the lottie in June
The long summer evenings are here at last. The perfect time to nip down to the allotment.
The other evening, Mr Digandweed and I spent an hour or so, weeding, trimming and watering with just the sound of the pigeons cooing and the distant hum of voices from the members of the archery club practising in the field across the lane - fortunately, (or unfortunately depending on your viewpoint) no pigeons were inadvertently shot!
The lottie is looking particularly pretty at the moment.
It is dotted with self sown Sweet Williams and Foxgloves.
The Foxgloves, in particular, are something of a mystery. I remember planting a lone specimen a few years ago,
The other evening, Mr Digandweed and I spent an hour or so, weeding, trimming and watering with just the sound of the pigeons cooing and the distant hum of voices from the members of the archery club practising in the field across the lane - fortunately, (or unfortunately depending on your viewpoint) no pigeons were inadvertently shot!
The lottie is looking particularly pretty at the moment.
It is dotted with self sown Sweet Williams and Foxgloves.
The Foxgloves, in particular, are something of a mystery. I remember planting a lone specimen a few years ago,
but Mother nature has taken charge and with a deft hand has painted a beautiful scene in soft colours of cream and pink and mauve.
The Trail of Tears beans are scampering up their supports. I have high hopes for these beans. They are some of the healthiest looking bean plants I have ever grown; likewise the Crookneck summer squash.
Since the demise of one of the Hokkaido winter squash plants which was munched by slugs I have a new weapon in my armoury - wool pellets.
Since the demise of one of the Hokkaido winter squash plants which was munched by slugs I have a new weapon in my armoury - wool pellets.
Downsides: they are quite expensive and smell of wet sheep.
Upsides: one application should last most of the season, they are completely organic and gradually break down into useful nutrients which feed the soil
..and so far they seem to be working!
But as far as the strawberries are concerned, I think I may have been waging war against the wrong enemy. It would seem that it is woodlice and not slugs who have been feasting on the succulent berries. I had my suspicions, which were confirmed the other evening when I found two woodlice enjoying a cosy diner-a-deux inside a very juicy strawberry. Who knew that the seemingly innocuous creatures seen scuttling around could be so dastardly!
Upsides: one application should last most of the season, they are completely organic and gradually break down into useful nutrients which feed the soil
..and so far they seem to be working!
But as far as the strawberries are concerned, I think I may have been waging war against the wrong enemy. It would seem that it is woodlice and not slugs who have been feasting on the succulent berries. I had my suspicions, which were confirmed the other evening when I found two woodlice enjoying a cosy diner-a-deux inside a very juicy strawberry. Who knew that the seemingly innocuous creatures seen scuttling around could be so dastardly!
But, despite the critters intent on munching their way through the strawberries, there are still some delicious berries to pick.
And one of my favourite summer breakfasts is overnight oats, with added strawberries.
Speak soon.
Annie
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Self sown flowers are always a treat, though it can seem heartless to weed them out if you need the space. Your foxgloves are lovely, such delicate shades. I wonder whether ours will do the same - we also have random white ones around the plot.
ReplyDeleteI heard the other day that it's going to be a hot summer.Im dreading it. All that watering. Oh dear....
Yes, I must admit that I had to dig up a few Foxgloves as there were so many. It seemed such a shame, though I did bring one or two home to plant in a particularly shady part of the garden.
DeleteOur favourite breakfast at this time of year is overnight oats with various fresh fruit. The foxgloves look beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love overnight oats. Delicious and convenient, if you make it the night before.
DeleteIt's all looking so colourful and those berries so tempting (can't blame the bugs for tucking in!). Keep meaning to try overnight oats. Yours look delicious. Is that granola sprinkled on top?
ReplyDeleteYes do try the overnight oats. I soak mine in coconut milk ( just enough to cover), then the following morning stir in some grated apple and add extra berries. And yes, that is a sprinkle of granola on top, for optional added crunch.
DeleteAs a fellow allotmentor (is that even a word?) I would definitely be interested in growing Trail of Tears beans, just for the name alone! I grow French, runner and barlotti beans, but these black ones look so interesting. Luckily, our strawberries have only had a slight munching and have been so productive, I got started on jam making. You are so lucky to have foxgloves growing on your patch too.
ReplyDeleteYes isn't it such a lovely name for a bean! And they have just started flowering and have the most delicate lilac flowers.
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