We paid just one visit to the allotment with some trepidation as it was our first visit in the wake of storms Ciara and Dennis. To be honest the winds were nothing like as announced on the weather reports and probably no worse than we frequently experience, however our site is very exposed and there is always the possibility that any strong winds racing across the plot could wreak havoc. It is not unknown for sheds to be upended which is why ours is anchored firmly to a set fence posts.
Fortunately all our structures were in tact, although we are not completely out of the woods as Saturdays winds, although not bestowed with the distinction of being named, were stronger than the previous storm winds.
We didn't escape completely free as the winds had whipped the enviromesh protection from our brassica beds.
Never missing the chance of a choice meal, the wood pigeons moved in and decimated one bed of purple sprouting broccoli. The top leaves seemed to be the meal of choice with one bed suffering most damage.
The winds had also loosened some of the weed control fabric which will need some attention. One of our plot neighbours told us that the bottom part of the site had been flooded but fortunately that hadn't extended to our plot. Despite escaping any flooding the soil is still saturated and far too wet to work on.
Despite the abysmal conditions the early rhubarb is growing well.
The pieces that, Martyn planted in a new bed are also now beginning to poke through. Although we are not sure of the varieties, these are later than Timperley Early which are pictured at the top of the photos above.
We managed to gather a small harvest before heading home. From the bed that had escaped the pigeons, there was sufficient purple sprouting broccoli florets for a meal.
We also picked two very small cauliflowers, to have left them any longer would have meant that they would have been ruined by the persistent rain.
The cabbage that we cut was much bigger than many this year. It was solid and not too badly damaged. Most of our cabbage is eaten raw in coleslaw and so it will hopefully keep us going for a while.
Finally we uprooted one of the Brussels sprouts plants which will hopefully keep fresh for a while sitting in a bucket of water.
Back at home, in the garden greenhouse the Flavorcot apricot tree is loaded with blossom. Paintbrush in hand, I have been busily playing the part of a bee. I hope that this will mean we will have some lovely apricots later in the year.
In the comfort of the house, the hippeastrum aka amarylis has produced a third flower stem which is a first for me. I usually consider myself lucky if my bulb produces two stems.
The plant also appears to have produced a couple of seed pods which I hope will ripen so that I can have a go at growing the seeds.
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Those pesky wood pigeons are never ones to miss an opportunity. My amaryllis hasn't flowered yet, it's just sending up a second flower bud but I've never had one with three before either.
ReplyDeleteThe amaryllis has been very much worth the price, Jo
DeleteI have read so much about your winds and storms lately leaving everywhere so wet. I am glad your plot hasn't had the worst damage. Wood pigeons seem to be a terrible menace in your garden. Sort of like the rabbits are here in my garden. Your Hippeastrums are so pretty. I will be interested in if you get some of the seeds to grow. Good luck. Your coleslaw looks delicious. What all do you put in it? What sort of dressing do you use on it?
ReplyDeleteI put, onion, apple, celery. carrot, cabbage, pistachios and sultanas in the coleslaw, Lisa and dress with a mix of mayonnaise and curry paste. I also add a little turmeric and black pepper as turmeric is supposed to be good for you and black pepper is supposed to increase the effects of the turmeric. I sneak it in most things - may not be as good as they say but I’m hedging my bets.
DeleteHaving waited for the two named storms to blow past I put up a plastic covered greenhouse (to house the windowsill plants at school) middle of last week. Weighed down with bricks and anchored to the fence I was still amazed to find it was intact with contents today! Like you I feel sure we have had higher wind speeds with the non named storms.
ReplyDeleteAnd since we have been treated to Jorge. How's the greenhouse now Mal?
DeleteIt's good you got the brassicas covered before the damage was any worse. Thankfully birds are not often a problem for me, other than occasionally pecking out a small seedling.
ReplyDeleteWood pigeons are a real menace in our site, Dave
DeleteOur allotment is quite sheltered so we didn't have any damage, but there was a lot of water running down the plot. This happens quite often after heavy rain.
ReplyDeleteOurs being open, Margaret we were happy that we escaped relatively mildly. Part of our site was flooded but fortunately not our part.
DeleteI cant believe even after the storms Ciara and Dennis, the damage caused to your plot of land isn’t that heavy and the structures have remained dear Sue. But kudos to your idea of covering the brassica beds with the enviromesh that served a good purpose. Yes wood pigeons are a harassment and I have had first hand experience in my own garden plot. Thank you for showing us that exotic harvest of cabbage, cauliflower and purple broccoli, that you saved irrespective of the storms.
ReplyDeleteHello, Andrea. Our shed is anchored to some fence posts so fairly secure and we do have bushes etc as wind breaks but we did get away lightly. The enviromesh is a must on our plot as a barrier to so many different pests. Some sneak under but it does reduce damage considerably - that is until the wind blows it off.
DeleteI'm pleased to hear the winds didn't do too much damage. Pigeons can be such a pain! I do hope you manage to grow those seeds, that should prove interesting.xxx
ReplyDeleteSo do I Dina - I’m just waiting to see whether the seeds ripen. I planted some seeds from a couple of cyclamen plants a few days ago but no signs of anything happening yet.
DeleteHappy to see the way you have transformed the plot. Farming is a tough job and you are doing a great job of it. Hope things are fine after the wind and storm. You should try a few climbers as there is space and cabbage don’t need much sunshine.
ReplyDeleteWe survived the storms with no serious damage, Madura. We do grow climbing vegetables of the plot but it’s a bit early for them just yet.
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