Due to all the time spent watering at the allotment this year, we neglected our garden and it is now very much in need of some TLC. Last week we shared our gardening time between the garden and allotment. In both locations, it was a matter of general maintenance and tidying up.
Many plants in the garden have become too large, so over winter, whenever the weather is favourable, borders will be cleared ready for new planting in spring.
The rain hasn’t only softened the soil, but has also triggered weed seeds into action. The first beds to be dug are now starting to develop a lacy green covering. It’s mainly created by newly sprouting chickweed.
The seedlings are too tiny to pick off and so I am trying to knock them back by hoeing the soil.
After hoeing, as a temporary measure, the beds are being covered by a weed control membrane in an attempt to stop any growth.
The membrane is being held in place by a covering of manure. The manure will mature over the winter, and when the membrane is removed, it will be tipped off and incorporated into the soil.
More quinces were harvested at the weekend.
There are still a few apples and pears hanging on, some of which fell when I was clearing up windfalls from under the trees.
Some of our produce was used in a couple of meals last week.
I made a chicken and cabbage dish, based on this recipe, using some of our cabbage and carrots. I added some mushrooms as I had some to use up and tomato paste.
I also made a vegetable orzo dish using our carrot, garlic and red onion. Other ingredients were mushrooms, vegetable stock, milk, cheese and parsley.
Walking in Nostell and the park, we couldn’t help but notice that the autumn tints are taking over and pushing the green aside. The change is gradual, with some species tenaciously refusing to acknowledge the change of season, rather like the hardy individuals who persist in wearing shorts until the first frost.
We couldn’t fail to spot this solitary mushroom standing tall in the woods at Nostell. Wikipedia informs me that it is a parasol mushroom, a name that definitely suits it. Apparently, it is edible, but some poisonous fungi look very similar. I’ll stick to buying my mushrooms.
At the lake, the five young swans are still with their parents. I expect some will soon leave to strike off on their own. Last year, two were reluctant to leave and hung around until spring.
The young swans will join a non-breeding group. At around two years old, the swans will begin to pair up, but they will not start to breed until they are three years old, and then only if they can find their own territory.
We had a bit of a worry with Ruby last week.
She ate her dinner as usual and went for a wander in the garden as usual. She came in when we were starting our dinner. Usually, when we finish eating, she comes for a treat, but we had to call her from the kitchen, and she refused her treat, which is unheard of. She just wanted to drink. She kept rubbing her face with her paws and shaking her head. Then she just lay on the sofa looking unwell. She went from perfectly well to ill really quickly. I rang the vet as they are open 24 hours, and after a discussion we decided to give her a while to see whether she improved, if not we would take her in She seemed to show improvement and ate her treats. After a short while, she was sick but then seemed to improve. There is nothing in the garden that is toxic, but we do have wasps. Martyn was stung by one last week, so we are wondering whether the same happened to Ruby. Happily, she’s now back to normal, so we will have to make sure that she stays away from any areas where the wasps may be around.
Another disaster this week was that I noticed the sapphire was missing from my engagement ring. I searched inside any gloves that I had worn with no luck so I resigned myself to the fact that it was lost. A couple of days after losing it, I had a thought, maybe it came out when I washed my hands, so Martyn removed the U bend and there it was in the water. How lucky was that? Now I have to make sure that I don’t lose it until I can get it reset.
That’s all my news for this week so as always until next time stay safe and stay well.
A great idea to do with the manure ! You have some cracking photos of that beautiful toadstool . 🍄
We just need enough manure Debbie