tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88684955422782343432024-03-13T04:54:27.284-07:00green fingers mumpets, gardening and being a mum to primary school childrengreen fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-62314184059575475782012-02-08T12:43:00.000-08:002012-02-08T12:51:00.921-08:00<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Although it might not feel like it right now, each day in February is a small step towards the spring. The days are getting longer.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtHf6c8ZIG8/TzLgJMz2rtI/AAAAAAAAAFM/CV9DJNIARLw/s1600/2012-02-04+17.36.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtHf6c8ZIG8/TzLgJMz2rtI/AAAAAAAAAFM/CV9DJNIARLw/s320/2012-02-04+17.36.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">In the garden the crocuses are popping out of the snow in their golden yellow. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">If I can get in the greenhouse for the snow, I am going to plant some early broad beans (I'm using The Sutton this year). I have some lettuce and cavelo nero in there at the moment looking in great health. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">I've spent a cold winter day looking through seed catalogues and got my order in. I think the first thing to arrive will be my seed potatoes. I'd better start collecting egg boxes to store them in on the windowsill!</span><br />
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One thing I do need to do this year is sort out the lawn in my back garden. My two dogs have made a dogs dinner of it! Their claws have dug up the grass terribly. If you have any ideas on what I could do instead of lawn, please add a comment - all suggestions gratefully received!green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-91516778701483780482011-07-27T02:44:00.000-07:002011-07-27T02:44:42.456-07:00The tastes and smells of Summer<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1604691255&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>One of the most useful veg plants I grow are courgettes. You only need a few plants (I have three this year) and the give you a fantastic yield. They also seem really versatile. In the beginning, I pick them when they're really small & use them whole in stir fries and curries. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDVVPFq-lxs/Ti_cik_lQSI/AAAAAAAAAE0/rYiLtIoU0Oo/s1600/june+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDVVPFq-lxs/Ti_cik_lQSI/AAAAAAAAAE0/rYiLtIoU0Oo/s320/june+2011.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>They're great to eat raw with good healthy dips too. And as much as I try, there's always the odd few that turn into massive ones, which I use in the same way as marrows - I've got a couple like that now. My favourite way to cook them as marrow is:<br />
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<ol><li>Cut in half length ways</li>
<li>Remove the seeds</li>
<li>Stuff with grated cheese (red leicester is good)</li>
<li>Add some slices of tomato (thick, juicy Italian ones are best)</li>
<li>Bake in the oven for 40 mins</li>
<li>Enjoy with some good, crusty bread!</li>
</ol><br />
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The herbs are doing well at this time of year too, with some great smells in the garden. I have some mint, rosemary, sage & lavender just outside my back door & it smells wonderful as you go past. The lavender has been a real attraction for the bees too. The colour is wonderful!<br />
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Thanks for reading xgreen fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-45153373013984017882011-07-12T11:23:00.000-07:002011-07-12T11:23:30.637-07:00sweet smelling sweet peas<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0881925950&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>I've tried red cabbage this year & it seems to be doing well. I've got a raised bed full of it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5VEQuKXNTxk/ThyN8_I2eeI/AAAAAAAAAEo/RhnssJm2S1E/s1600/june+2011+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5VEQuKXNTxk/ThyN8_I2eeI/AAAAAAAAAEo/RhnssJm2S1E/s320/june+2011+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I've seen a few cabbage white butterflies around, so I'm trying to shoo off any that I see! I expect they would love a taste!<br />
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The runner beans are doing well. I always plant them with sweet peas & they look lovely growing together. The sweet peas encourage the bees into the garden & so more runner beans are pollinated. You have to keep picking the sweet peas on a daily basis though, to stop them going to seed. On the up side, it means you always have a vase full of beautiful smelling sweet peas on the kitchen windowsill. The runner beans are starting to flower, so I'm hoping the beans will start to grow shortly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKldXRxvS4s/ThyQhCygSfI/AAAAAAAAAEw/15a5N4nvIuY/s1600/june+2011+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKldXRxvS4s/ThyQhCygSfI/AAAAAAAAAEw/15a5N4nvIuY/s320/june+2011+%25285%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We've had a fair bit of rain, but could do with a bit more sun though to get some more things along. My tomatoes have started to fruit though, so I'll post some pics of them the next time.<br />
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Thanks for reading xgreen fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-86296922222619963042011-06-19T09:20:00.000-07:002011-06-19T09:20:17.020-07:00salad here I come!<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000260HI2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>We haven't had the best weather lately - not much sun! However, we have had a lot of rain, which has helped the garden grow. I'm just starting to get some of the first fruits of the season. <br />
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I grew cucumber for the first time last year & it was great - so it was one of the first things I wanted to do again. I've now got about 8 cucumbers almost ready to eat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29no82OpM9c/Tf4WvodE7tI/AAAAAAAAAEg/Qr_q-fIlEJk/s1600/june+2011+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29no82OpM9c/Tf4WvodE7tI/AAAAAAAAAEg/Qr_q-fIlEJk/s320/june+2011+%25286%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I like to eat them when they're not too big, then you can eat the whole thing in one go (unlike those massive supermarket ones!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my other <span style="background-color: yellow;">favourites </span>is tomatoes - this year I am growing some big & small ones. They are just starting to fruit now. I think it's amazing how quick they grow. I pinch them out each day when watering & they almost seem to grow before my eyes. I have planted basil with the tomatoes for a couple of reasons. Firtly, because basil tastes great with tomatoes, so you can pick them together. And secondly, because it helps to keep whitefly away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GbP1iJcn-Gk/Tf4hE8_RDOI/AAAAAAAAAEk/NzU5WikKFs0/s1600/june+2011+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GbP1iJcn-Gk/Tf4hE8_RDOI/AAAAAAAAAEk/NzU5WikKFs0/s320/june+2011+%25289%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I hope the next time I post a blog entry, I might be able to add a pic or two of some newly fruiting tomatoes!<br />
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Thanks for reading x<br />
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</div>green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-85396395365752789372011-05-14T07:05:00.000-07:002011-05-14T07:05:23.408-07:00Good things come in small packages.<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004GSTXDW&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>This year I have grown some beetroot in modules. I've not yet planted it out, but when I do, I'm not going to thin it out. I'm growing it in little clusters. I think small beetroot is more tasty (gold ball size), so I'm happy for it to grow together.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep3ezp6eqpA/Tc6JQl1z6wI/AAAAAAAAAEY/EmJCLprYbAU/s1600/DSC00602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep3ezp6eqpA/Tc6JQl1z6wI/AAAAAAAAAEY/EmJCLprYbAU/s320/DSC00602.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beetroot packed tightly together<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yO3_mPjOhHw/Tc6JqmsxlCI/AAAAAAAAAEc/1DEbZA9iHkI/s1600/DSC00611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yO3_mPjOhHw/Tc6JqmsxlCI/AAAAAAAAAEc/1DEbZA9iHkI/s200/DSC00611.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think its lovely how you can already see the redness of the beetroot through the leaves, even though its still only v small. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also like to grow onions close together - in clusters of five or six. Again, when you eat them small, they are lovely. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In the next two weeks (when all danger of frost has passed), I am going to plant out my veggies that are all safely tucked up in the greenhouse at the moment. These are:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Beetroot</div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Leeks</div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Courgettes</div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Red Cabbage</div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sprouts</div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Runner Beans</div></li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I can't wait!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thanks for reading x</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-21712810445758687952011-05-01T08:51:00.000-07:002011-05-01T08:51:28.202-07:00Dracula is not welcome here!<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0029SWSZG&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>The potatoes are coming up well. I have earthed them up a few times & it seems there's no stopping them!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33o6naR0Zt8/Tb19GaWkgoI/AAAAAAAAAEA/RytvQ-bWa8I/s1600/DSC00618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33o6naR0Zt8/Tb19GaWkgoI/AAAAAAAAAEA/RytvQ-bWa8I/s320/DSC00618.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have also planted marigolds (shown on last post) in with the potatoes . Marigolds smell strongly & so deter pests. Also, I have heard that their roots help to kill eelworm & other baddies in the soil. Potatoes are a brillinant crop to grow, because they are so easy. You just stick them in the ground, earth them up a bit, water them & then reap the benefit in round about 12 weeks. New potatoes (about the size of a golf ball) taste wonderful. You just rinse them under the tap & boil / steam for a few mins. Add a bit of butter & mint to them when cooked and mmm mmm yummy! <br />
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If you don't have room, think again - you can plant these in containers very easily - large plant pots, buckets, bags you name it. You can then just pick them as & when you need them. They grow in just about any soil & will actualy help to break up & improve the soil, so you can't go wrong!<br />
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Another favourite of mine to grow is garlic. I planted mine in October last year into the raised beds. It's great when they suddenly appear (you can easily forget you planted them). This is how they are looking now:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FskeF-N0grw/Tb1_UNwWEmI/AAAAAAAAAEE/C-nNpSthn3k/s1600/DSC00629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FskeF-N0grw/Tb1_UNwWEmI/AAAAAAAAAEE/C-nNpSthn3k/s320/DSC00629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I can't wait till Summertime to pick these. They store ever so well; I still have some from last year. To store them I get old pairs of tights and put the garlic in then make a knot in between each one. I then hang all the tights up in the garage. When I want a garlic, I just go cut off the one at the bottom of the tights. I also store onions in this way. <br />
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Garlic is also good to use on companion planting. It smells strong & so deters the pests. An old wives tale used to be to plant a row of garlic as a border, so that rabbits would not pass the border. It deters Dracula, so who knows?<br />
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If you boil the leaves of garlic you can use it as a spray to deter aphids & I have also heard it can help to prevent tomato blight & mildew in cucumbers. It is so good for us humans, no wonder it's good for the plants too!<br />
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Still no rain here, so the watering is a major priority. I am also getting desperate to plant more things outside, but know from experience it's still too early. Only a couple of weeks to go & then I can start filling the outside garden up, rather then just the greenhouse.<br />
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Thanks for reading xgreen fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-68544595038485443192011-04-26T02:54:00.000-07:002011-04-26T02:54:56.640-07:00What a difference a bit of sun makes!<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003KQJO2Q&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Due to the warm weather we've been having, some of my seeds are sprouting in no time. The picture below shows some of the faster ones at a week old.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Zjx4JeQzEA/TbaNv-gLP5I/AAAAAAAAADw/ihyqatl1T-0/s1600/DSC00599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Zjx4JeQzEA/TbaNv-gLP5I/AAAAAAAAADw/ihyqatl1T-0/s320/DSC00599.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>From left to right they are - courgettes, watermelon and cucumber. I have since potted the courgettes on & they are even bigger now. The cucumbers are going in raised beds in the greenhouse, so I have put a couple of those in there already. I now need to build a frame for them to grow up. Last year I used chicken wire, but it wasn't very good, so it's back to the drawing board this year. If anyone has any good tips, I would love to hear them. <br />
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I have also planted marigolds out in my outdoor raised beds as companion plants. I have planted them all around the border.The smell should deter pests. Anyway, I think they look lovely anyway, no matter what job they are put there to do. Here's one looking all pleased with himself in the sun!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whilst I've been out in the garden enjoying the sunny weather I've also had a nice surprise. This is my strawberries a month ago:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sveHC0vZ6yo/TbaTfk1JWvI/AAAAAAAAAD4/D3ZOxsEUx-o/s1600/DSC00518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sveHC0vZ6yo/TbaTfk1JWvI/AAAAAAAAAD4/D3ZOxsEUx-o/s320/DSC00518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><img height="63" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IcM6mSeDitc/TbaQQfqKsxI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ktisDpaHIXk/s320/DSC00604.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 512px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 529px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />Whilst I was watering them at the weekend, I just noticed that they have flowers appearing! I am so excited, as I actually bought some strawberries from the supermarket last week and they were rubbish. They were all white inside and tasteless. The ones I grew last year were red inside and almost melted in your mouth.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vyqZ5yiKlH8/TbaUxVb7lQI/AAAAAAAAAD8/7oeV6op_DMc/s1600/DSC00619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vyqZ5yiKlH8/TbaUxVb7lQI/AAAAAAAAAD8/7oeV6op_DMc/s320/DSC00619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I am counting the days till I get get some cream on these!<br />
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Thanks for reading my blog xxxgreen fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-67772230636712992392011-04-18T03:23:00.000-07:002011-04-19T02:00:40.129-07:00Trying new things<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003XZY1GS&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1892384000&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>This year I'm growing a few new things in the garden. One of them is kiwi - it looks to be growing pretty well so far. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJePrkZLLC8/TawLJCVa-FI/AAAAAAAAADo/3EoiZYXiE4c/s1600/DSC00529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJePrkZLLC8/TawLJCVa-FI/AAAAAAAAADo/3EoiZYXiE4c/s320/DSC00529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It seems to have come on very quickly. I am growing it in one of the raised beds in my greenhouse. When I first got my greenhouse (my huband built it for me), I opted for having raised beds in there & it was the best thing I ever did. It is so much easier. Here's the greenhouse a few weeks ago, when there was not much in there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HF2hXYq9_4M/TawNh4Q0igI/AAAAAAAAADs/hHAiV4es5rk/s1600/DSC00485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HF2hXYq9_4M/TawNh4Q0igI/AAAAAAAAADs/hHAiV4es5rk/s320/DSC00485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I'll post another photo of it later this year, when everything is in full bloom.<br />
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I'm also growing watermelon this year for the first time - I sowed some seeds about a week ago and they are just starting to sprout. I think they like humid places, so I may cover with some plastic to increase the humidity. <br />
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One of my successes already has been the rhubarb - here's a reminder of what it looked like:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTpmcWTSln4/TZmWGXGkPwI/AAAAAAAAADM/AcfJmb3fklA/s1600/DSC00531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTpmcWTSln4/TZmWGXGkPwI/AAAAAAAAADM/AcfJmb3fklA/s320/DSC00531.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>And let me tell you it tasted wonderful in a crumble I made a few days ago! It was wonderfully tender!<br />
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To stew the rhubarb I cut up, then added a little honey (not too much to overpower the rhubarb though), sugar and orange juice - very nice! When I make crumble I always add a little ginger to the crumble mixture and I think it goes really well with rhubarb too. I need to start looking at more rhubarb recipes now, as I've got quite a lot to harvest. Any good ones, let me know.<br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
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3F5Q9W37N62Ygreen fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-17937097695522010372011-04-04T03:48:00.000-07:002011-04-04T03:48:42.750-07:00rhubarb's coming up trumps<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000UW0AS0&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>If you've been following me on twitter, you might have read that I have been running out of pots to cover my rhubarb with. I have used 4 plantpots, each one increasing in size and gradually they all became too small.<br />
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Someone then kindly recommended I place a dustbin over it - so I have. Before I did so, I took a new photo:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTpmcWTSln4/TZmWGXGkPwI/AAAAAAAAADM/AcfJmb3fklA/s1600/DSC00531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTpmcWTSln4/TZmWGXGkPwI/AAAAAAAAADM/AcfJmb3fklA/s400/DSC00531.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>I think some of it looks about ready now, so I'm going to be using some this week for certain. I last put a picture of the rhubarb on here about two weeks ago, so it is amazing how quick it grows, as it was only just coming out of the ground before. <br />
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I also spent some time this week getting new compost out of the compost bin. Here it is tumbling out at the bottom:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ2dZnWd5OI/TZmaj9QiNGI/AAAAAAAAADQ/P10t1nt7kPo/s1600/DSC00538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ2dZnWd5OI/TZmaj9QiNGI/AAAAAAAAADQ/P10t1nt7kPo/s320/DSC00538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And here's my dog Mischief having a good old sniff of it:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vA6L58h-kmU/TZmgqGZXHnI/AAAAAAAAADc/3s6nuWIRi7U/s1600/DSC00540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vA6L58h-kmU/TZmgqGZXHnI/AAAAAAAAADc/3s6nuWIRi7U/s320/DSC00540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The only thing that didn't seem to have composted properly was mango - don't know why?<br />
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Anyway, I've got lots of work to be getting on with this week, I expect the compost won't last me long!green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-73961067307687625612011-03-29T09:23:00.000-07:002011-03-29T09:23:26.429-07:00The start of something good.<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001LA4PI6&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Now that Spring is officially here and the clocks have changed (so lighter nights), it feels like the start of something good. Lots of seeds have been planted and are now starting to appear and it feels really exciting. I've tried some leeks this year (first time) and I am so happy to see the little mites growing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqBpZQYRt5U/TZIEEkgohkI/AAAAAAAAADE/GeXpO1NKVx0/s1600/DSC00512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqBpZQYRt5U/TZIEEkgohkI/AAAAAAAAADE/GeXpO1NKVx0/s320/DSC00512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I can't believe that these tiny things are going to grow into leeks. I've got a section all ready for them in the raised bed. One of my friends also grew them in piping, as that encouraged them to be "whiter", so I think I'll have a go at that too. They used plastic piping. I've also heard that you can store them in sand afterwards (although I think I'm jumping ahead a little there!)<br />
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I've sown lots of flowers too, to use as companions, so that the pests will not be attracted to my veg. My favourite ones are marigolds, as they are such sunny characters. They are popping up a little too:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lop187oLPFc/TZIGBiDXqPI/AAAAAAAAADI/xof3sQOQCKI/s1600/DSC00490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lop187oLPFc/TZIGBiDXqPI/AAAAAAAAADI/xof3sQOQCKI/s320/DSC00490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I like to plant them as a boarder on the edge of all my raised beds. <br />
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I really must take another picture of my rhubarb for the blog too, as it's doing tremendously well. I had put 4 different pots on there (each larger than the other) and it still keeps growing. Yesterday, I put a massive bag type thing over it that I usually use when weeding - it was the only thing I could think of that was big enough. I'll upload a photo in the next couple of days. <br />
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Thanks to everyone who has commented on the blog - it's brilliant to get ideas / thoughts from others.green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-32129478801751398512011-03-23T04:03:00.000-07:002011-03-25T04:54:17.544-07:00Sprout Tops<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0032GE5ZU&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I spent some time yesterday clearing out some 'old' plants to make way for some new ones. I had a bed of brussel sprouts that I had eaten all the sprouts from but left the plants in the bed. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rrVMk3GHtG4/TYnLm4B45YI/AAAAAAAAAC0/DAi-4iOEFpY/s1600/DSC00507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rrVMk3GHtG4/TYnLm4B45YI/AAAAAAAAAC0/DAi-4iOEFpY/s320/DSC00507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I was then able to use all the leaves from the sprouts tops in a similar way to cabbage. I've now cut it all up & frozen it in bags. Each bag has four portions in it, so will do us for a meal. I managed to fill 20 bags up yesterday, so that should keep us going for a while. Last night we had some cooked with leeks at tea-time. It's also good stir fried with some garlic. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's what it looked like on the chopping board - </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CUgOUPAnP7A/TYnS2iBwNDI/AAAAAAAAADA/XyqcVcYBjYE/s1600/DSC00519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CUgOUPAnP7A/TYnS2iBwNDI/AAAAAAAAADA/XyqcVcYBjYE/s320/DSC00519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>It's good to use up parts of a vegetable that might otherwise be thrown away! I also composted the stalks of the sprouts, so it's all been put to good use. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">All I need to do now is get on with planting the potatoes in the bed I took the sprouts from!</div>green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-15644693538132222932011-03-19T08:15:00.000-07:002011-03-22T04:32:53.923-07:00Rhubarb Forcing<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000UW0AS0&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Last year I planted some rhubarb. I heard that the first year, you should not use it, but let it die back down & then it will be better the year after. I was sooo tempted to cut some off (just one pie or crumble), but I didn't. I am pleased to say that this year it has come back (hopefully bigger & better than last year!).<br />
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Last week on Gardener's World, Monty Don talked about forcing rhubarb, so that's what I've decided to do. I have put a large pot over it & am awaiting the gloriously tasty stems! Here's what it looked like this week, before I covered it up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iv2AHnoR7Wk/TYTH_i4Im6I/AAAAAAAAACM/1cSyJKQjopM/s1600/DSC00494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iv2AHnoR7Wk/TYTH_i4Im6I/AAAAAAAAACM/1cSyJKQjopM/s320/DSC00494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I'll keep adding photos each time I have a sneaky look at it!<br />
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I'm in the right area for growing rhubarb, as only a few miles away from me is the Rhubarb Triangle in Wakefield, where they are famous for growing rhubarb indoors in sheds.green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-59098306311409880792011-03-18T10:33:00.000-07:002011-03-18T10:33:49.284-07:00New plants on the way!<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0002Y8EVG&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>At least some of my plants think Spring is on its way. This year, I am trying to grow a tayberry. I've never had one before, but I think it is supposed to be a cross between a raspberry and a gooseberry (or is it a blackberry & a gooseberry)? I've often seen them when we've been on holiday to Hereford & always wanted to grow some. I ordered one last year and it's now sprouting!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kieXEjD72eM/TYOW406wfEI/AAAAAAAAACI/TDFniEzUT7I/s1600/DSC00491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kieXEjD72eM/TYOW406wfEI/AAAAAAAAACI/TDFniEzUT7I/s320/DSC00491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I'm excited to see what it will be like - would be good to know if anyone has had them before. I guess you use them in the same way as blackberries etc?green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-55132636951393692602011-03-16T07:57:00.000-07:002011-03-16T07:57:59.743-07:00Born horticulturalist - Jo Thompson<a href="http://www.jothompson-garden-design.co.uk/blog/index.php/2011/03/born-horticulturalist/comment-page-1/#comment-334">Born horticulturalist - Jo Thompson</a><br /><br />Love the sketch of the garden on here...green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-42441591082163904452011-03-16T05:14:00.000-07:002011-03-16T05:14:39.927-07:00What a grey day!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Pbo3bcs_Tsk/TYCmu2-pWlI/AAAAAAAAACA/-dc6b5xMS1g/s1600/DSC00472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Pbo3bcs_Tsk/TYCmu2-pWlI/AAAAAAAAACA/-dc6b5xMS1g/s320/DSC00472.JPG" width="320" /></a>What a grey day! Misty again - this is how is looked when I took the dog out for a walk this morning. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Not great is it? Where are the lovely spring days?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">It was wet & miserable. I usually let the dog off the lead, but kept him on it today, as I thought if I let him run about, I'll end up not being able to see him!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DDQSKWJgYGQ/TYCoQpD4-KI/AAAAAAAAACE/lT8TavE5pME/s1600/DSC00475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DDQSKWJgYGQ/TYCoQpD4-KI/AAAAAAAAACE/lT8TavE5pME/s320/DSC00475.JPG" width="320" /></a>He still enjoyed it though, so that's all that matters! Fingers crossed for blue sky tomorrow!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-39775990803415456642011-03-16T04:57:00.000-07:002011-03-16T04:57:05.020-07:00If you go down to the woods today...<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0762404442&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Spent yesterday afternoon helping out at local primary school. We were working on our woodland garden. Lots of jobs to do, so everyone was kept busy.<br />
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On Monday morning, the children made a hedgehog house from the wood I took in, so that's looking good.<br />
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The area is looking great - we have cleared lots of space & made a great winding path through there. There are a lot of old tree trunks, so we are going to make a round seating area using those - should be a great outdoor learning area.<br />
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I worked with a group of children on a mosaic - we collected stones of all shapes & sizes, cleaned them up & then painted them in really bright colours. Should be ready to put the mosaic together next week.<br />
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The woodland garden is already starting to look bright, as the daffodils are out in force & look wonderful.<br />
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The children really enjoyed themselves & it was a great way to spend the afternoon.green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-39476080162656117172011-03-15T09:48:00.000-07:002011-03-15T09:48:18.689-07:00End of month view, Feb 2011<a href="http://blog.shirlsgardenwatch.co.uk/2011/03/end-of-month-view-feb-2011.html">End of month view, Feb 2011</a><br /><br />Lovely pics on here.green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-42375642122985562192011-03-15T03:53:00.000-07:002011-03-15T03:53:31.523-07:00Getting ready for the woodland garden.<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0038R0S3G&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>We have taken quite a bit of wood into school this morning. We will be using it this afternoon, when we start making a hedgehog house for our woodland garden.<br />
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The children have already started to help cut some of the wood up and we will be going into the woods today to start work.<br />
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We are also looking to create a mosaic in the woodland garden today, from stones that we find there. <br />
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Looks like a busy day!green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-74651072550019285312011-03-11T03:26:00.000-08:002011-03-11T03:26:40.049-08:00Two Plant-Related Children’s Books<a href="http://www.coldclimategardening.com/2011/03/10/two-plant-related-childrens-books/">Two Plant-Related Children’s Books</a>green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-19210616521218727902011-03-11T03:12:00.000-08:002011-03-11T03:12:51.506-08:00Woodland garden<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1568999879&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>I volunteer at a local school & am helping them to create a woodland garden. This week, we have been planning a few things:<br />
<ul><li>how to make a hedgehog house</li>
<li>how to make a mosaic from stones</li>
<li>how to decorate the fences</li>
<li>how to make the pond area safe for children</li>
</ul><br />
Early days yet, but I just collected up some wood suitable for outdoor use (my husband is a joiner, so we always have lots of spare wood!). Delivered to school this morning. I think we'll have enough wood to make some bird boxes too. We need to find some more out about what food to give the hedgehog (I tink cat food is OK?). We also heard that rather than put straw in the house, you should put shredded paper, so we're going to borrow the shredder from the school office to gather lots. <br />
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The children are really excited about it all.green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-69719080398002591972011-03-11T03:01:00.000-08:002011-03-11T03:01:45.291-08:00May the North wind blow!<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000NCTGQE&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Thought I'd do a bit more planting up yesterday in the Greenhouse, but had not expected such a strong wind! It was terrible, I felt like I was Dorothy from Kanvas, about to be taken to the Land of Oz. <br />
<br />
It must have been warmer, because windows in there had opened (there was some sun). But, it just 'felt' so cold, I didn't stay there for long.<br />
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I watered all the newly planted seeds, did some weeding and made a quick exit indoors! What a softie!green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-31373815679993691252011-03-07T03:25:00.000-08:002011-03-08T02:34:22.836-08:00oh, hello friend: you are loved.<a href="http://www.ohhellofriendblog.com/">oh, hello friend: you are loved.</a><br />
One of the great blogs of note.green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-26541325937191127862011-03-06T06:09:00.000-08:002011-03-06T06:09:16.990-08:00Mischief<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=greenfingemum-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000KHN5A0&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Here's a couple of pics of my dog Mischief - we go out walking in the fields each day and this is him one day last summer:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4LfAdXtHSow/TXOVEdJcG0I/AAAAAAAAAB4/BFDwXsuqMfU/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4LfAdXtHSow/TXOVEdJcG0I/AAAAAAAAAB4/BFDwXsuqMfU/s320/IMG_0113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zopvMBtztAI/TXOVQAAuqII/AAAAAAAAAB8/r3tOtBlfaYQ/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zopvMBtztAI/TXOVQAAuqII/AAAAAAAAAB8/r3tOtBlfaYQ/s320/IMG_0116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-29258006981548397782011-03-03T03:05:00.000-08:002011-03-03T03:05:41.369-08:00Reasons to be Cheerful . . .<a href="http://www.growyourownclub.co.uk/uncategorized/reasons-to-be-cheerful/">Reasons to be Cheerful . . .</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Just found this great blog from Suttons!green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8868495542278234343.post-12378107760809915462011-03-03T03:03:00.000-08:002011-03-03T03:03:54.659-08:00it's c c c cold even in the greenhouse todayHave spent a few hours in the greenhouse today and let me tell you, it was cold even in there.<br />
<br />
Nice to see some things I planted around 3 weeks ago growing though - the leeks are just coming up, as are the marigolds too. Planted some lobelia seeds, but nothing showing there yet.<br />
<br />
Have managed to get a few things planted today:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>trailing lobelia</li>
<li>salvia</li>
<li>sweet peas (these will go with my runner beans to encourage bees)</li>
</ul>I also have an olive tree that I planted into the raised bed in my greenhouse today.<br />
<br />
I grew some pak choi in the greenhouse over winter & now I have loads of it ready - am going to have to try to find a few recipes on what to do with it!<br />
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Have come inside to get a bit warmer with a cup of tea, although no rest for the wicked as I have to now go out & walk the dog - brrr!!!green fingers mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15644326343694654657noreply@blogger.com4