So... we had a fantastic harvest last year (highlights were the garlic, parsnips, carrots and apples), followed by a very mild winter. Despite the incredible levels of flooding seen in many other areas of the country, Cripley Meadow hasn't flooded so far this year, and it has been possible to start working from February. Winter casualties were the arch, and the little greenhouse tent but most other things have survived well. The old arch has been replaced with a sturdy new one, more robust but smaller in width, and the remaining bits of the old one relocated to the new fruit area to be used as a netting frame.
New additions since last year are:
1) white climbing roses at the base of the arch
2) a raised bed for strawberries in the flower garden (I know! But I'm running out of space)
3) a chilli tent and watering system down the side of the shed
4) paths down each side of the plot (an AA requirement which has also necessitated the removal of the artichoke bed)
Today was a good day for pottering on the plot - lovely and mild with warm sunny spells, birdsong and good earthy smells. I concentrated on weeding and repairing the greenhouse tent, but also managed to plant a row each of rocket and radish in a raised bed, as well as some nasturtiums, wild flowers and sweet peas in pots. The overwintering leeks, garlic, onions and shallots are looking splendid. I had to replant the peas last week though, as the autumn planting sprouted in the astonishing warmth of December and promptly froze to death in January.
There seem to be more birds around this year, and I had to repeatedly fend off the attentions of an enormous bumble bee today, so it looks like the natural world has had a good winter, and is waking up in earnest.
Here's to another year of fun on plot 129!
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