Spring Update
It feels like spring is finally here, however the joyous feeling it usually brings is somewhat overshadowed by the recent global events. As many of you will know the UK has now moved into a temporary lockdown so we are incredibly grateful for the space and freedom that our land offers us.
The seasonal cycles of nature will carry on regardless and watching spring unfold in the nature and the wildlife is a welcome distraction at these difficult times.
Being at home with our children for what may be a long period of time is also somewhat of an opportunity to tackle the ever evolving garden project and this week we are already making good progress. As an aside we have also found that the garden has been a great way to inspire their learning. We have talked about germination and the kids have set up their own experiments with pea seeds. This then led on to chats about the need for light and photosynthesis and further chemical equations. It’s certainly keeping us busy!
New Gates
A few weeks ago, just before the lockdown we had a pair of lovely new sweet chestnut gates made and installed by Richard from Greenwood Craftsman. We’re very pleased with them, and think they look absolutely stunning!
Trees, Trees, and more Trees
As the saying goes the best time to plant a tree is yesterday. Last year we planted 2 pear trees, and 2 cherry trees in the orchard and thankfully they look like they are doing rather well. As we’re moving more towards a forest garden we’re looking at at planting more trees that bear fruit.
We’ve decided upon the following trees from English Woodlands, who are fairly local to us:
Arbutus unedo, also known as a Strawberry Tree (250-300cm)
Black Mulberry (2 year stock)
Apple Cox Orange Pippin (2 year stock)
Apple Scrumptious, (2 year stock)
In addition we have a lot of empty lawn, that doesn't serve much purchase right now, so we’re thinking of extending the woodland are out into the field a little. To get us started we have also bought:
Golden Weeping Willow
Ornamental Cherry (Prunus Pandora) x 3
Evergreen Oak
These arrived yesterday morning and we got started straight away and have planted in two of the cherries. Hoping to get the rest in by the end of the week.
We’ve also been busy preparing the beds for growing, although we were a bit behind schedule due to the terrible winter weather. For the last two months it’s been so wet and feels like it’s rained non-stop but luckily the sun has now appeared and things are drying out. We have covered the last of the no-dig beds and the first early potatoes (Maris Bard) went in yesterday.
In the greenhouse we have been busy sowing rocket, radishes, lettuce and spinach and we have tomatoes and chillies on the windowsill indoors. We are determined to grow as much as we can find space for this year with a view to not only being self sufficient over the summer months but being able to provide for family and neighbours if we can.