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| aptly name apple Sunset |
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| achocha vines |
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| achocha |
I've been working hard down at the allotment following the summer of shame. It was daunting to say the least, but a few hours later I'm feeling much cheerier about it all. The asparagus has been cut back, apples picked, beans taken down.
Caro let me have some achocha seeds last year and they did beautifully. The pods are scrumptious eaten while really small in salad. I've taken them out now though in a great clean sweep, and I've forked over the majority of the plot and removed horsetail and bindweed. Not all of it of course, it will be back, but for now it's looking good.
There are far fewer buzzing things down there this week. The pictures of the hornet are from a fortnight ago. There were all sorts of things enjoying the ivy in the hedge. They're hunkering down now that it's getting colder and damper.
By the end of the week I'm hoping that the plot will be under control and ready for the dormant period. I shall be very relieved when it is.
You've worked so hard! Think how good it'll feel in a couple of weeks, when the weather is cold and you've put the allotment to bed for the winter, and you can sit back and relax, enjoy a rest. Lots of time to eat all that lovely produce and knit and read. Xx
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of achocha before but I think it sounds really interesting. You've done so much on the allotment! You can rest now and dream about next year's crop. Hopefully it will be a better season for you. Enjoy the "extra" time in your life. :)
ReplyDeleteBravo on your hard work to clear the decks on your plot. You can rest easy when it's done and go into hibernation like your plants. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteWell done on getting all that plotting done. Good pictures, those apples look delicious. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteIt is satisfying when it's done isn't it?
ReplyDeleteWhen we were out and about last week every time we passed a hedge of ivy all we could hear was buzzing coming from it.
Would you recommend acocha then?
They're certainly prolific. We liked them eaten really small, and they certainly add visual interest to a salad. The taste was pleasant - mild and not dissimilar to cucumber. The vines do take off and ramble for miles. Easy to remove at the end of the season though. So, yes, they're definitely worth a try.
DeleteThe pictures are idyllic. It certainly is a great feeling to be on top of your plot, it saves such a lot of time come the Spring.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, did your oca grow?
ReplyDeleteThe tops of the oca have grown beautifully. I dug one up about a month ago and there was absolutely nothing in the way of tubers though! I'm leaving the other four until at least November in the hopes that something will develop below ground. I'll let you know!
DeleteI never heard of achocas, I quite fancy trying one. The wasps really love ivy flowers, don't they? I am glad are are in love with your allotment once more. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's always hugely satisfying post-clear-up to know that you've got on top of the situation. Well done :-) Your sunset apple looks lovely. We're going to Brogdale this weekend to look at apples and pears for the garden as we'd like to plant a few more in the newly cleared areas. I heard about one on R4 Food Programme - Hoary Morning - which sounds lovely. Sam x
ReplyDeleteThe apple looks delightful dear Claire and I'm sure it will taste delicious. I admire your hard work and dedication to your allotment, it must be very rewarding to grow so much of your fruit and vegetables, so fresh and nutritious. Do you grow Winter vegetables such as swedes, leeks, parsnips etc. or do you let the soil rest over Winter?Enjoy your break.
ReplyDeletexoxoxo ♡
It must be a lovely feeling to know that you're nearly on top of the allotment now. I really must get out and try to weed my veggie patch; they're taking over! I've never heard of achocha before - it sounds interesting. xx
ReplyDeleteSuch delightful apples! I used to overwinter my garden by scattering rye on it and raking in lightly, It grows quickly and covers the soil, but dies with the first freeze, sort of a weed barrier that turns into compost without much help from me! And if it's thick enough cover it prohibits weed growth in the spring too.
ReplyDeleteJust finished cleaning up my garden too, although it's nowhere the size of yours.
Amazing close-up of that hornet!
ReplyDeleteSo much work☺ Love the photos so much ♥
ReplyDeleteWow, it sounds like a lot of hard work at the allotment. The photos are really great!
ReplyDeleteI did some weeding two weekends ago and now I have poison oak on my arm and neck, I feel like scratching my skin off. See what happens when I try to get some control outside?
ReplyDeleteMeredith
I admire you. What a wonderful feeling to be picking the fruits of your labour. Do stop beating yourself up that you haven't put in much time this year. Mothers are busy people, and spending time with the children now is important. The allotment will probably still be around in five or ten years. Your children's childhood won't be...
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great!
One of the very positive things about gardening is how quickly you can make a difference and create order and tidiness out of something that looks a wreck! It gives me a sense of satisfaction and I can hear in your words it's done the same for you xx
ReplyDeleteI think this should be called Weed by Bloody Weed. But I hate gardening. It will be great when it's done x
ReplyDeleteHello I have been very interested to see your blog. I have just acquired an allotment myself (having never done any gardening at all) and this will be a lovely place to come for some inspiration. I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew... ;)
ReplyDeleteHello I have been very interested to see your blog. I have just acquired an allotment myself (having never done any gardening at all) and this will be a lovely place to come for some inspiration. I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew... ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, well done on all the hard graft (I could do with taking a leaf out of your book as I've really gone off the boil as far as gardening is concerned). Could just sink my pearlies in that first apple. It looks so perfectly plumptious.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are feeling happier about the allotment after you had done all that work to get it into order. Maybe next season it will be more enjoyable. Sarah x
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