These yellow mange tout peas are so easy to grow and absolutely delicious. Sown in double rows into a length of plastic guttering in the greenhouse, they were more than ready to plant out into the pigeon-proof sanctuary of the fruit cage; roots tangled below, desperate to get into the ground.
Time to clear the broad beans to make space for the winter kales that have been growing on in the greenhouse. Surprising how long it all takes, but very satisfying to go from a post-productive, weedy and dead leaf covered bean patch to a neat butterfly-proofed brassica bed.
Recent displacement activity, missing both skiing and flowers, I knitted a cashmere ski hat with a flowery motif. Good diversion while waiting for the garden to wake up 🙂
So few grains of happiness
measured against all the dark
and still the scales balance.
Jane Hirshfield
The Old Gage tree I planted 2 years ago mysteriously started to die just as it was in the full glory of spring blossoming – an ominous harbinger, though we didn’t know it yet, of the year to come. On investigation, it turned out that the council strimmer had been a bit over-zealous and had damaged the bark just above ground level. Anyway, I have now just planted a replacement Oullins Golden Gage, and the council have kindly provided a protective guard so hopefully this one will thrive.
The brassicas are doing well, various kales, PSB and trying purple cauliflower Graffitti for the first time, along with flower sprouts and brussels sprouts. All need protection from the voracious pigeons who have shredded the red and yellow chard.
May the long time sun shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you
Guide you all the way on *
*Mike Heron – The Incredible String Band (1968)
And here below is today’s harvest, all looking good apart from the gnarly carrots which, although the root flies got to them, still taste lovely – excellent for soffritto base.
Huerto 
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