Fields of Dreams

 The 2020 wildflower meadow has morphed into the 2121 wildflower meadow by the timely amendment and reinstatement of the sign.  The perimeter rope has also been reinstated.  (Two of the four reinstated metal stakes went missing so we are down to a single strand of garden twine stretched between two stakes.  It suffices as a mere suggestion to the council grass cutters of the agreed status of this corner of the park)

The dandelions are currently having their moment. Once they go to seed the seed issue will arise.  Already I am planning a cull of docks.  These dominated the patch before we set it up and are well represented throughout the neighbouring area (as are buttercups).

Back within the bounds of the school garden the nursery class are taking on the "grow your own loaf" challenge.  Here is the designated 'wheat field'

The canes are there temporarily to demarcate a sowing zone for each child.  A net will be deployed once the ears develope.  Those crows will be thwarted this year .

My final field dream come true is captured below. The 'wee bird' on the side of the path is a skylark.

So often heard, but only seen flying, never on the ground.  This encounter was like a dream.

Let's Get On With The Show

 

Looking at my recent posts you wouldn't think I was interested in gardening.  To dispel that, here is the current state of play.  As you can see these are outdoors during the daytime at least. Others have progressed from indoors to the protection of the greenhouse, newly vacated by hardier plants

Some other greenhouse crops are still in the dark on lower shelves of the greenhouse.  Once they sprout they will be turfed outside too.

I had not reckoned on the protracted period of cold nights when I started sowing, but so far there have been no frost victims

And in case you are wondering I decided to have a go at growing onions and shallots from seed as well as the usual leeks.  Early brassicas and some flowers (e,g, lobelia, marigolds and rudbeckia) also feature. After a long stint in the home nursery thank goodness I can soon move them on to the open garden, school and allotment. 

Vatrushka Take 2

With the gardening on hold during the recent cold weather I have turned to baking some comfort food.  

After my last jam filled vatrushka I plucked up the courage to go for the more traditional farmhouse  cheese filling.   

I thought they were better but not everyone shared my preference.  Another failsafe favourite is challah: 

Cold Night - Hot Cross Buns

 

After a settled period of above zero temperatures the overnight frost has returned.  Currently it is -2C outside and a snug +2 in my greenhouse.  I had the foresight to deploy the paraffin heater last night and am feeling rather smug about it.  

The other thing I did last night was to bake the annual batch of hot cross buns.  Just what you need on a cold Good Friday morning. The other Good Friday tradition of planting potatoes could be delayed this year.  The seed potatoes would be happy enough six inches under but why push it when I have other things to do.  (At the school the nursery class have planted a row of earlies this week already!)