- there are times when one is justifiably proud -

[tim]

- and then, there are the others. Remember what they looked like a few months ago? Leaning, but luxurious!

So what do we do for greens for the next 2 months?  It doesn't really show the full delapidation, but hope it makes others feel proud of their achievement. = Tim

[Garden Manager]

MESSAGE WITHDRAWN

[tim]

I find that very difficult to answer.
Assuming that it's a serious question, and related to gardening, rather than the fact that 'I won the Battle of Britain or raised 4 children single handed' - I'm proud of my web album, given my age.

What are you proud of?? = Tim

[busy_lizzie]

You have every reason to feel proud Tim.  I can't believe you are over eighty, as the attitute and energy that comes through in your messages is so vital.   Your a real cool guy!

You have packed a whole lot into your decades of  life and may it long continue.  Please read the homily at the bottom of my page.

Garden-wise I am always interested and respectful of your advice and gardening tips.  Although there are signs that spring is on its way, veggies-wise it seems to be still, in the main, a rather static time, but just give it a month or two and then do doubt it will be all systems go.  I think Richard would not be much of an asset in the Diplomatic Corp.,   but probably didn't mean to cause any offence.  

[Derekthefox]

Here Here, busy_Lizzie and Oz for standing up for a true gentleman.

Richard, if YOU have any honour, then you will reply to Tim's question - 'What are YOU proud of?'

[SueT]

I echo that Derek, I feel Tim has much to be proud of, not only for his garden but also because of exploits during the war as well as raising his family.  You are a gentleman Tim!

[Mrs Ava]

Cor Tim, you blusing?   I have to say, those greens still look darn good to me.  I love my greens so much!  Are you pretty much veggie self sufficient Tim?

[RSJK]

Well done Tim l hope l can still do as good as you when l reach your age you are a credit to the nation.  Once again Richard F puts his foot in his mouth again, why does he show no respect for people.  All these remarks he makes without thinking upsets people and with him wanting people from this great gardening site to join his.    NO WAY

[rdak]

I think people are overreacting a bit here. From Tim's post, I couldn't tell what exactly he is proud of either. I don't remember what it looked like a few months ago, so I don't know what Tim has done either - was it a mud patch, was it covered in brambles etc etc.

Yes, you can decide to interprete Richard's post as confrontational if you want to, depending on how you choose to annunciate each word. But I honestly don't think Richard meant to cause offence and given the fact that posts here, like emails and text, are composed quickly and sent off, can't we at least give the benefit of the doubt.

So Tim, what was that patch like a few months ago? And what is that crop growing there now..nice to see you're still getting some veg at this time of year.

[Ceri]

errr... I am reading Tim's first post wrongly - I got the impression that he was distinctly unimpressed with his plants and was being sarcastic, as in ....."and then there are others".

[aquilegia]

Echo Ceri. Especially as Tim said 'It doesn't really show the full delapidation'

And Echo Lizzie's comments re Tim's age and energy. I hope I've got half your energy at 80! To be honest I was shocked when I saw you were 80 - you seem about half that age!

[tim]

Oh dear, oh dear! I really must try to speak the English!!

1. Some folk will have seen the lush growth of the purple & white sprouting when I complained about it, a while back, leaning drunkenly. And I refuse to give in to staking 30 plants! It was planting on recently dug soil that did it.

2. For those who read me right, yes, I was quite proud of my 2003 album, but this is one of 'the other times', when I'm deeply ashamed of the mouldering mass which was to be our staple diet for the next 2 months.

3. So - I reckoned that it would enable others, possibly needing encouragement, to say 'well, we can do it a d......d sight better than that'.

4. And everyone will have read the touch of irony in my reply to a question that did not amuse me?

Is that sorted, then?? = Tim

PS Yes, of course, a bit of a blush!!

[rdak]

Have heard people refer to 'purple sprouting' - is this a type of broccoli? Do you eat the leaves like spinach or just the 'florets'?

Having read comments about Brussel Sprouts falling over, is this a common problem with all tall brassicas? Should I be stomping on the soil before planting?!

[tim]

Yes
No/yes
Yes
OK?
Trouble is - there are now various types - the stuff we got at the Farmers' Market recently was much more 'fullsome', and a bit tough - grown for size and economy in picking. The 'old' type is akin to asparagus in delicacy and, in my opinion, superior.
Typically, a shoot can be 2-4" - have some young leaves on it - and break cleanly as you pick. It will then be tender. And cook lightly. Don't forget the butter!! = Tim

PS I prefer the white - sweeter but less hardy.

[Ceri]

they are selling this in my 'local' supermarkets at the moment - at an EXTORTIONATE price - a tiny pack (like they sell the baby sweetcorn in) for nearly £2.  Outrageous.  I'm fascinated by the machinations of the supermarkets' minds - they develop strains to suit themselves - size, colour, harvest etc., which is why until very recently there was standard calabrese in the shops, and they are now selling the 'old' style original forms at a massive markup as if they are incredibly unusual and special.  Because of the supermarkets' buying policy, sadly, such varieties have become exactly that.  (my anti-supermarkets' massive buying power pressurising the growers and leading consumers with no choice by the nose rant is now over for the day - normal service will be resumed shortly)

[tim]

To be fair, like cherry toms, 'original' sprouting is a pain to pick commercially? = Tim

[Ceri]

But I don't want to be fair...

I don't know, there is always one reasonable person out there!!!

[legless]

purple sprouting is my favourite vegetable in the whole world apart from sprout tops - which you only seem to be able to buy in lincolnshire! one of the reasons behind the allotment  

[SueT]

Did someone mention purple sprouting?................love it!

[tim]

Sprout  tops - Farmers' Market - whole stems - cheaper,  and the top comes free! - believe S......y's do them. But something went wrong with timing this year - can't explain. =  Tim