The weather was cold and bleak last week. Just for a change everywhere was wet. Even when it wasn’t raining we seemed to be living in a cloud. It also seemed to have forgotten how to be light. Saturday started out very bright and sunny but then seemed to realise its mistake and, by the time we arrived at the allotment, the sun decided it was time to go into hiding.
When the weather is like it is, our main reason for visiting the plot is to harvest a few things. We managed to find a few sprouts, and a couple of cabbages – one green and one red. They are both very small but hopefully, we will manage to get something out of them.
We headed to our overspill parsnip patch. This was where we planted the pre-germinated seeds that we had left over. The germinated seeds were planted on 16 May. Even though we thought it was late, we had nothing to lose. Surprisingly, we dug some good roots. It’s been our best year ever for parsnips. We have enough to share with a plot neighbour who hasn’t had any luck with his. Strangely, in the past when his parsnips have done well, ours haven’t, and vice versa.
A video of our time at the allotment is posted here
The seeds that we ordered at the beginning of January arrived last week. That delivery always seems to herald the start of a new gardening season.
In the garden, an assortment of bulbs are pushing through. I’d like to say that this is a sign that spring is on its way but in reality, there is still a long way to go.
We hadn’t visited Nostell since before Christmas. The weather had either been too bad or the estate had been closed. When there are gales the park closes for safety. This year quite a few trees had been toppled. The trees hadn’t been uprooted as may have been expected but rather the trees ripped off at the base.
The ground staff had been busy removing fallen trees from paths and generally tidying up the debris. Ruby was on hand to inspect the damage. She has photo-bombing down to a fine art. Interestingly the damaged trees tended to be in the middle of groups rather than at the edges where one would expect them to be more at risk.
The fallen trees will eventually create an environment where mosses and fungi will flourish. They will also provide food and habitats for many minibeasts.
The winter lake covers a large area of the meadow. Due to all the rain, some paths were too muddy or flooded so we had to divert from the usual routes we take on our walks.
Onto last week’s menu. I made a chicken, leek and mushroom risotto into which went some of our leeks, garlic, parsley and peas from the freezer. I have to admit that I cheat with the risotto and add all my liquid at once. I really don’t notice any difference in the finished dish. Maybe I don’t have a sophisticated palate.
I made a bean hotpot using some of our potatoes, onion, garlic, carrot and parsley.
More carrots, onion, potatoes and parsnip were used in a turkey ‘shepherd’s pie’. I wish that they would come up with a more appropriate name. In my mind a shepherd’s pie should contain lamb and a cottage pie should use beef.
In other news, Ruby was concerned that she had lost one of her ears after a play fight with Martyn, Happily, this wasn’t the case.
A video of Ruby’s birthday walk is posted here
You may remember that our oven broke down on Christmas Day. We ordered a new one which was to be fitted last Wednesday. The fitter and oven arrived but couldn’t be fitted due to the gas pipes from the hob being in the wrong place. Our only option was to change the hob. A new one was ordered and now both are to be fitted this Wednesday. Wish us luck!
The next problem is that our washing machine is leaking!!!
As always until next time stay safe and well and, if here in the northern hemisphere, stay warm.
NB: For some reason, I can’t post a comment on many Blogger blogs. I am told that I need to sign in to Google but when I click the sign-in button nothing happens. If blogs that I visit regularly don’t see me commenting, I’m not ignoring you.
Wonderful that you are still getting a harvest. Those parsnips are fab! You remind me that I need to check my seed stash.xxx
Planty of parsnips still to harvest, Dina. We planted plenty in case the method didn’t work well.
My parsnips were good in parts. All dug up now. Still got leeks, Brussels and kale. Curiously my late sown coriander has successfully overwintered, at least until the current cold spell
Hope this gets through!!!
Hi Mal, It seems to be a one way communication. I’ve tried using Chrome, IE and Firefox using my laptop, phone and Ipad to post a comment on your blog but no luck. Do you allow anonymous comments as I have had to use this option with some Blogger blogs? I see Belinda has made it through. I was going to say that we have been to Edinburgh twice. The first time we had to evacuate the castle due to a bomb scare.
Goodness what a mess of trees down at Nostell! Yet, that is the way of nature.
A small harvest but at least you have some harvest to enjoy. I have put all my seed catalogues in the recycling as it’s too painful to read them this year.
I do like the stark beauty of your current header.
It’s blowing a gale again today so I hope no more trees fall victim, Debbie