10 May 2008 - Confetti and weeds

Apologies for late posting but hopefully our readers will understand - and even perhaps rejoice for us after reading this post.

We were away the weekend before so Saturday 10 May saw us putting in a lot of hours on the plot. Glorious sunny weather made us sweat somewhat but it was worth it.

Because the weather had made everything start to grow (except some notable exceptions - see below), including the border weeds around our pathways, we took drastic action by spreading black plastic topped with (free) clippings to make weedproof paths and borders within the main perimeter. We simply cannot face having to hack back weeds every time we visit. It is a job well done in the end.

We still have to trim weeds nonetheless, with the aid of Pat's trusty strimmer and shears. But a lot less daunting than before.

Aside from weeds, everything looks happy. The first early potatoes are coming through nicely, as are the seeds I planted in the seedbed a while back (purple sprouting broccoli, winter cabbage and kale).

And as for the broccoli and sunflower seedlings, they are terrific. Much better than the ones we sowed at home earlier and moved to the plot, though the broccoli thus transplanted to bed 4 is doing well too. It is covered with enviromesh to defeat the White Cabbage Butterfly.

The peas required some remedial work as we abandoned the twiggy stick approach for a more formal set of small bamboo frames covered in netting. These have been covered by fruit netting, and the peas look heavenly.

Carrots and onions are now beginning to be distinguishable from the weeds. We have diligently hoed the beds to keep the weeds out as far as possible - little and often is the old adage.

The sweet peas planted in the cold a few weeks back are sprouting in the Pagoda and the strawberries are flowering. The summer raspberries are showing signs of growth.

We are concerned about one of our apple trees which appeared to be far too attractive to ants - indeed we have loads of ants and are unsure whether they are Good or Bad. We hope the former.

Another concern are the beans and corn planted by Louis a couple of weeks before. No sign at all of the latter, and only 2 of the beans have appeared. We think Mr Mouse has been at them, because the weather has been too good for there not to be sprouting. We have had to revert to Plan B and sow some emergency beans and corn at home. If necessary we will buy some corn seedlings so that we can still do our 3 sisters planting in bed 3 which now has 4 fat courgette seedlings installed in readiness.

At home we have butternut squash seedlings, giant pumpkin seedlings, various leeks and other goodies donated to us by Pat and Jan, and the good folk of St Stephens Garden Club at the annual bring and buy sale. We proudly conveyed a tiny tray of 4 sunflower seedlings, 2 giant pumpkin plants, 3 modest leeks and 2 courgettes. To our amazement, we actually sold some of these to Mr G though we did purchase some of his amazing leek seedlings. (I can see that we are going to turn into a mini-Leek Farm. We do like a leek. Not sure where they are all going to go.)

And so to our big news. Such is our love of the plot that we chose to include it in our Wedding Day Schedule. Yes, gentle readers, our knot was duly tied on May Day and we happily lurched to the plot - N in his new matrimonial jumper - to celebrate and so our witnesses (The Neighbours) and Oscar Dog could chuck confetti around.

We are grateful to Derek (aka Allotment Association Chair) who kindly took a photo for us after we interrupted his peaceful afternoon. We will probably be chucked off the Association now for unbecoming behaviour. Thanks are due to The Neighbours for being great witnesses and true friends.

We are now Mr and Mrs Plotholder! Vive la mariage! Apres moi la deluge! (Or maybe not.)