Glutted

The only problem with taking your hols at this time of year is that you come home to a mountainous pile of fruit and veg that need dealing with urgently.

So far I have;

Tomato soup, Passata roasted on the leftover heat of the barbe, Celery soup made today and enjoyed for lunch, all in the freezer

I have of course had much of the produce fresh in salads etc. or out in the garden, peas find it hard to make it indoors. The dog also loves them. Just the teen to convince. He has had beetroot and declared it ok. He was especially keen when I explained that genetically he was quite likely to have golden wee wee as a result.(sorry about that)

I also have so many plans for pickles preserves and chutneys plus various dishes which I can freeze and enjoy later in the year.

I look forward to sharing the process with you.

Living off the fat

First pickings this week



I have not grown land cress before and discovered a mountain of it. I read that it is very like water cress so I made soup.

Or is that  “purest green” that I have made?

Feta on top. I only had a few peas that day but I could tell that I will be inundated in a few days time. Now, I can happily make myself ill just eating the little beggars off the plants but some say I should share. So! what are your fave pea recipes.

I have been picking strawberries in the rain this morning and as I type I am listening to the sound of lids pinging as the jam I made cools. Its impossibly easy to make, I cant think why I’ve not done it before. I am not a huge fan of jam but I have just forced some down on a fruit scone. No, I make the jam for my lad who still, (he’s13) likes jam and cheese sandwiches. I only allow them on a Friday (for Gods sake woman) Yes Friday is a jam day so we don't use much and now (sorry Tiptree) we buy none but thanks for the free jars.

Garden tour

Yay I’m back. I know that it sounds lame but I did feel lost without the net. Oh dear, I must get out more. So here is my attempt at getting out. A few snaps of the success stories.

Butternut Squash

Tommy Tarties

Chilli flower, now a chilli.

 

Pretty things

Peas. I’ve had the first few, they never made it to the kitchen.

These, now in a vase invoking the most pleasant of youthful memories. The first flowers ever given to me by a man……. My Grandad. xx

While I was away

Oh dear, I have not been blogging much recently. I have been reading though. This time of year is so busy in the garden and this time I am attempting to shoehorn so much more in veggiewise.

I am lucky enough to have two green houses. (I know!) The first one we inherited, Its huge if a little shaded.I grow most stuff here before it goes out. The second glasshouse we brought with us and is for tomatoes only.

I have corn and peas, a farms worth, fortunately the boy will eat them.

These are my spuds

Beetroot and onions

Indoor tomatoes, red cherry, yellow cherry and gardeners delight.

Chilli's

Peppers

The salad bowl .I haven’t bought leaves for 2 weeks and I eat it every day!!

Leftover plants, for the neighbours.

Look at the temperature, phew.

Just a few flowers counteract the productivity. I am going to try and do more blogging I swear. Maybe I’ll show you my hanging baskets, when I get them done that is.

Enjoy your garden folks, wherever it is.

round up

I sometimes wonder how I persuade anyone to come see what I’ve been up to at all. I am so envious of those bloggers who think ahead and write a blog with a focus. So here I m with a round up of what is occurring (Welsh accent optional)

Big excitement, Parcels! First my blog friend Louise and I are having too much fun for our own good swapping themed treats. Funny thing was we used the same pattern from Alice to  make 2 very different things. I will let her (if she wants too) show you what I sent as it hasn’t arrived yet.

I love it all thank you Louise. The next parcel came from Sue at SIBOL

She sent me a coaster commemorating the Royal wedding. Ahhhh.

I am in the early stages of putting together another blanket for the group. I am edging in purple and joining as I go but can’t finish it as I am making this…..

As a rush order for Mums cruise at the end of May. Sublime merino 4 ply in Gigi. Carefully chosen to go with her frocks. A fabulous and addictive free pattern with the lovely traditional pineapples. I will show you more when its all done.

I’ve also been gardening…..

Marvelling at nature…..

Sending the family off to their new homes.

I will try to do better and focus on one thing but the manic phase is upon me and I am so scattered. Aaargh.

By the way thanks for all the kind advice you guys are the best. Thomas and I are fledgling geocachers (there's one to focus on!!!)

Lovely happies to you all

Lou

Garden leave

Here in the UK we have enjoyed unseasonably good weather. I had to to an emergency toenail paint as I abandoned my socks and put on the Berkies.

Mum and Dad came over so I was made to “get on with it Louise” Mum brought me peas, beetroot, lettuce, onion and corn. So I put them in plus some salad crops. Do you like my veggie tombstones?

We suspected some cool nights so I tucked up the peas in a little homemade fleece tent. Very Oregon trail don't you think. I used water pipe as its stiffer than hose and pushed 20 cm dowels in each end then pushed 3 of them in the soil over 2 rows of peas. I am chuffed to bobbins with them (translation: pleased)

The weather is on the turn now so I will move into the green house and pot on chilli and peppers.

Thank you for all your lovely comments on the hello rabbit. It reminded me more of Miffy but I suspect my son doesn’t remember her. We are on Easter break now and I have a request. It seems you were all so good at solving my itchy eye problem (dog cast out herbal remedy taken) Do any of you have teen boys? We would like a fun project, any ideas?

Cheers lovelies, we hope the sun continues in your corner for as long as you want it.

A riot of colour

New project preview. An alternative to nasty Noro.

Taking advantage of the sun to show the spot blanket progress.

Summer shawl is all done and being blocked upstairs. Its acrylic so I used steam to “kill” the fibre. I could actually see it move as it died!!! uuurrgh. It is undoubtedly nasty yarn but soft and it looks pretty. I know some people that are like that!!

Finally, what do you do when you are 13 and your muscles have yet to “kick in”. Well you get your mother to paint a six pack on a t shirt for red nose day so you can be the incredible hulk at the school monster theme day.

A grand weekend to you all and if you are one of those people who had green beer last night, then I really hope that you are starting to feel better.

Love

Lou