Last week we managed to do quite a bit of work on the allotment, as well as fitting in plenty of walks with Ruby.

First, let’s catch up with work on the plot. We still have a few beds to clear and till so we have a production line going; I dig out and clear any weeds and as beds are cleared, Martyn moves in with the tiller.

We’re getting there but we still have more beds to tackle.

To try and keep any new weed growth down we have covered the part of the broad bean bed, not yet planted, with weed control fabric. This will be rolled back as new plants are added.

We planted our last lot of potatoes. As the ones planted earlier are pushing through they are being earthed up to protect the shoots from any frosts. Night time temperatures have been very low.

The enviromesh has been removed from the first lot of onions. The shoots are a little bent but will soon straighten up now that the mesh has been removed.  

The mesh has been transferred onto the bed in which I planted a second lot of onions.

More plants were added to the brassica bed – this time cauliflowers.

Martyn, made a structure using our hazel poles and twiggy branches and I planted our first lot of sweet peas to grow up it.

Martyn, also replenished the path, through the plum and greengage trees, with bark chippings.

He is also in the process of clearing an overgrown corner of the plot. It’s not an easy task as it had been left to its own devices for quite a lot of years,

The apple blossom is promising a good crop but will it fulfill its promise?

The Tickled Pink tree is looking lovely.

We made a video tour of our allotment that, if you are interested, can be viewed here.

With all the leeks now safely in the freezer, last week’s harvest was picking of purple sprouting broccoli …

… and we also pulled another bunch of rhubarb.

For our first walk of the week, we headed for Temple Newsam. On our last couple of visits, we were disappointed as much of the area was cordoned off as they prepared for various events, but this time we were free to wander.

Swathes of gorse were in full flower and will be providing a great habitat for foraging insects and nesting birds. It provides a much more pleasing carpet of yellow that is created by the acid yellow fields of oilseed rape that dominate the landscape.

On our previous visits, we haven’t ventured into the wooded area but we did this time and had our first fix of bluebells.

We had a few walks around a local park where the cherry blossom was looking lovely. Unfortunately, the display will be over all too quickly.

Of course, we had our usual visit to Nostell for our second dose of bluebells. Each week the number of flowers increases with mats of celandines providing a lovely contrast. Sadly still no flowers on the bluebells in our garden.

The swans are still sitting on the nest. Whilst we were watching, the parent bird carefully turned the eggs. We couldn’t spot the eggs but someone said that they had heard that there were eight eggs in the nest.

Ruby was happy to have had a double dose of her favourite game which involves Martyn throwing a tennis ball for her to chase. I can’t throw it far enough for her to have a really good run. Not only did she have her usual game at Nostell but there was plenty of quiet space at Temple Newsam too.

Finally, I used some of our leeks, our frozen peas, and some of our parsley in a chicken stew.  I used an oat based creme fraiche rather than a dairy version.

That’s all for this week so as always keep safe and well.

Again I am linking to Harvest Monday at Dave’s Our Happy Acres blog where you can read about the superior harvests reported by other bloggers.