Exciting Parcel

FRUIT GARDEN

Yesterday an exciting parcel arrived. The unprepossessing box contained 3 gooseberry bushes, 6 raspberry canes, 2 blueberry bushes and 12 strawberry plants...

Had a simply wonderful time outside getting them all settled. I already knew where I wanted the raspberry canes as there is a long bed at the bottom of the veg patch that I have earmarked for raspberries, globe artichokes and, possibly, asparagus.

The gooseberry bushes were destined for the rhubarb patch; a bit of a squeeze but there are posts in place so that netting can be added when needed.

The greenhouse is beginning to take shape with shelving salvaged from all over the garden. so the strawberries and blueberries went in there. For now. Later I plan to put the strawbs in the guttering on the side of the shed. The blueberries may end up in pots.

The ingenious device for taking the hose over the path. I intend to get a water butt to collect the rain from the sheds but this does the job of delivering water down to my growing veg patch until then.

Snow

 Like much of the country we had snow fall at the beginning of the month. The view from the balcony was a scene of Narnia. The Douglas fir, a ready-made Christmas tree.
"We may get snowed-in," gloomed BH.
"Oh, I do hope so," was my instant retort.

Spot the snowdrops

Freezing rhubarb

Veg patch

Clearing the Veg Garden

Veg Garden Prep

I've been lucky enough to inherit a ready made vegetable garden here. It has three raised beds, a long bed at the back and the remains of a cold frame.

I spent a happy and satisfying few hours trying to clear the beds and remake the cold frame. Body aching and I'm feeling my age. Feels good to be active and outside.

Remade cold frame

Leeks - how Welsh can you get?!

                             

Feels like coming home.

Coming Home

After more than five years in the Big City I am pleased to say that we have moved back to the Country. We managed to move in a week before Christmas and within days this house felt more like home than the London house had in years. I truly felt as though I had come home.

This feeling was cemented over the festive period with the visit of out three children, so we celebrated our first Christmas here with the core family and, of course, Tova-dog. 

All the kids approve of the new place and wish us heartfelt happiness here. It was lovely to wave them off as they left to go back to their own lives, then close our red front door, light the log-burning stove and settle into a life with just the two of us plus Tova-dog.