Readers’ gardens
It’s that time of year again, sweeping up leaves and generally tidying up, with tables and chairs cleaned down and stored for the winter. Now most of the leaves have dropped and plants are exposed, it’s easy to see the ones which need a bit of care and attention, thinning out and reshaping.
The box hedging that succumbed to the box tree caterpillar has new leaves emerging. I didn’t dig it all out in the end, I just cut it right back. It’s just such a shame it takes so long to regrow.
I’ve attempted to squirrelproof the spring bulbs using mesh and criss-crossed pea sticks, but they still manage to find a way through. I suspect they’re re-planting them in neighbouring gardens! However, I was highly amused to see a squirrel at the bottom of the garden eating marigold flowers and running off with one in its mouth. I wasn’t quick enough to capture it on camera though.
Not a trace of blight this year on the allotment. I’m still picking tomatoes – the freezer is full, and almost every plot holder is offering tomatoes to everyone else! They’re a quick and healthy snack while working on the plot.
Overwintering red ‘Electric’ onions have been planted, with a few spares held back for any uprooted by pigeons. While the ground is still warm, I’ve sown broad beans and garlic. Parsnips are doing well, but the broccoli has bolted.
I’ve stocked up on seeds for next year as the local garden centre were selling them at half price – I can’t resist a bargain!