My #Word365 for this year's blog has been "look again". Here we are seven months in- over half way. At what have I 'looked again' recently?
I have looked again at belonging to local groups. The fortnightly craft group I've joined has proved really welcoming, and I have enjoyed it enormously. When I can, I cycle over to the village hall at Hoe [not when I need to transport a sewing machine though] I've really missed the monthly group at Ferndown - but the women here are just as friendly.
I have also been to a quite different group in this village - but not sure if I am going to continue attending. It wasn't quite what I'd hoped for. I'm looking again at my decision there.
I'm looking again at the Raised Bed as it comes up to its first birthday. My confidence in gardening has been growing - I actually deviated slightly from Huw's guidance. I spotted Row 7 was going to be empty for a few weeks - and so I decided to plant a row of carrots there [in Huw's Grand Plan, they don't go into Row 8 till August]
And here I am triumphantly having harvested my first four carrots on Friday. [look again and you will see my fluffy slippers - it was quite early in the morning] I really like being able to harvest a few items fresh each day [lettuce and chard leaves for example] as and when I need them. But next year I think I will not be planting all the things Huw suggests, and trying a few different ideas of my own. Like salsify, which Bob loves. Bob came back from the Hospice with his official lanyard.[I have covered up all the wording apart from his name] I had to look again at that. I honestly thought he was wearing a set of surgeon's scrubs. In fact it is just his blue V necked pullover. I wonder if anyone else will mistake him for a member of the medical team?**
I wonder if I should look again at my challenge to walk an average of 12K steps every day. My step count has been really low this week, it has been too hot to go for afternoon walks, and I've slept badly, so not felt as active in the daytime as usual. I hope this is just a blip - and I will make up the steps in August.
**He's just fitted a splint to the shepherd boy's shoulder
I definitely need to look again at meal planning. It has been rather haphazard of late - and I have slipped back into the bad habit of evening snacks. Less walking + more snacks is soon noticeable on the bathroom scales!
It's good to look again at various things, isn't it? You are doing so well with your raised bed gardening! Is that your apple tree behind you in that photo?
ReplyDeleteYes, that's our little apple tree. We are hoping for a good crop. Last year it got bashed about quite a bit because the Lathe Palace builders put their skip beside it (where the RB is now) and all the fruit was dislodged. It is cooler this morning - I hope things are not too hot for you!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant gardener! Carrots arent easy.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I wonder if the marigolds helped in deterring carrot flies? They did look pretty.
DeleteYes, they would. They're a perfect 'companion' planting plant!
DeleteI must learn more about companion planting
DeleteI have been part of a Fitbit challenge since last Summer with a group of people that I didn’t really know. The most interesting fact as that 10000 or any number of steps is an arbitrary number. The important thing is to move every hour-ours are programmed for 250 steps from 8am-7pm. My daily target for myself is 11000 steps but I have been lucky if I have managed 5-6 thousand daily over this hot weather. Great results from your raised bed-I love carrots raw when they are so fresh.Catriona
ReplyDeleteThank you, that's an encouragement. The hourly 250 is a good idea. I can get stuck at the computer or sewing machine for too long without a break. Even a trip to put the kettle on and make a cuppa would help!
DeleteI've read lots of advice over the years, (some of it conflicting!) but some makes sense, like 'only grow what you like to eat' and 'grow things that are expensive or difficult to buy in the shops'. You have done amazingly already, and should be able to set your own plan for next year.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I have realised that this year was going to have successes and failures - but I must use these to inform planning for next year. New potatoes and lots of lettuce are definitely for repeating!!
DeleteLooking again is a very good thing to get used to, and after this year it will no doubt be a permanent thing for you. How much we miss when we only look once at things or try things out just the once.
ReplyDeleteAgreed 👍
DeleteSo utterly impressed with your raised beds. You'll be exhibiting at the local horticultural show before you know it! Well done on that bunch of carrots. They really look amazing.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I will be exhibiting for a few years yet - but thank you
DeleteThat is good that you are keeping up with your "Look again" maxim for this year and having some successes. How nice to harvest carrots. You can't beat the fresh ones!
ReplyDeleteIt is just so lovely having these veg right outside, ready to pick and cook. I feel very blessed
DeleteLook Again, that's different. Looks like it works really well
ReplyDeleteWell done with the carrots. I find them the most erratic of vegetables to grow for some reason. I bet they taste more carrotty than supermarket ones.
ReplyDeleteAng! Your raised bed looks marvellous! I love your confidence! I'm going to plant some Beetroot when I get home (been to beach at Southend with my sister and niece after staying over at Mum's- Lovely!)
ReplyDeleteShame one of the groups didn't work out.x