When I first bought Haddock's, it was covered in Brambles and hadn't been cultivated for decades. I was told that it been the original veg' garden for our cottage.
I decided to have the area 'rotovated', then, after clearing away all the bits of Bramble roots etc, I split the whole plot into three sections (below). Rotovating was probably the wrong thing to do, all the Brambles became 'minced', and every tiny piece of minced root wanted to re-grow.
The ground eventually became workable, but required a lot of cleaning & clearing. I soon also discovered that my crops were being eaten by wildlife, so the area had to be fenced.
I changed the layout, planted fruit trees, and built a Chicken run at the top end. I also fenced all around. It became animal proof, and the Hens provided eggs. It was a huge improvement.
Then much later I decided to establish a four section rotation system, which was much easier to work, and provided even more crops than before. I even kept a yearly record of what had been grown where.
Suddenly I had too much of everything, so I began to preserve the excess. My cupboards filled rapidly. I loved both the process of growing, and the process of preserving.
I also planted Vines around the exterior fencing; adding yet another crop. I had embraced 'efficiency'.
Then about 8 years ago, crops suddenly started to die. This coincided with my neighbour using his adjoining land as a 'land-fill-site'; inviting all his friends to bring their detritus to help build-up the level to about a metre above that of Haddock's; held back by an old stone wall.
Things got worse. I could see strange liquids seeping towards Haddock's, and an Oak Tree on his land suddenly died. I was worried.
A year later I admitted defeat, and quit. Something was seriously wrong, and my crops were all dying.
His dogs also killed my four remaining Chickens. I was seriously depressed. Haddock's had been my raison d'etre, and it had been destroyed.
Now, about 8 years later, I simply mow there just to keep it looking tidy, and this year I intend to plant some Peach and Cherry trees. We shall see what happens!
I miss those good times, but these days, as I am 'incapacitated', I wouldn't be able to cultivate the land anyway.
19 comments:
Sad that you had to give up on Haddocks !
On another topic.....I bought the lamb shanks in red wine gravy that you recommended.......The meat was lovely but the gravy was just a hard crust in bottom of the tin, took me ages to soak and clean it!
That happened to me the first time I had them. There was far too much sauce which I left to get equally hard. The second time I roasted them for a shorter time, and dealt with the excess sauce directly. We all learn as we go along! I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed them.
sad that your " good life" was ruined . It looks wonderful in your photo's. Still you had some good years produce from it and also a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction. Good luck with the fruit trees.
And of course in relation to growing edible crops you are 'incapacitated' partly because of post-Brexit residency regulations. On the other hand, my brother in the L'Ariege region has just stayed put and stayed quiet. Sadly, he has not risked coming back to England since the French rules kicked in.
It was a lovely garden, with a spectacular view. But, all things come to an end.
There were several reasons why we decided not to apply for another residency permit. Also, we had our home here which was calling to us. I think we have the best of both worlds now, even though I think this will probably be my last visit. Mobility problems are limiting my activities.
If it is to be your final summer sojourn In France, I hope you enjoy every minute. You have enjoyed a long innings down there but maybe now the pavilion is calling... the Brighton pavilion! Time to hang up your pads and your squirrel-sized box. Nothing lasts forever. C'est la vie!
I suspect it will be my final 'adieu'. It's been a lot of fun, and the grandchildren have all begun to love it too. It'll be sad knowing that I'll never return.
Never say never, fly down for a few days, enjoy the life.
Makes me sad. I'm so glad your mind stays sharp. You'll always have "Paris", huh?
Such a pity you had to abandon Haddocks. Your garden was such a pleasure to read about and see the photos. It gave you an amazing amount of fruit and vegetables. It's lovely to see it again and hear the history.
That's always a possibility. It ain't over yet.
My mind is that of a naughty 25 year old. I hope that never changes.
I always loved working there, even when my back was hurting from all the digging. It was my little piece of paradise.
It is sad if this is going to be your last visit but Just enjoy every moment of it and you never know you may be able to visit by flying as someone else has said.
You are in my prayers, friend.
I'll see how it goes this time, but I'm not too optimistic. However, this year will be a good one!
Thank you Kathe. x
Thank goodness we have too many rocks for rotovating - blackberry is trial by perserverance. Even not chopping it up the roots compartmentalize and come up as a dozen new plants....sad (and a deep shame) to lose a productive garden like that; growing, harvesting, preserving, enjoying eating is a hugely satisfying way to provide for home and family.
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