving jail; September 11th; Live Aid; the Kennedy assassination; the Floyd reforming for Live8 (OK! That last one is a personal thing!)

I got a bit fed up with apparently serious journalists looking SO pleased; like they had just one the lottery!

I'm also a tad tired of all the business of Kate's great grand father being a Durham miner! My fathers birth certificate has his fathers (my grandfather) occupation as "Highwayman" - honest!)Durham miner my arse! She apparently went to he same school (Marlborough College)as the PM and Deputy PMs wives!

So, when do me and "the current Mrs Curmudgeonly Compostor" become Duke and Duchess?

Plot update

2011-05-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

Pretty; but I don't want on my Plot, thank you very much!

I haven't been very good at updating this, this week. I have been at The Plot most afternoon over the last 11 days - too busy doing to blog!

So; to summarize; I've dug' hoed; weeded; sowed seeds (green manures, parsnips, sunflowers ...); moved plants; watered things .....

I've been tidying up a "flower bed"; so, I've moved a heuchera (obsidian); several verbena bonariensis; a sedum; several helibore, a clump of monbretia; some agapanthus; and alliums. This has allowed me to dig over, and green manure some very dull, lifeless dusty dirt (soil is the wrong word for it at the moment!) I planted up 28 pelagoniums; so that there are now three new flower beds, as you approach Plot 50 - hopefully, that should add some colour!

My spuds are all showing through, which is good! The sunflowers that I sowed at the beginning of the week, are also showing through. Unfortunately, only one pea has popped up! I haven't really had any success with peas! Is it birds, mice, bad seeds, bad luck? Who knows!

Have to think about sweetcorn and squashes; which I'll start at home this week.

One of the things I'm having to do each visit, is to do battle with horsetail - equisetum arvense; or, as I like to call it "The Devil's Asparagus!" (I've also got bindweed, groundsel and fat hen, amongst others!) Apparently, it has survived the dinosaurs, though it was a tree form then!

This is one of mine!

According to the Garden Organics, deep cultivation and heavy liming can help! What do they mean by "deep?" Chaps at the plot have followed the roots several metres down (OK! They were probably working in feet!) I pulled the above little monster; with an unsatisfying snap; I was left with 50 cm. from tip to root end!

OK! that's a bit blurry!

It doesn't affect your planting, 'cos the roots go down a long way - that means that the top of the plant is good for compost, because it pulls up trace elements from way, way down! Horsetail is used for prospecting - you can detect mineral such as gold, by analysing it! (Unfortunately, having Horsetail, doesn't mean that you have gold; otherwise I'd be sitting on a fortune!) What you don't want, is the roots, or tubers. These are the chief source of spreading ("A 10 cm length of rhizome has been shown to produce a total of 64 m of rhizome in 1 year." -according to the Garden organics website.) It should be OK if you dry it first; or, "drown!" Which is what I'm doing with some of my harvest. This will be good against some rusts!

Horsetail can be used too strengthen nails; but, I'm not drinking from the above bucket!!!

The Jolly Boys Walk to Christchurch

2011-04-28T04:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I actually managed to get up in time to attempt the Ringwood to Christchurch section of the Avon Valley Path (aka The Jolly Boys Walk to Christchurch!) - approximately 10 miles.

I caught the 7:55, X3 from the Square, in Bournemouth; arriving at The Furlong, Ringwood at 7:30. Then, westwards, towards The Fish Inn (past many closed pubs; and the Wednesday market, that was setting up in the main street). You turn left, between the stone bridges; through a static caravan park. I had a few problems finding the path at the disused railway; so, I there was a bit of a detour - no problem, though. After the rail line, there's a stretch of river meadow, which was the only boggy bit, that I encountered. I'm sure that with a bit of rain, it would have been a bit sticky!

I think that it's supposed be a shepherd hut.

Most of the route varies between riverside walk; bits of woodland path, country lanes; with the occasional stile, kissing gate and footbridge - flat, and not too taxing - though some of the gates and stiles are a bit tight. The only real problem that I had was the stretch of the path south from Bisterne church (B3347); which isn't a path! Just grass verge! The traffic wasn't too busy when I went through, fortunately!

The other problems were - a VERY narrow stile (after you come off the B3347, you pass through a patch of woodland; and, at the end of the track, there's a stile, by a road.) After the stile, you pass through several large, prarie-like arable fields. At the end of these, there is no sign post directing .... well anywhere. Turns out that you have to go down the lane, to the left, for a short way! Would have been nice to know!

I arrived at The Woolpack, at Sopley, at 10:45, for a swift pint of Ringwood Fortyniner - most refreshing! Then on through "Sopley Park"; where there was a brief detour to grab a few snaps of some llamas/alpacas

(Not sure of the exact taxonomy and identification!) ....

On to The Lamb, Winkton, (at 11:35; for an hour break and 2 more pints of Fortyniner!); then on to Christchurch; arriving at Ye Olde George Inn (YOGI! Honest!) at 13:50 for a swift pint of Piddle Thunderbox Porter!

All done in 6 hours 20 mins; with a few breaks to take pictures; find the path; and .... the hour and half for beer stops!!

(I did nip down to the local garden centre for some green manure seed - I wanted to get some crimson flowered broad beans; but, I couldn't see any!)

Quiet day today!

2011-04-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

As promised, a shot of a retina burning field of rapeseed! Taken opposite The Stag, just north of Downton, on the A338, on the way to Salisbury.

Ah! The welcoming countryside!

This does look a bit wonky, to use the technical term! To be fair, I'm not the was a level, or perpendicular in sight! OK! the beer that I had just consumed might have had a bearing on matters!

Tomorrow; the Jolly Boys Walk to Christchurch!

To Shaftesbury ...

2011-04-24T03:32:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we actually managed to get up early enough to catch the bus to Salisbury; so that we could catch another bus onto Shaftesbury! It was a stunning day - blue skies; with fluffy white clouds; sunshine; and, green countryside apart from the occasional sea of rapeseed; which, while spectacular, does tend to burn out your retinas!! (I would have taken a picture; but, maybe not from a bus! I might catch a bus to Salisbury in the week - there's a suitable field, by a bus stop, on the way!) It is a great bus ride, but a bit of a white knuckle ride - I think I'd need a stiff drink before I drove it! (Obviously, that's a joke!)

I watched Gardeners World on Friday. Carol Klein was planting up a new bed in her garden; inspired by the hedgerows in North Devon. Sounds like a good idea, on many levels. Looking at the hedgerows from the bus, I did wonder about some of the plants that she didn't plant - cleevers, nettles, dock, cow parsley?

The views were quite gorgeous - set me up for my Ringwood to Christchurch walk, on Wednesday (if I get out of bed!)

In Shaftesbury, we had a wonder around the Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens. Very peaceful and restful. I like that they label the plants - there's a hand held audio guide, which gives a short bit of information about the numbered features.

They had some compost bins!

SWMBO did her bead/craft thing - I don't ask! I just had a beer (or two) in The Mitre - steadying my nerves, ready for the #29 bus back to Salisbury!

I took a couple of shots of Gold Hill - well it'd be rude not to, wouldn't it? (See above) I dunno how that lad cycled down the hill - Ihve trouble walking it (up, or down!), before beer!

A bought a couple of CDs in the flee-market, that was running in the Town Hall. Up your sleeves, by Humble Pie (a bluesy outfit with Steve Marriott of the The Small Faces and Peter Frampton); and, The country sect, by the Downliners Sect (an early sixties British RnB band.) I ripped and loaded these onto the mp3 player. I need to get more meg!!! Much more! To whinge big time! - why can't I find this stuff in the record shops? OK! I remember vinyl - gramophone records at 33 and 45 rpm - sometimes on the same disc!! Sometimes on the same side!!

I went into Oxfam, and bought a bought a copy of A long strange trip / Dennis McNally - a biography of the The Grateful Dead. It was pretty much a new copy. I did used to have a copy; which I had started; but, at the time, I hadn't really listened to much Dead. But now, it will have a bit more meaning - with four albums on my mp3 player!

Good end to the day Torres actually scored for Chelsea against "The 'ammers!"

I did go out to The Plot on Friday; but, I'll an update later; with toady's update!

Planting taters ...

2011-04-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

I got around to planting the last batch of seed potatoes yesterday- Pink Fir, King Edward and Lady Balfour. Above is a shot of the two trenches; the one on the right has a layer of grass clippings, which I'm about to fork in (a bit), and cover with a layer of soil - which has already been done to the left hand trench

I then put a layer of a borage/comfrey type plant (my comfrey is a tad depleted at the moment!); covered that with another layer of soil; scattered some chicken manure pellets; and then, spaced out the spuds (Below - you can just make them out ... light brown spuds against a slightly darker brown soil!)

;

Then I earthed up the rows. Yes! I know! There not exactly TV gardener straight - but if you can do better! ....

So; below, is bed (EF1-2) Those are upturned plastic drinks bottles on the end of bamboo canes - which will, hopefully, stop me poking my eyes out!

I did a bit more hoeing - hopefully this hot weather, that we are currently enjoying (people think that I'm a bit weird, 'cos I want a drop of rain! We need some rain sometime! It can't be Mediterranean 24/7 from sometime in March until sometime in September!) will finish off my hoeings!

I turned out, and over my two compost daleks. They are composting down; but, nasties are still there! They are both producing a nice bit of heat; so, they must be working!

I dug over (D6), and worked it down a bit with me rake; getting it ready for some parsnip seeds next weekend.

On the way home, I confess to popping into The Goat for a swift reviver! Mmm! Very reviving it was too!

Horses, horses ... !

2011-04-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

Here are two of the horses who keep the grass trimmed on the "common land" adjoining the allotment site. They seem friendly enough, but I don't really know horses. They didn't mind having their picture taken; and, they certainly didn't mind the apple that I gave them each! I fact they didn't want to know me at all after that!!

Spent a bit of time digging over (EF2) ready for that last batch of spuds (if I can squeeze them all in!); but, I didn't get the spuds in - that's for tomorrow!

I had some fun hoeing; remembering that you should hoe when you don't have to! (Yong people seem to get very worked up at the idea of working up a sweat, with your favourite Dutch hoe!!!)

The beetroot and carrots that I sowed the other weekend are poking through! Super!

The seeds that I sowed at home (sitting in the front windowsill); are also taking off - well, the brassicas are; the celery and celery aren't showing yet! To be expected.

Unfortunately, the evil horsetail and bindweed have starting sprouting at The Plot.

Tomorrow; spud planting; more hoeing; and some general weeding - what fun!

At least I can feel that I have worked off the beer that I might have in The Goat, on the way home - at least if I go slightly out the way to go home!!!

Overall a good day! progress at The Plot; Chelsea won; and, The Scum were beaten by Man City in the FA Cup semi!!

Some music ....

2011-04-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Here are a few tracks that make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. They are not in any particular order; and, may change at any time. There are links to YouTube videos; which are not necessarily the best versions; but you get the picture:-

Teenage kicks / The Undetones - I heard John Peel say that this came on the radio once while he was driving; and, he had to pull over because he was in tears!

1952 Vincent Black Lightning / Richard Thompson - I love the lines "... I can see angels on Ariels in leather and chrome, Swooping down from heaven to take home ..."

Beeswing / Richard Thompson - This version has an introduction.

Losing my religion / REM - Weird video - great vocal delivery!

Everybody hurts / REM - sounds sad; but, it's really uplifting

Catch the wind / Susanna Hoffs - A cover of a Donovan song.

Cinanmon girl / Susanna Hoffs and Michael Sweet - There are loads of versions of these two (sometimes known as Sid'nSuzy) doing this Neil Young cover.

Like a hurricane / Neil Young -

Powderfinger / Neil Young -

Runaway / Del Shannon -

Ripple / The Grateful Dead -

Box of rain / The Grateful Dead -

Dominoes / Syd Barrett

After the goldrush / Natalie Merchant - Another Neil Young cover.

Shine on you crazy diamond / Pink Floyd - Well the first chunk; the opening keybord washes ...

Be bop a lula / Gene Vincent - Sweet Gene Vincent!

The passenger / Iggy Pop -

Because the night /10,000 Maniacs - A cover of the Patti Smith reworking of a Springsteen song.

I wanna be your dog / Iggy Pop - Check out this version which is suitably "... so messed up! ..."

Finally, just for fun :-

Oops I Did It Again - Try it! It really is excellent!

More spud planting ....

2011-04-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

Spent the afternoon at The Plot. New and sunny and warm; so, I kept my shirt on! Obviously, I didn't want to frighten the horses! Actually, there are horses in the patches of ground adjoining the allotment site. They're used to keep the grass down. Keep meaning to pop over with a bucket and m'shovel!!! Ought to take some pictures of them - but they are a bit scruffy! To be fair, I'm not usually at my sartorially best when I'm trudging to and from The Plot! Fortunately, I've never bumped into anyone I know; maybe, they see me coming! I know that one day, I will! I'll be a bit grubby (looking like I've been rolling in the compost heap!); smelling like an 'orse ('cos I've been digging in the sun all afternoon); with vegetable matter sticking out of a scruffy carrier bag; and, clanking with hand tools and/or bottles of beer ...

I planted up 10 Maris Peer, 2nd earlies in (F1) - same method as the first batch; and, prepped (E2) for the next batch - King Edward; or, Lady Balfour. I am a little peeved that I didn't get any Red Duke of Yorks; which are very tasty; and, really fun to dig up - they look like crimson painted eggs. The colour soon fades, once the air hits them; but still, never fails to impress me!

I turned, and consolidated some of my compost bins/piles. I merged the nasty stuff into two daleks - which meant turning the contents of one dalek; emptying finished compost of another; and, combining a pile of "nasty" material; the contents of bin one; and some of the finished compost from bin two, with some ubiquitous chicken manure pellets!

Most of the "finished" compost, went int (D1); where I planted some pea seeds.

I also sowed some leeks and lettuce in (D4); and some Ailsa Craig onions in (C4).

Had a bit of a tidy on some of the road edge; and a general blitz on dandelion and groundsel weeds.

On the way home, I stopped off in The Goat for a swift one ..... okay two! A pint of Batemans XXXB,; and a pint of Camerons White Rabbit. Have to confess that I probably didn't enjoy them, as they probably didn't touch the sides!

I still have to finish the Burton biography ... just 100-200 pages to go; but I've stalled on it! .... Now I've started Under the volcano / Malcolm Lowry. I've always fancied reading after coming across an academic thesis titles "Real and imaginary golf course in Lowry's Under the volcano" It's probably one of those books that SWMBO will tell me "... if you're not enjoying; stop reading it!".

Sorry! No smudges today!

Proper job!

2011-04-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

After some beer, red wine and cheesy wotsits ... I have to share ........

Bugger that "Brand new combine harvester!" rubbish!

Planting spuds

2011-04-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Spent the afternoon at The Plot. I planted up 10 Shetland Black 2nd early potatoes (E1). I took out two trenches, filled and forked in some grass clipping; topped that with some chopped comfrey leaves; back filled a little; planted the tubers; and, then ridges up the rows.

I forked over (D1) with some chicken manure pellets, ready for the next batch of 2nd earlies - Maris Peer.

I raked over the squash bed; and, sowed some mustard as a green manure to keep things ticking over before the squash go in - well; they haven't been sown just yet!

I planted up some sweetpeas against two cane wigwams in the flower bed (CD7)

Pulled a carrier bags worth of rhubarb; some for home; some for work.

In the "Big City"

2011-04-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

Just back from our London trip. The Syd Barrett exhibition was interesting; some photos of the Floyd that I hadn't seen before - the concert shots were truly psychedelic .... blurry and colour cast, very in keeping! The art work wasn't quite as interesting to me - I'm more into music, and not "Art." I didn't (personally) get a feel for what his art was; but, it always good to see "proper" exhibition quality images, rather than reproductions in magazines and books - which are often spread over pages!! Why??

It was a pleasant trip - the coach got into Victoria early; so we went for a coffee and blueberry muffin in Baker and Spice (where we were joined by Anton Du Beke ... well; he just sat at opposite us!); one of my favourite things to do in London.

We had a spot of salad in Camellia's World Teas, in Kingly Court (Just off Carnaby Street) which is very calm and relaxing.

I took the opportunity of being in London to buy some CDs - Why is is that theses days you can only buy chart rubbish in most record shops; unless you buy online, which is no fun! I bought Camembert Electrique, by Gong (which I'd want to get my hands on for while); and, Aoxomoxoa; apparently pronounced "ox-oh-mox-oh-ah."

We got back home early; and indulged in fish and chips from Chez Fred, 'cos neither of us fancied cooking!

Tomorrow, The Plot, to plant some spuds!

A busy bee, today!

2011-04-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

I think that bee was upside down; and, not the photo!

Went out to The Plot this afternoon. Very pleasant afternoon, bit of sun; but, not too hot. Just right for digging! Which is what I did! :-

I grubbed out the last of last years leeks (C5). I forked over teh bed; raked in some chicken manure pellets; and, then sowed two rows each of Boltardy beetroot and Early Nantes carrots. I also lifted, split and re-planted some chives (from the "old" herb bed) on the western edge of the bed.

Forked over, and raked in some chicken manure pellets into (E1); which, I'll hopefully plant up the first of my seed potatoes on Tuesday, if the weather holds.

I also forked over (BC7); and, added yet more chicken manure pellets.This is going to be a flower bed - not sure what yet.

Bizarrely, I found fish heads on the Plot!! Some were in a bag; some were loose! Apparently, last weekend, a few plot away there were fish tails!

My rhubarb has gone berserk! I'll have to pull some on Tuesday, and take it in to the "usual suspects" at work.

I think that the broad beans that I sowed the other week are just about to poke through. The beans that I started at home are still doing OK; as are the ones that I planted before the New Year - though no sign of any flowers just yet!

My hop plants have taken off. I am planning to move them, and the willow obelisk. Better do it quickly!

I had a bit of "hit" on couch and bindweed (horsetail is always there in some form when I turn the soil!) I was amused watching Gardeners World last Friday. Monty Don has blitzed the bindweed in his Jewel Garden - dug out all the roots!! If it were that simple!!

I confess to stopping off at "The Goat" for a recuperative pint! Springhead's Drop O' The Black Stuff, if you must know!

Off to rip (and load onto my MP3 player) "Piper at the Gates of Dawn", by the Floyd; so that I can listen to it while wondering around the Syd Barrett exhibtion tomorrow.

Weekend update

2011-03-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

Didn't feel up to going to The Plot last weekend. Saturday was Highcliffe Castle; and Sunday I had a stroll and a few beers in The Goat and Tricycle. I'll make amends next weekend.

I have Monday and Tuesday as annual leave; so, I have a nice long weekend.

Monday is booked for a trip to London, so that I can visit the Syd Barrett: Art and Letters exhibition, at the London's Idea Generation gallery. Afterwards, there'll be an interesting pub on the itinerary; not sure which one - too many choices!

I have a load of seed spuds chitting in the bath at the moment (Lady Balfour; Maris Peer; Pink Fir; Shetland Highland Black; and, King Edward), which I can start planting at the weekend, if the weather holds!

Another day, not at The Plot!

2011-03-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Spent a pleasant day in Highcliffe, to look at an exhibition at Highcliffe Castle, which included some macro photographs by Roger Smith, and landscapes by Adam Burton. Both very striking.

Here's a couple of my own efforts, taken at the Castle:-

... and some older ones:-

Chamomile delirium .....

2011-03-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

My head is a bit better today; probably due to the massive amounts of chamomile tea I've drunk today! Is that healthy, whilst listening to The Grateful Dead on my MP3 player? Dunno; but I did manage to print a very large document in Holland!!!

I did manage a very bad joke about my cooking last night - pasta with a sauce; it was bolognaise, but SWMBO thought that it was OK! Several groans; a couple of "not deigning to responds". Apologies to the person who didn't get the joke - I was trying to cheer them up! Honest! Does remind of the time that myself and some other work had trouble trying to deconstruct Flake adverts for a colleague!

I am going to try and get on a photography evening class in May - to to do something different; and to kick start my photography. I have a few potential projects; including pictures of Colmer Hill, outside Bridport in Dorset; interesting manhole covers!!!; and compost heaps!!!! - and a colleague wants me to take pictures of her knitting (as long I don't show her pictures of compost heaps or manhole covers!)

Just changed the background. I liked the old wood effect - a shed wall?; but, it was difficult to see some of the text ...

I'm off to stew some rhubarb ..... and listen to some more Live/Dead!!

.... Angesl on Ariels swooping down from heaven .....

2011-03-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

This is nothing to do with The Plot - Just play!

I've just sorted out some rhubarb for some of my favourite people - well how could they not be, if they like my rhubarb?

I've been listening to the acid drenched noodling of the Grateful Dead - particularly the beautifully rambling Dark Star.

Even more time at The Plot

2011-03-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

This morning, put my new seed potatoes into egg boxes to chit; and sowed the sweet pea seeds, that I had been Spent the afternoon, in the sun, working on a new flower bed - spreading chicken manure pellets and planting. I lifted and divided a number of heleniums, before replanting them in their new bed; moved a number of hollyhocks; divided an echinacea, and planted the two new plants with some bought plants - including two white ones; and, planted up the chocolate cosmos, that I took out yesterday. I didn't get around to moving the lupins, but I can do that next weekend.

I started trying to tidy the strawberry bed, but it's a bit of a mess - needs a lot of work, really, but at least I've made a start.

Before I left, I pulled some rhubarb, which I wasn't expecting to do; but the stuff keeps on coming! I had a weed and a hoe around the plants, sprinkled some "chicken pellets", and gave them a good soak.

On the way home, I got off the bus in The Square; walked down to The Pier; and strolled west along the front and up the Chine home. Very pleasant, what with all the daft dogs on the beach.

Oh! Chelsea beat Man City 1-nil, to keep their title hopes alive ...... Well mathematically!

More digging

2011-03-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Spent and hour or so digging at The Plot, this afternoon. I kept my vest on this time!

In the morning, I popped out to a garden centre, and bought some seed potatoes and a long handled fork. My current fork is fine; but, it is a bit short handled. I have an adjustable spade, which I have extended quite a long way; so, I notice the difference between the fork and spade! Maybe, as a good "Deb'm bay", I want tradiitional long handled Devon digging tools!!! Anyway; it'll be better for my back! Gave it a test run, and, it felt good!

I finished off the new squash bed -turning over last years compost bed.
I dug over part of this years potato bed
I planted a couple of short rows of broad beans (Great Exhibition Longpod)
I took up some kitchen waste for the compost bin
I took up a chocolate cosmo plant, that I brought on at home in pot - just sunk the whole thing into the ground for the time being.

I might go out again tomorrow .... or, I may just go to a pub to drink beer and watch the Chelsea game!!

Therapeutic digging

2011-03-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

My head has been in a funny place this week; so yesterday, I decided to blagged some last minute leave, so that I spend some time digging.

Today, I had a nice lie-in; had a leisurley breakfast; and, went of to The Plot!

I spent about 4 hours, with my vest off, lost in digging - I finished off the double bed that had been used for Jerusalem Artichokes over the last couple of years; where I plan to move my Lupins, Heleniums and Hollyhocks.

I also turned over most of this years "Squash Bed" that was last years main compost heap (the one broken down, and spread about a bit, on Sunday!)

No photos today!

Very therapeutic; but, a couple of (small) bottles of "blue" Chimay beer should help!!!

Procrastination!!

2011-03-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't added in here for a while; but, I have been to The Plot - when it hasn't been wet, and on a Sunday afternoons. I have been taking photos with my trusty Nikon. They are just snaps .....

I have steadily finishing the "winter digging"; just a few bits left to go. The paths between the beds are beginning to form. I'm going to have sort out some scaffolding planks - Freecycle anyone? I also need to sort out a pergola thing over the water butt - the water butt has been replaced, as the old one had more holes than some of my socks! (Both can be seen above; the new one is the grey box - an old domestic water tank, I believe!)

Last Sunday, I finally got around to moving the main compost bin - moved one bed along, leaving behind the core of the old heap, which I spread around what will be this years squash bed. I've got a "compost cairn" (looks like a Viking burial!), under black plastic, which has had "nasties" cooking down for a while; so, I better turn it soon.

Before ....

... opened up ...

...re-sited ...

... the unspread base ....

... the old base spread out to form this year's squash bed!

I have harvested several batches of leeks for soup; and several batches of rhubarb; which have gone down well at home and work! Well they are sweet and tender!

I have managed to plant some of the garlic that was started in the bath - there still is a tray in there, so we still can't have a bath yet!

{Procratination? .... I'm a man of my word! Unfortunately, that word is .....}

Two afternoons @ The Plot last weekend ....

2011-02-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

We didn't get up in time to go to Shaftsbury on Saturday - well it would have been freezing there; so, probably a god move. I went to the Plot instead. Basically, I dug over (E7-F7) - where last years parsnips had been.

The broad beans that I planted out last week are doing fine.

On Sunday, I went out again. A much nicer, warmer day. I didn't do so much digging, as I had probably over done it on Saturday (I can still feel it a bit now!) I tidied around the helibores - bit of weeding, trimming back some older leaves and, clearing fallen dead leaves to reveal this years shoots.

Ought to take some pictures next time, then, I can show the progress.

Digging and weeding

2011-01-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday (23rd Jan.), I spent a couple of hours at The Plot. :-

I weeded my Japanese onions; which have survived the worst of the winter frosts.
I forked over (C6); and, covered with some black plastic ready to sow some early carrots next month.
Turned over (C7-8) - as general ground prep.
Weeded the strawberry patch - well started weeding, it needs a lot more!
Planted 12 primrose the plants (G6); bought at a Swan sanctuary (No! I can't remember its name!) stand in Salisbury, on Saturday - Dill the Owl was minding his own business on his perch!ans in
Planted the 28 broad beans (G5) that I had been trying to harden off at home. So far this week, it hasn't been frosty at night; so, touch wood, they've bedded in OK! The problem maybe pigeons, which I suspect have been nibbling the beans that had started showing over in (A-B; 3-4) - something has!

This Saturday is the Whitchurch Potato Day; FA Cup 4th Round weekend; there's a beer festival in Salisbury; and, SWMBO would like to go to Shaftsbury - What's a chap to do? I can get most of the seed potatoes that I want locally; I can listen to the footy on the radio (the pictures tend to be better; and I cannot bear Clive Tyldelsy's moronic commentaries on ITV!); and I can get beer elswhere The Mitre in Shaftsbury isn't bad! .... So Shaftsbury it is then! I can do some more digging on Sunday!

My cauliflower plants are doing fine on the front window sill; along with the onion seedlings! The garlic going great guns in the bath, as well!

AGM and digging

2011-01-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

Sunday (16th Jan.) was the Association's AGM. The usual stuff; nothing contoversial; the usual confusion about putting up, or, not putting up the plot rentals .... or the hose-pipe licence! I only ever see odd people at the site, so it was nice to see so many, all together at the same time!

Afterwards, I popped over to have a bit of a dig! It was dry, after all! On the way there, I considered the idea of using the bed which was supposed to have over wintering broad beans (which hadn't shown!), with ealry carrots - reasonably weed free, and reasonably dug over. How disappointed was I to find that there are beans sprouting! Aas we've been having some frosty conditions this week, maybe I can still resort to "Plan B." The beans that I started at home are doing fine, if a bit leggy. I've been keeping them outside during the day, so I might risk planting them at the weekend! Maybe!

I did mange to get an of digging done; but, it became heavy going, as the drizzle started, and turend to showers! So I dug up the parsnips, and went home!

I've been looking at Parsnip Cake receipes!

More Plot dodging!

2011-01-10T12:24:00.000-08:00

It was
very wet at the end of last week, so I didn't go out on Saturday.

Sunday was tied up meeting an old schoolfriend, that I hadn't seen in about 20 years. We met up at the Russell-Cotes on the front. We managed a huge circular walk, along to Boscombe Pier; up Boscombe Chine; and, then back along the front The Square. I think that I may have tired them out!

After I left them, I went and a beer (or three!) in The Goat and Tricycle; and listened to Chelsea beat Ipswich 7-nil in the Cup!

Although I haven't been digging, I do have stuff growing. At the other end of this table, I've got cauliflower, broad bean and onion seedlings sprouting away - the cauliflower maybe a bit leggy! - and there are 45 garlic cloves, doing their thing in the bath .... we do have a seperate showerroom!; and, they are in pots, not just the bath! The other year, someone at the plot did try growing carrots in a bath, to combat carrot fly! Can't remember how well that went in the end

New Year

2011-01-06T12:55:00.001-08:00

Manage my first trips of the year to the Plot and Jan 2nd and 3rd. Everything seems to be ticking over fine! My Japanese onions have survived the snow and frost; but still no sign of my broad beans! I have started some more in root trainers at home; along with some "Long red of Florence" onions, and some "All year round" cauliflowers! No sign yet - how impatient am I? It's only been 5days!

I measured some of the edges of the Plot - Western edge = 2020 cm ; and the Southern edge = 1660 cm. This means that I can have a grid of 9 x 7 main beds, each 150 cm square; and, another 7 beds (along the Eastern edge) each 150 cm x 90 cm.

Too wet to dig!

2010-12-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

I haven't been out to the Plot over the last two weekends - it's been cold, wet, snowy and icy! This weekend being the Mid-Winter Bank Holiday, the buses around here have been a bit screwy. May go out over the next few days, if the nasty band of rain (turning to ice and snow) doesn't hit us!

I have been planning, though. Well, just fiddling with a spreadsheet; and, deciding what to grow, including
another go at celery ; celeriac ; sweetcorn ; fennel ; kale ; peas ; romanescu ; and beans and squashes (which didn't do too well last year) and ; carrots, without root fly .....

Of course, I'll grow more spud than the two of us can manage. So, I'll be off to the Hampshire Potato Day on 29th January!

Quick visit

2010-12-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

Looking south through Verbena bonariensis seed heads

I spent a couple of hours at the Plot this afternoon. Basically, I roughly turned over the ground in (E-F/3-4); ready for the Siberian weather due at the end of next week!

Birthday cakes

2010-12-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

I didn't go out to The Plot at the weekend, because there had been a lot of snow on Wednesday night, and most of Thursday; then rain on Friday and Saturday. So, the ground would have been saturated!

On Sunday, I baked a birthday cake for 'er indoors to take into work - a Malteezer Cake (aka The Coffin Cheater!) a chocolate sponge, with a chocolate/jam filling, covered with chocolate buttercream, and studded with Malteezers! Not exactly healthy!

Last night I made cakes for me to take into my workplace - a lemon drizzle cake; a lemony Victoria-type sponge, and a Coffin Cheater!

Each year at Christmas, my department collects money for charity, rather than giving each other Christmas cards (Bah! Humbug!) This year we've chosen British Liver Trust, who are based close by in Ringwood. I was cheeky enough to suggest that people could make a non-compulsory/voluntary donation to add to the Christmas Card Fund, to assuage their guilt at eating cake! This got this years fund off to a £10 start!

Re-starting the Plot log

2010-11-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I went out to the Plot for a couple of hours. The original plan was to plant up a load of daffodil and narcissus bulbs; but, like all good plans, I changed it! Instead, I turned over 4 of my 1.5m beds, which had, had mustard growing as a green manure. Hopefully, the Siberian frosts that are forecast will brak the soil down, nice and fine for the Spring.

No sign of the broad beans that I planted the other weekend. They either rotted in the ground with the heavy rain that came the week after they went in, or the frost have finished them off!!