Wednesday 7th March 2007

What a fantastic day today! The weather was perfect for digging, and The Captain and his trusty aide Winston did the business. The spud patch is now finished. We had a visit from the flying squad. Obviously they could see the great progress we were making! That's Winston there posing in front of the patch, and not wanting to be left out there's the new fork (as yet un-named) showing off the two new compost frames which are rapidly filling up with the surface grass sods.
It was great to see more folks down today starting to get their own plots back up to scratch. They're a really friendly bunch of people down here, always ready to have a chat and offer advice and show you round their own plots.
I think the next plan will be to clear around the bean poles by the shed and hopefully get some peas and french beans in. Also we're planning a herb section by the top shed. I've already got Sage, and Fennel but I'd like some Mint, Thyme and Rosemary aswell. A small Bay would be good too.
The odd stalks of what are hopefully fruit bushes are starting to develop buds, so we should soon learn what they are.
Any ideas for a name for the fork would be gratefully received. Winston awaits a partner!
It's a hot shower tonight as the bones are aching a bit now, and Man U are playing tonight. Come on you Reds!
Back tomorrow,
The Captain.

Well the weather people almost got it right. I decided to risk a visit this morning and got in a good couple of hours before the rain came. It's great to be able to get down here first thing in the fresh air. Definitely good for shaking off the effects of last night's curry!
Winston & I managed to make a serious dent in the spud patch and one more good session should see it ready for the first couple of rows. I've already started the "chitting" and have Arran Pilot for earlies, and Maris Piper, King Edward for maincrop and I've just ordered a bag of Kerr Pinks so Mr C's happy!
When I first started there were a few rhubarb crowns showing, so I found a few old buckets lying about and covered them over. As you can see in the picture there's some activity already. Not quite "Rhubarb Triangle" standard yet , but it's a start.
I'd love to know if the tree is an apple. Does anybody out there know from the picture?
That's all for now folks!
The Captain.