Almost mid-November, yet the weather has been so mild that the plants are confused. Some of them think it’s Spring. The rhododendron has opened a few flower buds and the primulas are flowering.
A few little potted roses are pretty and brightening the garden with their delicate beauty.
The tomatoes have been removed from the greenhouse and I’ve used the border to plant a few winter lettuces. I started the seeds in plugs of homemade compost and transplanted them once they had a few leaves. They will grow slowly over the next few months, providing a few leaves, and begin to bulk up in February when the days are longer.
The Spring cabbages in the polytunnel are tiny yet but by late April I will have delicious fresh cabbage to enjoy. They don’t look much at this stage, but gardeners learn to be patient people.
The garlic I planted last month has fresh green leaves. I’m hoping for a nice crop of juicy bulbs in May. Still using this year’s crop of sweet, flavoursome cloves.
My “Red Winter” kale is producing some useable leaves now. I grow this outside because it’s very hardy and suffers from powdery mildew if I grow it under cover. It was a battle to keep the Cabbage White butterflies off earlier but now they’ve gone it can grow undisturbed. It’s a delicious kale. Really good steamed or stir-fried.
Not so much colour in the garden at this time of year but still things to enjoy. I love the undergrowth of the two huge cypress trees we have and our melancholy maiden standing beneath.
There are lovely leaves and berries around the garden. The holly hedge has some scarlet gems and the skimmia is always a show. The leaf bin is pleasingly full and will make leaf mould for next year and the following year.
It’s a good thing that the gardening has eased because Christmas shopping and baking take a lot of time and thought. Lots of work but something I enjoy.
I’m trying to reduce plastic in my gifts, so I usually make some presents. This year I’ve knitted someone a scarf. I thought it would be simple, but it seemed to take a long time to reach the right length! I hope it will be snug and comfortable to wear.
I’m not making Christmas puddings this year but if you’re looking for a nice recipe that doesn’t take multiple hours of steaming, try mine. I make individual puddings which keep for a short time or can be frozen for a year. They take just one minute to thaw to eating temperature in the microwave. A fruity and spicy treat to be had with my rum sauce. Both recipes are in my Earthy Homemaker’s Cookbook, available with Amazon. You can find it with this link.
Thank you to everyone who has bought my book. Many of you know that I produced this in response to requests from regular readers of my blog. Thinking up simple recipes is one of my pleasures and I’m happy to pass them on, along with tips to make things easier. Cooking and baking, and of course eating, should be something to enjoy. Cooking makes work but there is no need for complicated methods. My cakes are all easy to mix and I have recipes for easy, nutritious and economical meals. The simplest meals are often the most delicious and satisfying.
When I want to relax, I like to paint. You might remember I had something in progress. Not very big, drawn from one of my photos of the garden and painted with gouache. Here’s the end product.
That’s all for this week. I hope you’re finding lots of pleasant ways to fill your time. With you again soon. Bye for now.
Living a contented creative life. 