As I mentioned somewhere before, today the 'outlaws' babysat for us so both Ava and I could spend some time on the allotment together. Managed to achieve loads, even with his company calling him a trillion times!
Got to the plot at 11.30am and the first job for me was planting my broadbeans which I started off in November in loo roll tubes in the greenhouse. They were hardened off and have been awaiting transplanting since mid December.
(http://img107.exs.cx/img107/686/broadbeans1pg.jpg) (Aquadulce 'claudia')
Meanwhile Ava was on plot number 2 building me a permanent structure for growing squashes up. In the great scheme of things, where rotation is concerned, I will also be able to grow toms and beans up this 'pagolla'.
(http://img107.exs.cx/img107/300/heathrobinson4zk.jpg) (http://img107.exs.cx/img107/4199/markbldg2ry.jpg)
(http://img107.exs.cx/img107/6396/structure2hj.jpg)
Plenty of recycling going on here, using old gates we had behind our garden shed, and loads of wood that Ava has been scavenging on his travels. The light had gone by them time we left and he had the 'gazebo' finished so I will take some more pics in the week.
Then, probably the most important job for me, guttering on the shed to fill my waterbutt. No onsight mains water so we need to save every drip we can.
(http://img107.exs.cx/img107/6397/markshed9sm.jpg)
And whilst he was doing this, I planted my Chrissy pressie from my skin and blister, a red gooseberry, and then started digging over the plot ready for spring.
(http://img107.exs.cx/img107/3356/plot8hk.jpg) before....
and not a lot different to be honest.... after
(http://img107.exs.cx/img107/2430/plotafter6pn.jpg)
Let the plot at almost 5pm when is was dark. So thrilled with everything we achieved, and the plot is looking great! :D
A really good days work EJ. Looking great :D Your Ava is a bit like my Don - I've only got to say I want something done and he is out with his trusty hammer and nails and getting on with the job. What would we do without them ;D :) Can't believe what good gardening weather we have had lately (except for the gales that is :() - I should think you are very pleased with yourselves. Look forward to seeing more piccies :)
Pat
It looks great - well done!
All best - Gavin [distinctly green with envy "smiley"] :)
EJ - That looks like very hard work. I am a little worried though -- what happens to the broad beans if we get any frosts ?? Would they survive ??
???
Can I borrow Ava for a day???? My hubby is not the lottie type!!!
Oh no......I think you took one when I wasn't looking..............I hope it doesn't show my bald-spot...... ::) ;D
I just do what my mistress says........... :D :D ;)
The broadies should be fine, they are a winter sowing variety and last year stood proud through hard frosts and snow. Worse case, I could be there in 10 mins and whip some fleece over that caging to keep them warm. The caging is on to keep the pigeons off, altho they weren't a problem last year, however, lost all my spring sown pods to the jays....do you think the broadies need protection?
Great day's graft from you and Ava EJ...i'll watch with interest to see how you get on with your squash frame...might be something i'll try in future!
Great plot by the way :)
Emma - I am not sure whether broadbeans are tender to frost/snow or not. Personally, I would probably put a fleece over them at the first sign of wintery weather!
:) :)
Just what every girl needs - an Ava! My Mr Aqui is fantastic for digging and hefting, but woodwork is not his forte!
Looks like a very rewarding and hard day's work. I can't wait til the weather's cleared up enough for us to start digging the veg patch extension - the ground is far too sticky now.
Marianne - Aquadulce Broadies are very hardy. The hardiest you can get. My have survived several frostings and still going strong, totally unprotected and outside.
wow!
you are such an inspiration to me EJ!
your plot looks great!
Jemma xxx
Great work and great pics, Emma! Very envious that you have had weather for gardening tho!
Looking good!
I'm envious that you have a partner that is handy with building things, mine is not. He does the flower part of the lottie really good but how does he garden and keep his hands clean? After a day of gardening I always look a mess and he still looks clean and fresh.