British summer time

The clocks changed and the sun shone. It was a promising start to British summer time today and the allotment was busy with activity. Folks wandering past the gates were peering in. When the sun is out, growing veg and working in the fresh air is an enviable passion. I know, gardening doesn't quite work like that and you have to get out there when it's windy and cold too. But it's days like today which make it all worthwhile.

Dug over the potato bed as I'll soon be planting out the seed potatoes. The broad beans are growing well and just neeeded a little support.

Now you see it...

Often we talk about seasons as if one rolls out fully formed every three months. Gardening makes you realise that within each season there are small changes and shifts in nature. Two weeks ago the crocuses were in flower on the plot. They had died away by the next week just as narcissus were beginning to bloom. This week a primrose had come into flower and nettles were showing their frills along the edges of the plot. Each new appearance telling a tale about temperature and time. Wonder what will have popped its head up next weekend.

Hatching

Things are stirring on the allotment. Rhubarb leaves are cracking through their papery shells and narcissus are flowering in clumps amongst the grass borders. Planted out some broad bean plants and spent another Sunday morning digging over the beds. Trying to get a head start by pulling up the tangle of grass stolons lurking under the soil before they really pick up pace.