Winter Wonderland

Snow Flakes on the Apple Tree

The allotment glistens in the artic conditonds - a gardener's Narnia

Imagine our Delight.
A Secret Santa had been to the allotments and delivered community manure!

Just before the snow fell we spread manure over the frosted land which had been roughly dug over into large sods. This should allow the frost (and snow) to break it down over winter improving the structure of the silty loam; and maybe help with drainage.

Heavy frost and snow, temperatures in double digits below freezing have taken their toll. What are left of the veg are deep frozen (carrots and leeks) but we should manage to have sprouts for Christmas dinner. Only hope some of our guests will eat them. The Christmas potatoes did not grow - just a few leaves came up, then they shrivelled (either blight or waterlogged). Kale, the hardy stuff, is still hanging in there.

Update on Drainage:

There has been much discussion and many predictions, but finally it arrived: a ten foot wide vehicle on caterpillar tracks. It trailed noisily up and down the site digging and laying drains. The soil has all been neatly put back on top - of course they haven't replanted the veggies.

Harvested (before the snow)
Carrots

Cauliflowers

Leeks

Waiting in the gargage to be planted after the snow:

Rasberry canes

Apple tree

Peach tree

Gooseberry bush

All are to be planted from November to end of March.

Wild Life this month:

One large buzzard

Two white Egrets (look like a small white heron)

Flock of field fairs

Red Shanks

Robins

Rabbits

Allotment society Christmas get together was a Jacobs Join, i.e. everyone brings some food to share. A good night with delicious food, a talented singer and sociable company. I have to report a noticed some allotment holders covertly passing a giant seeds catalogue between them. It's a competitive world even down the allotment!

Looking forward to planning what crops to grow in 2011 in the New Year and considering something exotic - artichokes perhaps.