Dear readers, I feel as though I have neglected you as I have my garden. You see, I long for the days when blogging was just someone writing and sharing a few lovely photos. I really don't care for the social media aspect. I spent a previous life pouring over stats, clicks, and followers. It made me anxious.
The garden still remains very much in my plans. 2020 was a mishmash of a year. We had submitted a mortgage application before ol' Boris called for a lockdown. Now, we have finally moved in (late December, no less) all that is a distant memory.
I write this on a dark and wet Friday afternoon, sat at the eight-seater table we totally thought was a good idea to buy, candlelit and The Food Programme on. I've been put back on furlough, although only at 80% this time. I feel a huge sense of relief because I am actually in our house. The garden was one challenge - nailing down contractors is another!
We decided to set-up a polytunnel back in September, thinking we could try and grow some winter salad, spinach, and herbs while the cold sets in. Outside, we put down some boxes and I planted lots of onions and radish. Then a cat had a poop in one box, so lessons were learned there. Now that the land is clear, those furry little tyrants have pooped everywhere. I can never be mad at them for long because they are cute.
After adding cat poop to our list of garden annoyances, wind also needs a mention. We are situated on the west coast of the UK - a storm will always find us. The polytunnel blew away twice and is damaged beyond repair. Perhaps we have it positioned too far down the bottom? For now, we are setting that dream aside. Now that we have a back garden to work from, the plan is to start things there, before transporting them to the main garden.
I am now researching what I need to do ready for March. I keep hearing about March being the time to plant stuff. I have no seeds yet, so I really need to get on that. I have been studying Huw Richards' book Grow Food for Free, which has been very helpful. I don't think we will build a compost bin just yet, but eventually, we will buy one to start off in the back garden and go from there.
In the meantime, I am working very hard to ensure I buy package-free produce and eating seasonally. I'm slowly moving over to seasonal cooking, trying out Nigel Slater's Greenfeast first. During the last lockdown, I started buying a locally made oat milk, which came in a glass bottle. It was great when I had every day off to go to the local deli to exchange the bottle for another. Then I went back to working five days a week, with nowhere close to do an exchange. Then I realised there was nowhere more local than my own kitchen, so I just made it there instead. The oaty discard makes for great pancakes as well. A win for my pocket and my stomach.
My goals for this year still remain on two things: the house and the garden. Like last year, the things we had booked have already been cancelled. I really hope the summer concerts I've booked go ahead. To be able to stand in a field with friends and watch live music seems like such a treat now.
In the meantime, I need to hit the books and get planting. No doubt my tomatoes will arrive before the electrician does.
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