I had planned to pop up the allotment yesterday evening to continue weeding the fruit cage but I was just so exhausted… It’s been non stop here for the past 9 days and after spending all afternoon packing the van for the next show at Hylands House in Chelmsford this weekend I decided that a nice long bath was in order before the madness of another show begins.
I did however, manage to visit the allotment on Tuesday evening to get a few little jobs done and to check everything was in order. I’m pleased to say the alliums haven’t bloomed yet but are growing taller by the day! I’m so afraid that they will burst into colour as soon as we leave for a show but there’s no signs of the buds opening yet so fingers crossed. The water iris ‘Blue flag’ on the other hand has started to bloom and it took me by surprise, I love this flower and the frogs are always bobbing around beneath the leaves so I’m pretty sure they adore it too.
I also planted out my ‘Mongolian Giant’ sunflowers, I sowed 17 altogether using seed I saved from my 10ft sunflower last year so I have very high hopes for these little babies! A few of the stalks had split due to irregular watering and lack of support but I had enough to plant a row behind my rhubarb and 6 dotted around the back border of the flower bed. I just adore sunflowers and can’t wait to see those yellow faces smiling down at me, plus I’m growing a smaller variety called ‘Sonja’ this too as a cut flower so the plot should be filled with beautiful sunflowers.
Whilst I was there I earthed up my potatoes for the second time, this will produce a bigger harvest, keep the weeds in check and also protect the leaves from any late frost damage. I also gave everything a good soaking and last but not least filmed a short vlog inside the purple potting shed, the video can be found here: https://youtu.be/dZwGwOhil_c
There’s still so much to do but right now I’m trying to juggle time to fit everything in whilst trying to remember to look after myself a little more. The most important thing I need to remember is that the plot doesn’t have to look pretty and pristine all the time, as long as the seedlings are planted out and growing happily that’s all that matters. Because actually that’s what makes me happy too!
