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Click here
for February 2007 diary entry
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Archive for previous years' diaries dating from 2007 can be accessed by clicking here
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Weekend 3 February
On the plot,
We haven’t been on the plot this weekend – but have had a go at planning the plots for next year using the planner on the Grow Veg website. It has produced some really good plans. We have firstly set out the plans to reflect last year’s crop positions. It is really clever and ‘remembers’ where you planted things last year so that when you start to create this year’s plans it will indicate the areas that you should avoid planting crops in. We’d recommend that you have a play with the
planner to see what you think of it. It won’t cost anything as the site offers a 30 day free trial period. If you then decide to subscribe it is only £15 for a year’s subscription! Click here to have a go.
In the garden,
One or two miniature daffodils are flowering now and the bulbs continue to push through. The snowdrops are also just about out.
The hellebores and the mahonia are also looking good.
One major problem in the garden this week has been caused by a combination of the weather and our council’s decision to provide everyone with a open crate in which to place glass and plastic for recycling. Our crate was due to be collected this week but we decided not to put ours out as the wind was horrendous. However, we now seem to have everyone else’s plastic in our garden along with someone’s empty crate. It was also paper collection week so we have a collection of cardboard and paper too that has blown out of the wheelie bins. It all looks a soggy mess so we have plenty of unpleasant tidying up to do!!
In the greenhouse,
Everything is just ticking over in the greenhouse although the camellia that is waiting out the worst of the winter is starting to show colour in its buds
Out and About
As mentioned above we have had strong gales this week. We also had our first snow of the winter. Just a light covering that was soon gone but it didn’t stop our neighbour rushing to make a snowman with his children. As the snow melted almost immediately the snowman had a very short life.
Now that the RSPB bird count is over the birds seem to have come back and are feeding hungrily again. It’s bizarre as this seems to happen every year. I’m sure someone tips them off.
Weekend 10 February
On the plot,
The weather this weekend has been lovely and sunny here at Green Lane. Well it has unless for the plot holders who are lucky enough not to be situated under a neighbours leylandii. After 20 years growth these ugly trees are vying with Jack’s beanstalk. The lovely weather has really brought all the plotters out in force. A popular occupation this weekend has been erecting and moving greenhouses.
We have emptied one of our compost bins and turned another. We also managed to do quite a bit of weeding and clearing. That is when we weren’t catching up with fellow plotters that we hadn’t seen for a few wet weeks.
The shrub roses are starting to shoot and burst into leaf.
One of our rhubarb varieties is also growing well.
Our new gate has been erected. Hopefully the adjoining fence will be erected on Monday.
Our first dandelion attempted to flower but I quickly snapped of its head. No doubt in spite of this they will soon be turning our grass paths yellow.
Cut back the old stems from our raspberries
Harvested carrots (parsnips, sprouts and cabbage). Carrots have again survived well under their straw blankets. Click here to be reminded about how we store our carrots over winter.
The fruit trees had were given their second winter wash to avoid the aphid problems that have plagued us in the past. Click here to read more.
In the garden,
The bulbs have really shot up this week. Snowdrops are now in full flower as are the hellebores, the mahonia and the garrya. We have a few tête à tête daffodils in flower and the hyacinths are also starting to show their colour.
Shrubs are also starting to shoot.
In the greenhouse
Plants continue to survive and in some cases. such as our strawberry plants. thrive.
The camellia that I bought for my sister at Christmas is starting to flower in the greenhouse. We had to pop it in there as it was too early to plant it – I hope some flowers actually wait until she gets it planted in her garden.
Out and About
As mentioned earlier the weather has been lovely and sunny. It’s not too good for driving though as at this time of year the sun is low and can be blinding. The clear skies have also meant that we have had one or two keen morning frosts. Let’s hope it is dealing with some of the pests.
In verges and grassy areas the crocuses (crocii?) are coming into flower as are the cultivated primroses. On the wild side the daisies are starting to announce their presence on some lawns.
The birds seem to be pairing up – folklore has it that they pair up on Valentine’s day which is only four days away. They are certainly starting to sing and draw attention to themselves.
Weekend 17 February
On the plot,
Some plots are still unworkable due to the ground being solid. This is mainly due to the huge conifers growing along one of our boundaries. These are planted in a private garden and apparently, as we are not gardening on private land i.e. not in our own gardens, there is nothing that can be done about this. It's a real shame as the plotters here just want to get started.
We have carried out lots of clearing and pruning this week. The buddleia shrubs have been cut back hard which looks as though I have had a fit of madness at this stage but they will certainly show the benefit of doing this later in the season.
Our laurel hedge has also been subjected to the big chop and is now a shadow of its former self. It has needed tackling for a while but in previous years the birds have always nested in it before we had the chance.
Another compost heap was sorted out – this one had been used for weeds and so the resulting material is being used to repair hollows in our grass paths. The constant strimming and mowing soon puts paid to any weeds that try to grow. Quite a few toads needed rehousing in the process.
The fencing at the entrance has been completed and looks good – let’s hope that it cuts down on the activities of our unwanted guests.
In the garden
The garden has been white over for a couple of mornings. Pond and bird baths have been frozen over. Our tree fern has had its leaves frosted just when I thought it had escaped this year.
The bulbs are continuing to grow well in spite of the freezing weather.
In the house the banana – Ice Cream – that we are cosseting has grown a new leaf.
I also had a session in my sister's garden - she was horrified when I started chopping back her winter jasmine and buddleia. I don't think she is convinced that I really did know what I was doing.
In the greenhouse
I took hard wood cuttings from our black lace elder at the end of last season and they now seem to be sprouting so some will no doubt find their way onto the plot. The one in the garden grew very tall last year and so will need chopping down to size so that it doesn’t become out of hand. Interestingly at Gardener's World live last year they were using these plants for bedding. I do wish show gardens wouldn't cheat like this as some people will have tried this.
We also popped some stones etc from fruit into pots last year (Joe’s fault) and these are sprouting. Unfortunately they were not labelled so it is a bit of pot luck. (I wondered if that was where the term pot-luck came from but it doesn't!) Maybe we'll end up with pussy willows as Joe did last year.
Out and About
Shrubs are beginning to sprout in the verges and gardens. I think the ones in the hedgerows are winter cherry – some that catch the sun are in full flower and are looking beautiful.
In gardens I think the trees in flower are almonds. Whatever they are they lift the spirits.
Weekend 24 February
On the plot,
Activity still is mainly confined to clearing and tidying.
There are still crops to be harvested and it is also time to donate surplus stored vegetable to worthy causes such as those who have never ‘grown their own’. They never fail to be amazed by the flavours compared to shop bought produce.
We also watched a couple of magpies busy building their nest in one of the trees along our boundary
Trimmed back the shrub roses - just really to remove the tips of branches that had died back or been damaged.
The new rhubarb leaves have been hit by frost and are a little brown at the edges but hopefully will recover.
One unwelcome sign of the new season is that the weeds have started to take a hold.
In the garden
Our tree fern was looking lush and green but after this week’s really cold frosty weather the fronds have turned brown so I am back to having to worry about it until the first signs of new fronds push up from the crown. We do pop fleece into the crown so hopefully all will be well.
In spite of the cold weather there are signs of renewal, shrubs have buds and perennials are starting to shoot even one that I thought I had lost due to it drying out last year so fingers crossed.
The bulbs are shooting up now, the miniature daffodils are in full flower, the miniature tulips are also developing buds.
Camellia and magnolia buds are developing well too are those of the rhododendron.
The snowdrops continue to give a good display too.
In the greenhouse
Cuttings of the shrubs taken last year are now sprouting so we will have to watch that they don’t dry out.
The garlic and strawberry plants are doing well and the potatoes are just starting to sprout – Charlie on plots 36 and 37 has already planted some potatoes on his plot
Out and About
Driving to work this week I just couldn't resist pulling up to take some photographs. Unfortunately I only had my mobile phone but it was better than nothing. The tree lined lanes were absolutely beautiful. These were not the most amazing views but it was where I found a pull-in and could take some snaps without causing a hazard. Apparently the apparition was caused by rime which was as a result of the extremely cold temperatures. One of the downsides of this display was that the lovely Winter Cherry blossom was spoiled and has now turned brown and sorry looking.
