The weather has been just right for planting out.. I took these pictures over the weekend.. But since then Hubby has planted the sweet-corn plants and the runner beans have gone in. As they have now hardened off from the green house..
So today I am taking you on a different walk.. As I take you down to our allotment garden
Above you will see there are two rows of parsnips then shallots and onions..
On the left here are the Swedes and under the netting is Curly Kale, cabbages and broccoli..
The nets are in place to stop the White Cabbage butterfly from laying her caterpillar eggs.. which last year had a scrumptious feast on our mature cabbages…
We are hopeful this year our Strawberries will yield more fruit I moved the strawberry bed last year and replanted the new shoots out.. We only had a few helpings of strawberries .. But this year by the look of the flowers. I hope to have enough to make some jam too .. Fingers crossed … I need to get some straw to put under the forming fruit to help keep clean and to stop rotting if we get lots of rain..
In the cold frame lean-too on the side of the shed.. are some outdoor Tomato plants.. you can also see a tray of leeks..
Below you can see how we showed our Granddaughter how a seed started to grow.. Thanks to Jack for this idea too..We used a Runner Bean on a damp paper, also a Potato in a jar of water to show how it would sprout and know how to send roots down and leaves up!.. Amazing even now if we think about how each cell knows how to multiply into being a leaf or a flower.. Even more so when you think of the Human body and how each cell splits and knows what its going to form into! .. Makes you think about the Miracle Life really is..
Below is the Gooseberry Bush.. Looks like we will have enough for that Gooseberry Fool too this year.
We also have 6 rows of potatoes in this year.. 2 row of early ones and 4 main crop.. We have grown less potatoes this year, as last year we planted 10 rows.. and although none got wasted, last year and they saw us right through winter, ( We gave loads away ) This year we are planting other things such as chard, squash and Spinach. So we have not used up as much room.. In this next photo you can see the potatoes, 2 rows of peas and the sheds at the bottom of the allotment.
On the left is Runner Beans and below is Sweetcorn
Below you can see the sheds and the shrubs of fruit, the Raspberries Redcurrants, Logan Berries, Blackcurrants.
Above you can see pot plants such as Gladioli, and lupines also dahlia’s mixed in is Marigolds.. Which we have planted too among the Vegies ..
I hope you enjoyed your walk in the Veggie Garden..
Thank you for reading
~Sue~
oawritingspoemspaintings
May 21, 2014 @ 09:50:09
What a pleasurable sight! I imagine it’s a all-year-long of hard work… what do you do if you want to go away for a few days, would it all die?
It is nice to collect information along the reading… Thanks for the share I had a pleasant “walk” through 😉
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 21:03:28
So pleased you dropped in OAWPP… and so happy that you walked down my allotment path…
We hoe most days to keep the new shoots of weeds from growing, but yes we can go away.. hopefully the weeds are not too bad on return, but we just dig in and clear them..
Now its planted we will not be planning to go away for too long until later in the season.. And the allotmenteers help each other out with watering if need be… Such is the community spirit 🙂
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oawritingspoemspaintings
May 21, 2014 @ 22:26:46
Did you try burying paper as http://living-simply-free.com/2014/05/21/change-the-world-wednesday-eliminating-junk-mail/#more-9413 wrote on her post?
I never knew about it until now & don’t need it as I don’t have a proper garden.
I imagine “the allotmenteers” means your neighbors in the allotments? That’s such a nice arrangement!
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 22:29:38
I add shredded paper within the compost bin yes and egg shells… it helps… And yes the allotmenteers are our neighbours and friends who have plots on there.. We are a friendly bunch 🙂 xxx
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oawritingspoemspaintings
May 21, 2014 @ 22:37:48
Are the papers o.k organically speaking? I do add egg shells too but they take time to disintegrate.
I inquired about those place but was told it goes down from father/mother to son/daughter so there’s no hope for newcomers 😦
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 22, 2014 @ 14:47:05
If you have a paper shredder OAWPP, then shred them, that way they break down further.. Also if you find the odd worm around and about, put them into the compost bin too, they will help chew up and break up the waste matter more and create a better soil base… .
Also break up your eggshells, I usually put in a little bag and bash around a bit 😉
We are all Gardeners 🙂 and while I was passed a lot of gardening experience from my Dad.. I still have books or look up things on the internet to find things I do not know about… Today everything is literally at our fingertips ..
I hope your Green Ones soon get growing,, Happy Gardening OAWPP 🙂 xxxx
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oawritingspoemspaintings
May 22, 2014 @ 15:23:02
It’s funny you mentioning crushing the egg shells in a plastic bag that is what I do too 🙂
Yes, we do have a load of info through internet, I get mine from You tube, it is very helpful!
I appreciate all the advice, thanks a bunch 🙂
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Line
May 21, 2014 @ 09:57:42
Thank you for the walk Sue!!! It was lovely!! 🙂 I love gardens! 🙂
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 20:51:13
I am happy that you enjoyed walking with me Line.. as much as I love walking your journey also 🙂 xxx Much love
Sue
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Mark Lanesbury
May 21, 2014 @ 10:17:04
Thank you Sue! I’ve so missed that digging in the dirt. I think it must be a yearning from the beginning of man. The hands in the dirt is great grounding and a balance with nature, for all it creates is done with love. And the blessings and gratitude at the harvesting of a single potato up to a full crop is always beautiful. Thank you for the share, and may you get enough strawberries to create that lovely jam 🙂 Namaste
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 20:48:59
I hope the jam making is on the cards too Mark.. if it is I will be sharing its sweetness with you all 🙂 Wonderful that you came by, and yes nothing beats connecting and grounding with Mother Earth 🙂
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Crowing Crone
May 21, 2014 @ 10:28:19
oh thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed this visit with you. Felt like I was right there as you chatted about this and that and then we looked up at the sky, feeling thankful for so much growth and life.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 20:30:44
Yes we have so much to be thankful for Joss, and the miracles in life are all around us… Thank you for walking along my path with me 🙂 Hugs Sue
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cat
May 21, 2014 @ 10:30:34
So enjoyed your garden, Sue … Victoria Day came and went … time to plant my own garden … I’ve got to hurry … as we only have 100 frost free days in this god forsaken country … so excited though … to see greens and reds and purples and all that again … Love u, cat.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 20:28:42
Oh My only 100 frost free days, when you say it like that how short your growing season is.. I am so pleased you are so exited again.. and Enjoy your POW WOW too. loved that dear Cat.. 🙂 xxxx Love you too x
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prenin
May 21, 2014 @ 10:46:33
Thanks for the guided tour! 🙂
With my infirmities I could never do an allotment justice, but I have to say you do very well!!! 🙂
When my grandparents had the farm my gran had a 1/4 acre kitchen garden which I used to help with and I still remember the sense of achievement when we ate what had been grown!!! 😛
I swear my gran could grow a stick of firewood!!! 🙂
Mind you: Being a farm we had plenty of government mushroom medium!!! 😉
Love and huge hugs!!! 🙂
Prenin.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 20:25:55
Big smiles dear Prenin, I remember you saying how you managed to skewer your foot with a garden fork -Ouch!.. Love the line could grow a stick of firewood.. I will have to remember that one.. 😉 xxxx Hugs Sue
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Eddie Two Hawks
May 21, 2014 @ 11:23:53
What a beautiful and well cared for garden of great variety and nourishment. You and hubby should be happy to witness the results of such intense dedication! Great job Dreamwalker! with love and light, Eddie
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 20:21:57
We are Eddie, and we are most blessed to have the the Allotment which brings us both great pleasure and of course Nourishment… Many thanks Dear Eddie for your visit 🙂 Love and Light Dreamwalker xxx
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Dilip
May 21, 2014 @ 11:32:24
Oh what fun. This is how the little granddaughter will develop an interest in gardening and nature too. Thank you for sharing Sue.
Cheers 🙂
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 20:20:21
Yes she is a little Nature Lover.. and enjoys her visit with us to the allotments… Thank you for walking with me Dilip my friend Love and Blessings. Sue
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marina kanavaki
May 21, 2014 @ 12:34:27
What a heavenly allotment! You have done such a wonderful ‘job’ with your land, Sue – hence Mother Earth smiles and gives back! Happy Wednesday, my dear! 🙂
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 19:59:45
Thank you dear Marina, Mother Nature does all the work, we just do all the weeding 😉 xxx Happy HAPPY Wednesday xox
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From the Desk of MarDrag
May 21, 2014 @ 13:44:03
Wow…what a lovely garden! How wonderful that you get to run your fingers through Mother Harths “hair” and produce such tempting morsels. No green thumb here…I can’t even grow a picture of a plant! I admire your gift. Have fun with it all. Blessings!
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 19:56:23
Dear Mar, I am so happy to have you walk with me in our allotment .. Oh I am sure you can grow something dear Mar… I just plant and water and send them love, Mother Nature does all the rest 🙂
Many thanks for your lovely encouragement xox
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From the Desk of MarDrag
May 21, 2014 @ 20:04:18
I was given a lovely plant one time when moving into a new house. I diligently watered and cared for it exactly per instructions. I went to bed one night and woke the next morning and the lpant had died overnight, I have no idea why. After that, I tried a few more but they just did not do well in my care. I finally decided I did not want to be the cause of any more plants not making it…so all my plants now are silk. It’s ok…not everyone has the same gifts, and I have others I am happy with. I am also happy to know that no plant will see its last days around me anymore! 😛 Love and Hugs!
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 20:09:55
How strange… 🙂 lol.. Silk is good!… just frayed ends 🙂 lol… 😀
I guess I grew up learning from Dad as a child as we had allotments to keep us going with veggies and the rabbits he use to catch!
Many thanks again xox
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Valentine Logar
May 21, 2014 @ 13:47:07
What a joy! I remember planting and harvesting when I lived in a climate for it, now here, I can barely keep my lavender healthy. Loved this view of your allotment and all you have done. Can’t wait for your future posts as things grow and harvest.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 19:10:24
Thank you Val, One thing gardening teachers is Patience LOL… But these months are just flying, and I can not believe half the year is almost gone..
I will be sharing all the goodies from the harvest, and the recipes too 🙂 xxx
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Paul Handover
May 21, 2014 @ 14:38:20
Lovely account! But did have an edge to it! 😦 For it reminded me that we are way behind on our own GYO projects! Perhaps I will be spurred into clearing out the weeds from our small, fenced-off vegetable garden.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 19:05:13
I have found Paul even when behind, Nature soon catches up 🙂 Thank you for your visit and good look at putting that spurt on in clearing out the weeds 🙂 😉 xxxx
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Maria F.
May 21, 2014 @ 15:07:26
Bless this crop! You have a lot of knowledge of these vegetables and their growing habits. That is great. It’s also great that you protect your crop with fencing and natural deterrents. I know myself, I couldn’t even kill one caterpillar! This why I don’t even know if I could grow any food at all.
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Maria F.
May 21, 2014 @ 15:10:08
P.S. I posted about the Cattleya Orchid here: http://wp.me/p44pnT-17L
I don’t know if you missed it, but it’s another species I discovered.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 19:03:45
You are right, we try as best we can to let nature’s creatures be… But last year the caterpillars were in abundance so we are one step ahead, hopefully this year.. as we left the cabbages uncovered last year.. Just shielded from the pigeons who were tucking into the new green shoots.. 🙂
I am certain if you had too you would soon learn to grow veggies..
I read a chapter in a book last night of Gregg Bradens, The Turning point.. on how in a few short days the supermarket shelves became empty as the roads were impassable due to bad weather in the USA..
So many of us rely upon the stores, and have no stock in case of emergencies… In these times of changes we have to be in tune with Nature and also able to help ourselves become more self-sufficient ..
When more understand this and work WITH Nature, we will see more balance returning in the world..
Thank you dear Maria… Loved your visit 🙂 xxx
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Maria F.
May 21, 2014 @ 19:31:08
Yes, I agree we have to become self sufficient. I love to watch plants grow. I’ve already germinated Avocados and Pineapples; they are just slow to fruit. Your post is very encouraging, thanks.
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Visionkeeper
May 21, 2014 @ 15:09:55
Huge space DW….Looks to be thriving and growing nicely! Such a variety. The last of my small garden went in today…Several days of rain coming to settle everything in…So wonderful to be outside at long last 🙂 Great work DW….Now enjoy yourself! Hope all is well over there and life is good…Be well and love to you….VK
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 18:54:53
Yes life is good VK.. and that rain is set to fall here tomorrow, so all in and will be well watered too boot..Its always satisfying when the seeds have sprouted and hardened off and are planted in the plot…
Its looking good so far this year… I am especially pleased with the amount of flowers on the strawberries, I got some straw today to put under them, but will wait until after the deluge of rain… Its forecast to be torrential tomorrow with thunder storms… But we have enjoyed a great few days of really warm weather..
I hope you are well too VK… Much love to you and thank you as always for your wonderful support .. DW xxxx
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Amy Pinkrose
May 21, 2014 @ 15:34:15
OMGOSH! How I KNOW the work something like this takes. Wow, Sue, you have been busy! But wait until that crop yields its “fruits” to you and your family. All that hard work will have been worth it!!!! Love, Amy
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Julianne Victoria
May 21, 2014 @ 15:53:05
I miss having my little “farm”! Your garden is amazing!
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 18:39:29
Awww Thanks Julie, I expect it may look like a farm, but a lot of us have plots of a similar size and its great to grow fresh veggies, What is even better is that its only 5 minutes walk from our home.. 🙂
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agw2536
May 21, 2014 @ 16:56:52
Sue, I love your garden. I so wish I still had mine, but I’ll have some small plants in the pots in my window. My mint is beginning to revive and take on new life, the sick little sprig of dill weed I got yesterday looks healthier, my pea shoots are beginning to sprout, onion and garlic chives growing, so I am happy that my small efforts to not let the root ends of my vegetables waste are paying off. Even the lettuce root is showing some leaves. I will enjoy watching your garden grow this year.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 18:37:19
Your little garden in pots sounds as if it is reviving nicely .. I adore mint, and we have some in one little corner.. I was able to pick some this week and boiled a sprig with some new potatoes, and chopped some to serve with them..
Every small effort Angie is worth it.. Our plants know the love we give them..
I am happy you will walk with me this year and maybe we can share a few tips 🙂
Many thanks for your visit, Loved our chat… 🙂 xxx
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agw2536
May 22, 2014 @ 02:35:13
I hope we will chat again Sue. I speak to my plants daily and watch them grow slowly bringing life to my apartment. The mint will be well used in lemonade, as well as in my food all summer. I’m so happy to see it reviving after seeing it look ill for so long.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 22, 2014 @ 14:02:57
Now I had never thought to use in Lemonade… Now thank you for that tip.. I will be visiting you today, to see what you have been up to 🙂 xxx
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Aquileana
May 21, 2014 @ 16:57:20
Hello Sue.
Thanks for sharing these pics on your gardening experience. They are brilliant!…
I can´t believe you have soo many plants out there. What a natural, non transgenic way to get your own vegetables and fruits…
I hope you enjoy the potatoes, shallots and onions.. And may your strawberries grow up huge too!.
This was so much fun to read, my friend.
Sending you hugs, Aquileana .D
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 18:31:03
We will, and we do not use any pesticides or herbicides either, Big smiles you enjoyed your walk with me as I show off our allotment 🙂 xxx
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DG MARYOGA
May 21, 2014 @ 18:15:43
Sue,Dear ! Amazed by your expansive growing area and the big diversity of plants and vegies ! You have so wisely separated your garden plot and you have exploited every single corner to grow all these species of fruit,vegetables and flowers. All looks so neat and tenderly cared !
It’s a gorgeous Bio-farm,a blessed family farm,dear Sue.Wonder how you manage,it must be a very time-consuming pastime,but very rewarding.
I loved your brilliant idea to show your Granddaughter how life begins and also the parallels you drew between the Seeds and the Human Body…
I’m sure that your loving care makes all of your plants and flowers happy there and soon you’ll have bushels of fresh fruit and vegies.
Hope you get enough strawberries to make jam and then bake some lovely scones to serve with tea or with coffee and treat me when I come by for a cup of tea …
Most enjoyable post ; many thanks dear Sue for showing us around your blessed garden.
I will post my comment,i will leave your space,but my soul will be left behind … Take care,my sweet friend, love ♥♥♥ and many hugs , Doda 🙂 xxx
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 18:29:19
Dear Doda, what a wonderfully endearing comment my friend,.
I wish I could take all the credit.. But the credit goes mostly to my hubby who spends 2 hours in it religiously each day and not we have warm weather watering it every morning..
I help hoe and weed and plan along with him where and what we will plant..
This plot is a large one and if you are not familiar with our Plot you can find last years allotment in full flourish Here.. http://wp.me/P16xW7-Nn Under 2013 Grow your own in my header links
The land was left by a Duke many years ago as common land to the local council, So there are about 100 or more plots around the same size who tend their gardens..
We are lucky in that our plot is in walking distance from our home… We freeze lots of produce to last us through the winter, plus make soups, chutneys etc .. Recipes you can find under Home Recipes too 🙂
So you can see why we are kept busy once the good weather starts 🙂
Much love dear Doda for your wonderful encouragement xxx Love Sue
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DG MARYOGA
May 23, 2014 @ 13:00:22
Dear Sue ! Can’t thank you enough for suggesting my visit to your previous garden post and your recipe page !!! I so much enjoyed both,I have left my comments and my soul there … You and your hubby grow the Garden of Eden …
Have a peaceful and creative weekend ! Love ♥ and big hugs , Doda :-)))
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 23, 2014 @ 13:15:14
Dear Doda.. thank you so kindly for your wonderful visit, and exploration of 2013 photos of our Allotment.. We enjoyed your visit, and thank you for such a wonderful compliment you paid us..
I am at work this afternoon and evening, but when I return home in the morning our weekend is set to be one of joy, as we are invited to a family Wedding..
Love back to you 🙂
Sue
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dontchawannadream
May 21, 2014 @ 19:02:07
Yay!! A very green post! Love it (which is pretty normal for a vegetarian lol)
Big hugs, Sue. Thanks for the walk. 🙂
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 19:07:44
YaY! to that! too…. Now any Veggie girl is always welcome in my Veggie Garden.. But especially one who has great smile and a talent with her art brush! 🙂
Much love Cha…
Welcome to the allotment Plot! 🙂
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shamanictracker
May 21, 2014 @ 20:08:40
Yummy ❤ xox
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 21:04:33
Thank you 🙂 I will have to be patient for the harvest 🙂 But Yummy it will be 🙂 xxx
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LadyBlueRose's Thoughts Into Words
May 21, 2014 @ 20:12:00
Your gardens look full of Spirit and Soul…
Beautiful Sue….I wandered in mine today but I needed to work on my granddaughters carousel horse….her party is Saturday, so I need to get it done…
Thank you (I am very envious of your strawberry patch! 🙂 )
Take Care…You Matter…
)0(
maryrose
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 21:15:21
Dear Maryrose.. I am so happy you were able to wander and ponder among your own beauty… A carousel horse, I am intrigued.. 🙂 .. The strawberries are gaining lots of interest lol..I am so hopeful after my disappointment of last year… I have a recipe all lined up at the ready for the Jam. 🙂 But I love nothing better than Strawberries and Cream 🙂
xxxx Much Love dear Mary… look out tomorrow for a letter 🙂 xxx
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giselzitrone
May 21, 2014 @ 20:50:12
Einen schönen Abend liebe Sue was für ein schöner großer Gemüsegarten da gibt es viel zu ernten,wir hatten auch mal einen,haben ihn aber abgegeben wegen der Gesundheit.Ich grüße dich lieb bin was spät ich war an der Ahr etwas Wandern.Wünsche dir Morgen einen schönen Donnerstag liebe Grüße und Freundschaft.Gislinde
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 21:17:49
Liebe Gislinde Mach dir keine Sorgen, ich bin so glücklich, Sie haben zu Fuß mit mir auf meinem Zuteilung Patch .. Und Sie genießen Sie Ihre Zeit weg Wandern … Liebe und Segen für Sie xox Sue
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Jo Bryant
May 21, 2014 @ 20:56:00
I love your vege garden Sue…it has so much promise.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 21:40:02
Thank you dear Jo… It never fails to yield us what we need 🙂 xxx
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quarteracrelifestyle
May 21, 2014 @ 21:45:55
I did enjoy this stroll around your garden, it’s beautiful and obviously very productive! We once bought what was supposed to be a gooseberry bush in the hope of reliving the most delectable gooseberry crumble only to find it morphed into a Worcester Berry, a very different fruit. We bought a gooseberry recently to try again.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 21:55:07
Good luck with your new Gooseberry Bush, I am smiling as we have had our own share of disappointments.. We bought some Rhubarb tuba’s several years ago now and planted and waited and WAITED,, I so hoped on Rhubarb crumble… but not to be..
So last year we bought a existing established Rhubarb plant from the nurseries gardens, and planted .. we had a few sticks off last year.. and already this year we have had Rhubarb Fool and two lots of crumble… So I know how it feels… Wishing you a mouthwatering crumble in the future Wendy xxx
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quarteracrelifestyle
May 21, 2014 @ 21:57:27
Oh rhubarb! There was a plant already here when we moved here and it would grow huge, but we never got a red stalk off it. Gardening !!
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 22:01:27
Did you try forcing,, you know when they die back.. We put a large compost bin with open end each side over ours… it produced lovely Red stalks.. 🙂 Just a thought as thats how its forced for the supermarkets, kept in the dark!
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quarteracrelifestyle
May 21, 2014 @ 22:04:06
Nope, we didn’t lol. We pulled it out in the end, Roger heard someone on the radio (expert?) say if your rhubarb doesn’t grow red stalks it never will so you may as well get rid and replace.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 22:10:35
OH,,, well its been my experience that it grows both. as I picked both green and red from mine only 2 days ago… I hope you will give it another try 🙂 Love it… And as a child we would not have sherbet, but my Mother and Gran would give is a small bag of sugar and a stick of Rhubarb to dip like a sherbet dip!…. Very good for the digestion!!! LOL 😉
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prenin
May 21, 2014 @ 22:13:41
I have a severe allergic reaction to Oxalic Acid in Rhubarb, a toxin concentrated in the leaves which is why you must only eat the stalk! 😦
Love and huge hugs! 🙂
Prenin.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 22:16:22
Very true Prenin, the Leaves are poisonous and must not be put on the compost heap either but disposed of elsewhere.. We just let our leaves rot at the base of the Rhubarb plant.. and they go back into the earth around the plant.. xxx
Thank you for that reminder Prenin xxxx
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quarteracrelifestyle
May 21, 2014 @ 22:14:33
One of my kids would eat raw rhubarb and it always just made me shudder lol
I expect we will eventually put in another. Rhubarb crumble (and gooseberry!) is the ultimate in comfort food 🙂
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 21, 2014 @ 22:26:39
Yes it is…and I am all for comfort.. But i have bough a new cook book and may experiment more… 🙂 But I love my Strawberries, Raspberries and Blackberries… we had loads of Blackberries last year.. We also have an elderberry tree at the back of the sheds too.. I discovered a great recipe for elderberry syrup last year but it was too late to collect the berries.. So Hopefully I can do that this year.. 🙂
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quarteracrelifestyle
May 21, 2014 @ 22:41:10
Yes, same here. In fact the last few puddings I have made haven’t even got eaten so they may be just becoming a thing of the past saved for winter visitors maybe.
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 22, 2014 @ 14:42:22
The puds I have to say go down a treat here.. especially when the little granddaughter visits, she will eat crumble and custard till it comes out of her ears 😉
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quarteracrelifestyle
May 22, 2014 @ 20:55:33
🙂 Good food 🙂
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lscotthoughts
May 21, 2014 @ 22:47:21
What an amazing garden and lovely tour, Sue, thank you for sharing! You definitely keep yourself busy and such a delight to our Mother Earth! We have recently tried kale and love it! A new veggie for our menus and of course, the beans and corn sound yummy. The flowers will also make a beautiful carpet of color! Sending you much love and many hugs! xoxo
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 22, 2014 @ 14:40:45
Lauren, thank you, Yes Kale is lovely, we have the young and tender leaves raw too on salads, packed full of iron and good nutrition .. 🙂 Lovely that you walked around our allotment .. any time you feel like a lettuce.. LOL.. 🙂 😉 xxxx
Love and Hugs back
Sue
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Duma Key
May 22, 2014 @ 01:35:46
Can’t beat fresh home grown veg, it always tastes better and last longer than the stuff they sell in supermarkets.
Did think about trying to grow my own this year, but so many other things I need to do first, lay a lawn, revamp the front, that I fear it would not have the time to devote so perhaps next year!
Love the way you are teaching your grand daughter how things grow, the idea with the potato is good, may try that with my nephews. Little J is obsessed with leafs at the minute, he keeps spotting them picking them up and putting them in his pocket…..or hiding them in places around my sisters house…..very imaginative places as well lol
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 22, 2014 @ 14:32:39
That is great about your Nephew Duma, My little one started with the fascination of leaves too.. so I taught her the difference between two of them.. As we have have a walk not far away which is lined almost alternatively with Hawthorn and a holly hedge.. So she learnt the difference and now knows them, The next I showed her was beach leaves,and sycamore .. They soon pick it up..
I think you have your work cut our Duma if you are revamping your home garden.. first things first.. like you say there is always next year.. But why not try this on your patio..
Yet a large tub, and plant some runner Kidney beans, looks great when they flower all red, and tastes great as you pick your own runner beans.. .. And why not a outdoor tomato plant too.. I find the small variety are very good in hanging baskets, But you need to keep watered and fed well.. That way its low maintenance but you have some fresh veggies, and its a talking point on your patio 🙂
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gingerfightback
May 22, 2014 @ 07:18:57
My dad hat an allotment for 50 years Sue. My love of veg stems from the the wondrous bounty of his plot!
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 22, 2014 @ 13:55:10
Yes Ginger, the allotments were a thing that sustained your family in our Dad’s time, and that’s where I first learnt to grow veggies with my Dad… He taught us what were weeds and how to grow things.. And my love of Gardening never left.. I am hoping to instil the same passion within my Granddaughter.. 🙂
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gingerfightback
May 22, 2014 @ 13:57:47
Good – Dad died a couple of years ago but his knowledge of nature, the seasons and gardening were amazing. The spuds he grew and the way mum roasted them on sundays…..it really is the simple pleasures in life that matter
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 22, 2014 @ 14:07:11
Yes Ginger it is… Its WE that have complicated LIFE. thinking we need all this Stuff in it.. when really all we need is the Simple things in Life so true! 🙂
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bluebutterfliesandme
May 22, 2014 @ 08:01:29
Sue what a garden! Yummy fresh food and just so pretty.
Your a popular girl sister, 69 comments? Makes me feel even more special you have the time to visit me. 😉
Much love sister~
Sindy
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 22, 2014 @ 13:52:33
Why thank you Sindy, I am so happy you took a walk around my allotment garden… And yes Lots of lovely fresh veggies and fruit come harvest time.. and as for the comments 🙂 I try to get around to as many as I can… some times I am not always successful as I know I miss many, But I usually try to visit those who visit me… 🙂
Great to see you browsing here too 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend…
Love and Blessings sent your way Sindy.. it was great having you drop in…
Sue
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bluebutterfliesandme
May 22, 2014 @ 17:05:41
You visit me always and I have not been as good, but I was so busy with school. I have some leisure time now though to visit more. Thanks again my sweet, and lovely Goddess sister!
Namaste~
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 22, 2014 @ 17:11:57
Sindy.. please do not worry about that.. We are all of us Human at the end of the day, and I know how busy you have been… I know I have periods I have to do retraining, and my brain feels like its in overload.. So I so understand..
love back xxx
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bluebutterfliesandme
May 22, 2014 @ 17:40:18
Not worried but you are just always there for me and it should be reciprocated. 😀
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europasicewolf
May 22, 2014 @ 09:59:48
Great walk with the veggies! I will be along shortly to pick a paw full or two for the Wolfie dinner;)
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 22, 2014 @ 13:26:37
You know Wolfie, if you lived that bit nearer, you would be most welcome to walk and pick to your hearts content 🙂 .. Big Hugs as I shake your Paw 🙂 xxx
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Ruth Nina Welsh
May 22, 2014 @ 13:39:09
What a treat it’s been today to catch up on your posts Sue! This one is my favourite. I just love to see your allotment and all that you are doing. Your husband is a star! It is all looking wonderful and I can imagine and taste the produce as I look at the pics. Hope that you have a lovely weekend. Stay well Sue and take good care. Love to you xx
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 22, 2014 @ 13:45:36
Dear Ruth, its been lovely to have you visit with me today.. and yes my Hubby is a giant star.. LOL.. He goes there every day and puts in a couple of hours work… I have to admit to only pottering about and planting and just doing a little hoeing..
I come into my home at harvest time, Freezing, and soup making etc… and hopefully this year Some Jam making too 🙂 xxxx
Many thanks again Ruth… much love Sue xoxox
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Christy Birmingham
May 22, 2014 @ 22:29:47
Oh yes, I enjoyed stepping into your veggie garden with you, Sue! How organized and healthy it is – I can just see you and hubby enjoying the produce 🙂 Much love xo
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 22, 2014 @ 22:34:32
We do… and we do not mind the weeding either once we are on top of it.. Mainly due to hubby being in the garden every day…. I confess to having not done as much as in previous years.. He has more time now retired to potty around at his hearts content.. :-)… Much love back xxx Sue
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jacksjottings
May 23, 2014 @ 00:50:43
G’day Sue and Hubby too.
White cabbage moth I was told is territorial and if you put white paper cut out moths suspendered on cotton it deters the real villains. I have not tried this but did buy a sola driven butterfly as a gift for a friend, it spins round on a wire, could be adapted as a defence.
Nice surprise to see the plants spring to life in the jars for the little one to see nature in action.
I would not need to go to a gym either if I made a wonderful garden like you and your husband.
You both are an inspiration you lead by example showing practical steps to a better way to live. _/\_
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 23, 2014 @ 11:09:41
Jack I will not tell you what my Hubby Just said about the little paper cut outs of moths lol.. 🙂 He said the ‘Art’ department is mine domain LOL… So if I want paper butterflies, get snipping! hehe…
I had not heard of that though Jack… It would be an interesting experiment though wouldn’t it.. I think I may just give it a go over a few Cabbages and see. 😀
Yes the little one is loving the growing lessons.. And now has her own little pair of gardening gloves.. She puts them on now and thinks she is the princess out of Frozen.. ( the new cartoon film ) Which she is mad over and I have not yet seen ..
Its a joy when she visits I can tell you 🙂
Lovely to see you and I thank you Jack for all your great Feedback.. it is very much appreciated
_/\_ Sue
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jacksjottings
May 23, 2014 @ 15:32:41
I thought if Pauline and I are somewhere with a cabbage patch.
I would give it a try.
I would fold the paper over a few times and cut one and get one for every fold.
String them on a bit of cotton.
If it did not work I would be eating cabbage with protein additive.
Reminds me of one of the old stories my sons and I remember.
I cooked up some broccoli for my three sons.
They kept picking out little bits and putting them on the side of their plate.
I told them to eat up those little green bits they tasted nutty.
They informed me they were grubs.
They would have let keep on enjoying them if I had not said anything.
I was a solo Dad, It was not easy working on a pipeline and looking after them.
But it was a good learning experience for them and me.
In life even the bad times were good._/\_
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 24, 2014 @ 11:07:35
Oh dear Jack 🙂 lol this had me in stitches… 🙂 reminded me of my own Dad.. He would come home with huge field mushrooms after early morning collecting in the fields, often after checking to see if he had caught any rabbits.. ( rabbit was our staple diet ) He would set the Frying pan on, and I kid you not some of these mushrooms would fill the entire pan on there own..
Some would have pin holes in them, and I remember asking Dad, why had some got pin holes in them and not others.. He said it was to let air in them as they grew older…
I ate loads and loads of these irrigated mushrooms over the years, and they were delicious..
It was only many years later, growing up and seeing the magots crawl out of these little holes.. I knew exactly what had caused these little holes.. 🙂 It never did me any harm..
Dad would always say.. EAT.. you don’t know what’s good for you.. And if we didn’t eat.. we went hungry! no choice of other options when you had 5 kids to feed.. 🙂
Loved your caterpillar story… Now Science is discovering grubs nutrient value and thinking of ways to harvest and put into foods!.. Those tasting said they tasted nutty too 🙂
_/\_
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Tom Merriman
May 23, 2014 @ 10:16:34
A very pleasant walk, Sue… you are very green-fingered! I tried growing strawberries once (years ago) but was disappointed with the results… those gooseberries look delicious!
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 23, 2014 @ 11:20:22
HI Tom… Oh so lovely to see you, and wow! all I see in my notifications as I log is a sea of Tom… Thank you so much for catching up on so many of my posts.. I am certain to have missed some of yours too..
Yes strawberries can be hit and miss… The Gooseberries are still plumping out, the rain should have helped .. They were not enough of them last year , but as the bush is growing looks enough for a pie and some Gooseberry fool 🙂
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ssbonsor
May 23, 2014 @ 11:44:39
Dear Sue, saw your beautiful home garden and liked your observation that a cell knows how to grow into a leaf! How wonderful! God works silently from within whereas humans assemble what God has given and make a product after a lot of noise and pollution, That is the difference between man and god.
Love and regards, Surinder
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 23, 2014 @ 12:52:00
Dear Surinder… Thank you so much for your kind comment.. Yes The Life Force is held within each plant, each insect and IS all of Nature..
I am thankful that I always check my spam box.. For I found your comment had been misdirected there automatically… I hope now your future comments will not end up there my friend..
Wishing you a Peaceful Weekend..
Sue
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aishasoasis
May 24, 2014 @ 12:57:04
What a great garden, Sue! Very exciting to see everything growing! I read the comment about the mint and lemonade, I’ll have to try that, too, and mint with green tea is my staple drink, I make the tea fairly weak, and the mint fairly strong so I donthave to sweeten it much. Put some strawberries in your vinegar decanter, too, it will make a great strawberry vinaigrette!
Loved the photos and the stories! ♥♥♥ ;^)
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 24, 2014 @ 15:16:08
Aisha, wow, thank you for those other tips, I will definitely be trying the Strawberry Vinaigrette 🙂 Your tea sounds just the thing too 🙂 I love Nettle tea.. 🙂 have you tried that?
I am so happy you enjoyed and dropped in.. 🙂
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aishasoasis
May 24, 2014 @ 15:42:04
Hmmm, nettle tea, as in stinging nettle? I can’t imagine that! But about the vinaigrette, it will also work with any berries, in fact when I didnt have any fresh berries, I dumped in several teabags of herbal tea, that was really great too! Flavored vinegars are wonderful and so easy! ♥♥♥ ;^)
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 24, 2014 @ 16:27:37
Yes as in stinging nettle allow the leaves to dry out and crush like dried mint! 🙂 ❤
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aishasoasis
May 25, 2014 @ 06:46:20
Amazing, there’s a good use for this miserable weed! I know it because it really does sting! We had it in south carolina and it’s here in egypt too, right in my own back yard, in fact! Maybe I’ll try the tea… if I wear gloves to pick it, lol! ♥♥♥ ;^)))
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 25, 2014 @ 12:45:25
Yes you need gloves LOL.. Here is a page of nettle Recipes- Soups etc to be found here.. Nettles are packed full of Goodness 🙂
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/mar/30/nettle-recipes-hugh-fearnley-whittingstall
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aishasoasis
May 25, 2014 @ 16:49:50
Wonderful recipes, Sue! I especially love the spanakopita recipe, I think I’ll go hunting nettles tomorrow! All of his recipes look awesome, thanks for the great resource! ♥♥♥ ;^)
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 25, 2014 @ 21:29:52
I am glad you like Aisha, and Happy Nettle hunting… the tops and newer shoots are the best, less woody! 🙂
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natswans
May 24, 2014 @ 15:46:52
Wow Sue this is amazing all those hours spent , and what rewards . Fresh food and sweet corn is especially sweet when home grown. My gooseberries are also doing very well this year. Lovely walk thank you I enjoyed that.
Enjoy your weekend x Sheila x
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 24, 2014 @ 16:29:18
Oh I am glad your gooseberries too are doing well Sheila.. Yes our Sweetcorn is a hit.. especially my great Nephews and Great Nieces love them .. 🙂
Enjoy your week too.. 🙂
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aussieian2011
May 25, 2014 @ 08:02:26
You are living in the Garden of Eden Sue
I envy your allotment, in my past I had two homes which boasted beautiful vegetables surrounded by a wall of olde world roses, the hours of fun I had in my little bit of paradise.
Now I am renting and must conform to the modern day concept of a maintenance free home.
I do have two above ground gardens but make the mistake of trying to plant every known vegetable in limited spaces, some do well but alas others cant compete without room to move.
Wish we had allotments here.
Cheers
Ian
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 25, 2014 @ 21:49:25
Dear Ian, I am sorry you do not have as much space for your garden than in your past… I am sure that what ever you try to grow responds well.. I know we are extremely lucky in having our allotment and it being so close to where we live.. 🙂
Thank you for the encouragement Ian.. Blessings Sue xox
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narf77
May 29, 2014 @ 21:30:58
What an amazing allotment you have Sue 🙂 I wish I could just garden out in the open but I fear my sanity would be lost along with all of the fruit and veggies that the possums and wallabies scoffed with utter delight ;). I am just about to plant out some potato onions, some garlic and some broad beans. I guess we are exact opposites in the gardening world but we are both gardening so I figure that means we have the world gardening scene covered 😉
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Sue Dreamwalker
May 30, 2014 @ 19:18:17
Yes I think we both must have the opposite of extremes in our gardens .. I am so pleased I do not have to contend with Possums and Wallabies… Just slugs and the occasional rat who ate his way through a row of potatoes underground and Rabbits and pigeons.. Pigeons love young cabbages 🙂 xxx Happy Gardening.. xx
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narf77
May 30, 2014 @ 20:53:57
Pigeons wouldn’t make it past our resident hawk and gosshawk (white hawk) who hang around hoping to get a free chicken dinner so that is one pest we won’t be getting ;). We have HUGE slugs here that would make gardeners in the U.K. faint. They are called leopard slugs and not only do they eat your garden, but they eat other slugs as well! Voracious things. Rats started on my pumpkins so aside from putting “rat bait” on my shopping list (fully enclosed garden so nothing else is going to eat it) I had to harvest all of my pumpkins “ready or not”. Now I just have to work out what to do with them all en mass! Pumpkin and date butter and pumpkin date fudge come to mind 🙂 Have a great weekend. Just checked the temperature and it is minus 2 here which is COLD for Tassie. Hope your day is blissfully warm in comparison 🙂
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Lois Field
Jun 11, 2014 @ 07:14:48
Sue, it never ceases to amaze me the size of an allotment you have. I’m not sure there is anything comparable in the US. Your plants look healthy and producing right on target. I just got my plants in this week as fear of frost is finally past. How long is your growing season? We can’t plant outdoors here until June and most plants are done by the end of September. It seems like such a short season.
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