We spent four afternoons at the allotment last week but to be honest there is little to show for it. It’s not that we weren’t busy, it’s just that time of year when most things are planted and we enter the housekeeping stage. Paths need to be strimmed, beds need weeding and plants need watering. We still have had no rain and so watering is a major task.
It didn’t help that I strained my back. I’m not sure how but it’s been very painful. That meant that I had to be careful and couldn’t lug cans of water about so I spent one afternoon watering with a hosepipe.
I did do a little planting pre back injury. I started on a second bed of brassicas and planted more cabbages and some turnips.
This year we are planting successionally so we have brassicas at various stages.
Martyn took over planting duties and planted the last of our runner and climbing French beans. He planted courgettes in the same bed. 
We sowed more carrots and planted our leeks. These shared protection under an enviromesh tunnel. 
We picked more strawberries which we enjoyed. 
We also picked our first cut flowers – a small posy of sweet peas and a bunch of sweet Williams. The posy of sweet peas make be small but it packs in a lot of fragrance.
To give you an idea of how our plot is filling up, I have put together a slide show. It runs on an automatic loop but will stop if you hover your mouse or tap your finger over an image. You can also use the arrows to navigate through the images.
We visited Temple Newsam again and found a different path in the grounds to explore where we came across some calves. They were very interested in Ruby. She wasn’t so sure. Some sheep were also curious about the little lamb on a lead.
The fields were carpeted with buttercups
At Nostell, later in the week, we spotted lots of wild flowers in the woodland and the meadow.
The horse chestnut flowers have set seed.
How different the sweet chestnut flowers are – far less showy.
We were also pleased to note that all the six remaining cygnets were on the lake with mum.
Some of our meals from last week were a red lentil and squash dahl that used some of our frozen squash and our onion.
Secondly, a turkey and leek pot pie used some of our frozen leeks and sweet corn. I served it with some braised red cabbage from the freezer.
I also made a chicken fried rice dish that used some of our frozen peas and peppers but I forgot to take a photo. I used basmati rice rather than Uncle Bens.
That’s the end of our catch up of the week’s activities so until next time as always keep safe and well.
I am linking to Dave’s Harvest Monday post over on his Our Happy Acres blog
It’s been as dry as a bone here too. I do hope your back is better. Good seeing all the progress on the plot. Loving the wild flowers.xxx
My back is now mended thanks, Dina
Aah, all that fresh new growth and blue sky! I’m sure your plots enjoyed the hose, we’re still in need of some rain but I’ll regret wanting it if it arrives during the day!
Hope your back gets better soon
My back is fine now Belinda and we have had some rain!
Be careful with your back! You have my empathy, and I wouldn’t want anyone to suffer as I have done this past year. Lovely visits out with the “lamb on the lead” who looks curious as ever.
THe ‘lamb on the lead’ loves her afternoons out, Debbie
Those strawberries are lovely! Your brassicas look great too. The planting in succession idea is a good one. Our weather warms up too quickly in spring so I do a split spring/fall planting here.
Interesting that you have some of the same wildflowers I see here in our California mountains and most recently, two days ago in the Laguna Mountains (5500 feet). Gardens, once planted are about tending–less glamorous but no less important. Small bouquets cheery as always.