New and Old in the Garden, Apples and Houseplants

March heralds the beginning of Spring! It can be unkind but there will be some lovely days full of sunshine and bright flowers. Much to look forward to with Winter behind us.

There’s been excitement and soul searching in the garden! Big decisions and deliberation.

A new greenhouse has been erected and I can’t wait to fill it with seed trays. I’ve popped some bought pots of daffodils in there to bring a bit of cheer to an empty space.

The plan was that the old greenhouse would be removed. That’s proven to be a source of anguish. We emptied it and were about to have it demolished but it’s such a lovely wooden structure, bigger than the new one and has served us well for many years. We can’t bear to see it go so Allan is going to mend it with new wooden parts.

I’ve bought a dozen broad bean plants. I kept them in the greenhouse for a week until the outdoor bed was ready and since then I’ve planted them out. Pigeons love new fresh leaves so I’ve covered the plants with netting for the time being. I might do a few more from seed so I have an extended crop and some to freeze.

In one of the tunnels I have a few Spring cabbages, my favourite “Spring Hero” variety which I’ve grown for many years. They were looking a bit tatty and it was obvious they were being nibbled. An inspection found the culprits! Bright green caterpillars. How the butterflies or moths got in to produce these offspring I’ve no idea. We keep the doors shut at all times except while we’re watering.

The cabbages look a bit forlorn but will soon pick up and grow beautiful big juicy heads.

Wildlife is always a feature of our garden. The frogs have been busy in the pond. I love to hear them croaking and see them splashing about.

We’ve had some sunny days but very wet ones as well. I caught a few shots of flowers with raindrops on them. I love to see them.

Other lovelies continue to catch my eye. The hellebores are still opening new blooms and this deep purple one with its contrasting centre is a really special one. The pink one has the opposite contrast with its dark centre. So many variations of this beautiful plant.

Wonderful to see new life in the garden. Although it’s untidy there are lovely things to catch my eye.

I bought a Sarcococca. It’s a lovely shrub which has evergreen leaves and flowers in Winter with a heady scent. I want to plant it where I can enjoy the perfume.

A few other lovely images around the garden.

We’ve had a problem with mice and, unfortunately rats, in the shed. We’ve stored surplus apples in there successfully for more than twenty years but sadly they now seem to be attracting these invaders. Such a pity! I loved having supplies of apples whenever I wanted them in the winter months and the aroma in the shed was fabulous. So, I’ve prepared and used the last of the cooking apple harvest.  We enjoyed some stewed and I froze a few containers of slices.

I’ve mentioned a few times a tip for preparing apples but I always find someone who doesn’t know this so it’s worth mentioning again. Lemon juice is not the best way to prevent apples browning while they’re being prepared. Salted water works brilliantly and is always ready in the kitchen. Just add a tablespoon or so to a bowl of water and slice the apples into it. Swish them around a little to cover them.

When I drain the salt water away I rinse lightly then cook immediately. Or, if I’m freezing slices, I drain but retain the salty coating. This prevents browning when the apples are thawing. They never taste salty.

A couple of my houseplants needed repotting. I just buy houseplant compost for this as I don’t want to bring in any unwanted visitors or fungi from the garden. My Calathea had outgrown its pot. It’s now looking splendid and is very happy where it sits. My Maranta (prayer plant) was looking sickly because I had moved it to where it wasn’t having sufficient light. I cut it back and re-potted it. It’s currently in a windowsill but I think it may be too hot in a few weeks time so will have to find somewhere more suitable. I have a crazy cactus which produces long spaghetti-like growths trailing on the floor. Mad but I like it.

I hope Spring is filling you with pleasure in your garden and in the countryside. Such a lovely time of year. With you again in two weeks time. Bye for now.