I am suffering from potager deprivation.
Haddock's used to be a big part of my life. We bought very little fruit or vegetables throughout the year, and our annual preserves were more than adequate. Even with such a small actual growing plot, there was always far more produced than we required. We gave a lot away.
At this time of year I begin to get itchy spade, trowel, and dibber. My brain is telling me that I should be preparing for the year's crops, but I have nowhere to plant them. When you are used to having a productive vegetable and fruit garden, not planting anything is difficult to cope with.
At the moment there would still have been Kale, Cavelo Nero, and Chard from the previous year. I never took anything out until every last leaf had been eaten.
I didn't bother to grow much from seed as we had a wonderful garden store nearby (Gamme Vert) that provided all the small plants I required. Now is the time I would start to visit, and buy the first seedlings that would cope with the cold weather. Other plants would be bought after the 11th 12th and 13th of May (The Ice Saints) after which one was guaranteed that nothing would die of frostbite.
In the photo above, I can see my old white plastic chair beneath the Yellow Cherry tree. That's where I would sit and admire, and watch the world go by as my crops grew.
29 comments:
I'm glad I still have a tiny bit of garden to grow a few things as I would feel the same as you if I had nothing
It looks quite idyllic, plus tidy and well organised.
I really miss it. I feel as if a part of me is missing.
At the beginning of the growing year it was always tidy, but as the year progressed, and the crops grew bigger, I'm afraid that weeds took over.
As you hold your dibber tenderly in your hand, I am sure that many happy memories of Haddock's come back to you. They were the good old days.
I can understand why you miss it so much. So much produce from your own hands. And how nice to be able to sit there and contemplate it all. Very fulfilling.
At least you have the photos
I don’t like it when we move on into a different way of life and it must be so hard for you but, it happens to us all one way or another. I was going to say you should get or share an allotment but I think there are very long waiting lists !!! XXXX
I let someone else hold my dibber these days; much more fun. Yes, good old days indeed!
It was a real wrench. I had worked that small plot for decades, then it all stopped. I miss the produce rather than the work-load.
My bad back and hips won't allow it unfortunately. But it's a lovely thought.
To preserve a dibber you must apply linseed oil regularly and liberally - just like a cricket bat.
Not Baby Oil?
You could sit on a bench and direct someone 😂🤣😂 XXXC
I could certainly wave my cane, and shout!
Sad times indeed Cro, I miss your updates and photos of Haddock's. It seems that you miss France, and your way of life there, more than you realise.
My son, Kimbo, is there at the moment, and all is well. I shall try to go this Summer, but it may well be the last time. We've had the best of France; it's not the same as it once was.
I have a friend who spends February dreaming in seed catalogs.
Obviously a conscientious person.
Only Aussie cricketers use that!
Cro, could you not have a small indoor garden... perhaps with grow lamps? It wouldn't have to be more than a few plants, but it might be fun.
I miss reading about Haddocks! Yesterday my husband made a new (second) raised bed so I can expand my garden this year. I'd hate to leave it behind!
I miss bosoms
Quite honestly, I do not understand how you were able to give up Haddocks. Working the land and growing always seemed very essential to you.
We have a tiny garden out front where I grow grapes, artichokes, and I have tried tomatoes. Our problem is that we are usually away for three months in Summer, so no-one waters anything.
Once you get the growing bug, it's very hard to shake it off!
You know how I feel.
Firstly the ground became 'poisoned' from seepages from next door, and secondly Brexit happened. Our tiny hamlet is no longer the friendly place it used to be, so we didn't bother to apply for residency.
In NZ you can grow some veg in something called a vegepod, perfect for apartment balconies, windows to grow some lettuce and veg, There must be a UK version.
In NZ you can grow some veg in something called a vegepod, perfect for apartment balconies, windows to grow some lettuce and veg, There must be a UK version.
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