Are We Nearly There Yet

 I now have a greenhouse on the allotment! I feel proper now like I have everything in place to do it like a pro, you know grow from seed for next year and all that. I must admit this new language of “first early’s” “second early’s” “main crop”and “lates” is completely new to me. Companion planting jeez what’s that? My courgettes compared to everyone else’s don’t seem to be doing overly well but I did harvest a few gooseberries, red onions, which I hung on the line to dry out and a few lettuce this weekend. 

I think it’s going to be a bit suck it and see this year and hopefully by next year I’ll be a little less clueless. I was heartened when the old chap who believes an allotment should be functional not pretty and has a very old school approach to growing had a wry half smile when I told him I’ve put comfrey with nettles in a hessian sack in my water butt.......I think he approved. We also have a new baby girl born to my neighbour on the allotment born this week which is always a joy to hear..

Last week turning into the estate where the allotment is I spotted a house opposite that had a table at the front with some plants for sale. This wasn’t on my radar before as I was focussed on all things allotment but OH is making progress with the garden area renovation at home so my I interest was piqued. Noticing a few lavender plants I swung the car round to stop and check it out.

My vision in that part of the garden is sensory in terms of smells and that grey silver green planting look. I love seeing colourful gardens it’s just not me. Shouting “hello” an old chap jumped up, he was having a tinny with his neighbour. I said I’d like a couple of his lavender plants to which he said “can I take you round the back to show you my tropicals” My reply was your a bit forward we’re not even on first name terms yet, he laughed. Here was another little gem! I could easily turn into the garden equivalent of those people that view houses with no intention of buying. He had eucalyptus, quirky grasses and other unusual plants just the sort of thing I had in mind. He also told me I need perennials. I must confess I know it may sound obvious the perennial, biannual, annual thing but it’s a bit like first early’s to me, I have no idea. Plants picked we did a deal and I’m picking them up at the weekend.

Patience they say is a virtue that I really don’t seem to have and I know it infuriates the hell out of my OH. We are waiting on wood for him to do the structural part, a “blue” job. He’s done the prep and worked really hard and I know he’s thinking there she goes jumping the gun buying fucking plants! Oh and a fire pit. I just can’t wait to do the “pink” bit with cushions and the dressing of that part of the garden.

Like a big kid I’m all Are We Nearly There Yet.

Sha x