Hasn't the weather been glorious? Or at least, I hope it's been glorious with you. I had a spring clean of the allotment shed yesterday. It was hugely enjoyable. Probably because it wasn't backbreaking weeding. The mice had made a horrible mess of some bags of pellets for the wormery. I ended up emptying every last thing out of the shed and sweeping out the whole thing, as well as the cobwebs. It's all nice and neat in there now. Not one of those wonderful photogenic sheds you see on glossier blogs than mine, but a working allotment shed full of useful things. There's even a wonderful old lawnmower in there. I don't use it much, but I love it, I inherited it with the shed and it belongs in there. I like to keep a sense of the previous owner. The stripey seat was his as well. He had the plot for 45 years and it was apparently quite spectacular. Award winning in fact. It's scruffier now, but productive and loved. I planted a white rose while I was there, and put up a bird box.
I read this moving post on Countryside Tales' blog the other day. The next morning on the school run I was incensed to see trees had been cut down in a local playing field for no apparent reason. It looks so bare there now. We like to look for birds on our way to school, it's quite soothing in what can be a stressful time. Whatever else is going on, the birds are still singing and going about their business. One of the trees was a beautiful lilac, which blooms around the time of the littlest boy's birthday. You can see the flowers and the trees in pictures 3, 5 and 7 of this post. Suffice to say I am hopping mad.
We spent the afternoon at the country park. It's been deliciously mild and sunny. I know it won't last, but we've had a good few days.
I bought a plum tree this morning for £4. I didn't mean to, but somehow the littlest boy attached himself to it and wouldn't let go. It was a sad thing, left behind in a box of bare root trees at Aldi. It had been there a while and was dried out and broken. Honestly, I'm such a soft touch. The others persuaded me to get two boxes of Tunnock's tea cakes. The littlest boy was quite pleased that while the big brothers had six tea cakes each, he would have a lifetime of plums. There's an ancient saying to that effect I think. I soaked it in water for several hours as soon as I got it home, and now it's in nice damp soil in a pot. I've no idea if it will survive or not. I do hope so, it will make the littlest boy very happy.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend. CJ xx
I wonder who had the nerve to cut those trees down? But take heart - lilacs come back even after a severe pruning.. but it will take years to bloom again if they didn't kill it.. as the flowers come out of 2nd year wood. I have 7 lilacs here and would never dream of removing one.. but pruning is good for them. The weather has been glorious here for weeks and weeks.. I love it so much! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteI really, really like his attitude about the plum tree. It's surprisingly prescient for a boy his age. He will be glad for his choice for a long time to come. I'm amazed at your rosebush! It's tall and leafy already. I just pruned mine yesterday, I'm hoping I wasn't too late.
ReplyDeleteIsn't this a spectacular story, and your littlest is a wise soul isn't he? That plum tree just needs to grow, speak to it often and tell it that it is loved. I just hate it when trees get cut down, I almost feel like they are in pain. I even hate when they are trimmed up, I know I am a bit nuts. I had a big clean out of my back garden today. I have several more plants to cut back before I can plant some flowers.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you,
Meredith
That is so sad about the trees being cut down. I hope your little rescued plum tree grows into a beautiful tree and produces lots of fruit for your littlest boy, he is wise to choose it. I love rescuing forgotten plants, I somehow feel sorry for them and hate to see their potential wasted. Some of my most beautiful purchases have come from plants that have been neglected through lack of watering or are going to be thrown away. They live on in my garden rewarding me with their beautiful flowers.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photographs dear C.J.you live in a beautiful part of the world.
Hugs xoxoxo
I do so hope your plum tree does wonderfully CJ! And your shed is fantastic! And it looks so tidy and clean!!! I am scared to open up my shed when it warms up! Like you I feel a connection to plants...like they have feelings and souls too. I don't understand why folks cut them down for no reason. Here is to the glorious weather by you friend! Wishing you a lovely weekend! Nicole xo
ReplyDeleteWell done for spring cleaning the shed - I've got to do the same to my greenhouse today - probably not as successfully though! Have hope for your son's little plum tree; we did the same with a eucalyptus tree years ago - bought it because it looked practically dead and the girls felt sorry for it - and it recovered in spectacular fashion. Much as I like Tunnock's Teacakes, I feel your youngest will have the better deal. Enjoy the sun. x
ReplyDeleteWe have had beautiful weather here too. We spent yesterday at the beach! Hope your plum tree grows and grows. I love your son's theory on the matter.
ReplyDeleteWell done with the shed spring clean. Ours is long overdue. I might post a photo on my allotment blog if I have the energy to get it going again.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely about your son's attachment to the plum tree. With that amount of love expended on it, perhaps it has a good chance.
I was just exclaiming what a beautifully photogenic and delightful shed it was, and feeling rather envious! Its lovely to keep something of its former owner, I found a very bent and old rake whilst digging my patch, along with some rusty chain, these hang in my shed, and feel quite right. Plum blossom and white roses, the thought nearly eclipses the sunny green wooden door.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it lovely to have good weather and then start the spring clean. Well done on the shed! I will be venturing into my greenhouse later and no doubt there will be piercing screams as hidden spiders dart out of the shadows... ((shudder)). I dread the day when we will move house as my son's apple tree will be left behind and no doubt chopped down by any new owner. It saddens me why trees can't just be left, especially if they are doing no harm. I hope your son's plum tree gives him years of enjoyment, just as my son's has. Take care xx
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled for littlest boy and his plum tree. I do hope it grows well and gives him lots of fruit for years to come :) It's been beautiful weather here too.
ReplyDeleteHow satisfying to get your shed all clean and tidy. It was a lovely day for doing just that yesterday, wasn't it? I'm sure the rescued plum tree will rally round with a bit of TLC. What a shame about the trees, especially the lilac. We have one in our small garden and the scent is just amazing. xx
ReplyDeleteThe weather has been glorious here too, it brightens life up just a little bit. Such a shame about the trees being cut down, I assume there was a reason? I love lilac, we have a huge one in our garden, I'd hate to see it disappear.
ReplyDeleteI hate it when trees are chopped for no good reason too and I hope the plum repays your son's rescue.
ReplyDeleteHi CJ, so sorry to hear about the trees. There seems to be quite a bit of hedge trimming going on around here at the moment and I'm sure it's the wrong time. What about the nesting birds?.....I don't like to think about it.
ReplyDeleteAt least there's a stretch of protected hedgerow near us that's alive with birdsong at the moment.
Love your shed....we had the same stripy deck chair when I was little.
Jacquie x
Now that's quite a dilemma isn't it, a box of Tunnock's teacakes or a plum tree. I'm sad to say that the teacakes would probably win me over. How sad that those trees have been cut down, especially when there's no apparent reason for it. We had a beautiful day yesterday, though it was a little windy but it's dull and drizzly here today, I knew it wouldn't last.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact your youngest son wanted that sad, homeless plum tree. And I also love the picture of one of your sons high up in a tree. I have such fond memories of climbing trees when I was young, and I don't think children nowadays get to do it often enough. Thanks for the link to the post on cutting down trees.
ReplyDeleteAn enjoyable post and wonderful pictures. I do like your shed with the split door. What a shame about the trees.
ReplyDeleteThanks, and you too. xx
I would be angry to lose a beautiful lilac tree too. They are so beautiful and smell so good.
ReplyDeleteYour littlest is quite a wise boy. I hope his little plum tree survives.
We had a grey and overcast day yesterday and, for us, quite chilly. But, today it is going to be almost summery and I think we will probably get out for a good, long walk.
Pleased to see you kept the can of 3 in 1 oil when you cleaned out the shed. Always comes in handy down on the plot when you find that lost pair of secateurs that have been in the compost bin for a couple of years.
ReplyDeleteI'm rooting for the plum tree! (sorry for the pun...) your son sounds like a sweetheart. Sorry to hear about the lilac tree, there is much that is mad in the world
ReplyDeleteHey CJ,
ReplyDeleteYes CT's post had a similar effect on me too. And I am angry for you on the loss of the trees. But I wholly admire your allotment shed (I don't have one) and your youngest is just adorable for saving the plum tree. Bravo that boy! I think he deserves a Tunnock's don't you?
Leanne xx
Well done on your shed clean up....spring has indeed shown itself in my neck of the woods too, daffs, snowdrops and blue skies galore. Our school run is a 10 minute walk through suburbia, where only magpies and manky pigeons are to be seen...plenty of tits and robins visit our garden though along with a green woodpecker when the mood takes him....have a good week xxx
ReplyDeleteI am keeping my fingers crossed for the sad little plum tree. Maybe it'll grow into a majestic happy tree one day. I have a soft spot for Tunnocks tea cakes and can absolutely not have them in the house. I like the look of your garden shed, it looks just right. Have a lovely week. Cx
ReplyDeleteI bought a cheapo plum tree about 3 or 4 years ago from QD - I didn't hold out much hope as the tap root had been cut off to fit into a little pot. But lo and behold it has done really well and last summer I had an amazing first crop. Good idea to soak it first. I'm sure your son made the right choice, amazing!
ReplyDeleteGreat shed too, mine isn't much bigger. It's so nice having a little shed (my plot didn't have one, I bought it from someone who was giving up their plot a few years back). Mine needs a tidy and sweep out though!
Hmm it's a shame about the trees but hopefully there was a good reason for it. I've been starting to reduce a huge buddliea that's in an awkward place taking up lots of space, but am doing it gradually over a few years so it's not suddenly bare, and planting up elder trees nearby as cover and habitat for the future.
I should've also said that I'm not planning on getting rid of the buddliea, but just trying to make it a more manageable size so it doesnt dominate the plot so much. The prunings have gone in to habitat piles rather than a bonfire, good for little beasties plus not releasing carbon into the atmosphere unnecessarily. Some of the prunings are also useful as plant supports etc :) eventually I hope to get it to a state that I'll pollard it regularly to keep it providing useful sticks but also good for wildlife. Oops sorry, didn't mean to go on about it so much!
DeleteYou're ace, CJ. I love hearing what you and your boys have been up to. Good luck with that plum tree, and I think your shed is pretty photogenic as it is.
ReplyDeleteHere endeth the comment bombing and have a cracking good week, lovely lady. xx
The world needs more tree huggers CJ - glad you're doing your part! Love the turquoise color of your shed. I always fret about Hanta virus when I'm sweeping the mouse poop out of our shed.
ReplyDeleteglorious weather here too. I'm with the teacake boys, and could easily demolish a pack right now :)
ReplyDeleteJillxo
fingers crossed for the plum tree xxx
ReplyDeleteHey CJ,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to my tree post. Sad to hear about your park trees, I suppose there is a chance they had a disease but it does seem strange to take all down. Your shed looks great and as for your littlest lad and his plum tree, that is a such a lovely story. Hopefully, the little tree will respond to all the TLC and reward you with blossom and plums before you know it. Have a good week my friend x
I love your shed CJ, it's a proper working shed and I love the fact that you've kept a couple of things left by the previous owner, a shed with history is even better. Shame about the trees in the playing field but I hope your little plum tree takes to its new home and thrives. Have a great week. Jane xx
ReplyDeleteA lovely blog, that's how sheds should be, used and loved and personal to their owner. So sad about the trees being cut down. I love your youngest's approach to his plum tree, to be encouraged, a life time of love of trees makes such a difference. keeping everything crossed the tree makes it :)
ReplyDeleteI hope your plum tree decides that life's worth living! And it might in some small way compensate for those others being cut down. It's always so sad when they do that.
ReplyDeleteThe park in my childhood village was 'improved' by way of decimating most of the plants and trees and it looked terrible, as though it had been scalped. All those memories, all those little habitats... I suspect there was no consultation with anyone prior to the cull.
I like your approach to the shed. It's so lovely to have reminders of the people who've inhabited our spaces before us.
And Tunnocks teacakes - I do love them. A bit too much.
Have a great week.
S x
It is a shame about the lilac, I hope that your plum will do well though and add some cheer! xx
ReplyDeleteWe had glorious weather too. I hate seeing trees cut down.. it's so sad :( Hope your plum tree does well :o) xx
ReplyDeleteI love how you keep a sense of the previous owner. It must have been so nice to spend some time preparing your allotment for a new season. Also, thanks for the tips about the blueberry plant! I'll have to look into the odds of one growing well here in Southern California.
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice when the weather is beautiful... It always makes me happy. I'm so happy for you to have the time to start preparing for spring and summer.
ReplyDeleteYay for plum trees and tunnocks tea cakes -- I love how pretty and inviting they look in their wrappers! I hope the tree survives too. I love your soft touch. I can feel it's nurture and nature from here. Enjoy the weather and the beginning of a new planting season!
ReplyDeletePhoto favorite of the day is the boys and/in the tree.
I hate it when trees are cut down for no apparent reason...it's so sad to see. I do hope something is planted in their place.
ReplyDeletethank you for another virtual trip to the english countryside. your photos are beautiful and so thoughtful.
ReplyDeletei mourn cut down trees too. hopefully your plum tree will start to make amends for the senseless loss.
I hope the plum tree survives. It would be great to have plums every year.
ReplyDeleteI hate to see trees cut down, especially lilacs which are my favourites. I do hope your plum tree makes it - I have several shrubs in my garden which I bought at reduced prices because they looked on their last legs, and years later they're thriving. Tunnock's Teacakes are delicious - my youngest used to be mad about them. Now you've put the idea in my head maybe I'll pick some up for old time's sake :)
ReplyDeleteCathy x
I'm amazed at the persistence of mice - in our garage they even gnawed through a tupperware box to get at bird seed! Umm, I'm with the Tunnock's tea cakes and love the photo of son in the tree!
ReplyDeleteCaz xx
I have just crossed all fingers and toes for the plum tree. I like the sound of your smallest chap.
ReplyDeleteToo many trees in play areas are being cut down to avoid climbing children falling from them, or eating something from them they shouldn't, or not fall prey to some other imagined danger. No doubt 'tree' will one day disappear from the Oxford Junior Dictionary along with 'acorn', 'buttercup' and 'conker'.