First day of the month (Greening up)

The other day we had sleet/hailstones which dampened the garden a little. In spite of the lack of rain (I’ve just heard on the news that we’ve had less than half the usual rainfall for this time of year), the plants in the back garden are flourishing. For example, the strawberries are getting quite tall and starting to flower, even in the patch by the back door, which tends to be the driest area of all.

There are also now tiny broad bean pods developing and the cloches will be coming off the peas in the near future. I think the seakale is coming up, although never having grown it before, I wouldn’t like to say if the seedlings are this or something else yet. 

The lemon balm is going crazy, particularly the one in a pot, so the roots must be seeking water in the ground, as the potted mints are faring rather poorly in comparison. However, in the open ground it is apparent I won’t be short this year. So, lots more lemon balm and mint cordial on the way as well as plenty of tea. 

Other returnees are fennel and currants, the latter already affected by something that like a wool on the stems where the leaves form, with the leaves curling up. However, there are still flowers on them, so hopefully I will get a few tasty berries this year (as I did during the last).

Garden on 1st April

Garden on 1st May

And I couldn’t finish this post without mentioning the rhubarb, which has filled quite some space, as well as the blossom on both the crab apple and the reinette orleans. Every time I see a bee, I will her to visit both of these trees and spread the love.