COME ON SPRING!

Well, it's not far off the start of Spring or the 'vernal equinox' as it's officially called. Spring starts when the day and night are of the same length which usually means the 20th or 21st March. Shall be jolly glad to see it - it's been a long winter and the garden is looking decidedly sad. Managed to spend some time last Saturday weeding the onions, tying up the broad beans, removing frost damaged peas and planting some chick peas instead - donated by our very green fingered friend James.

This one not so good...

I also unwrapped the Artichokes (Carciofi) which have been suffering. I started with five about 14 months ago, had three at the start of Winter 2010 and now as you can see, have about one and a half. Not sure what I'm doing wrong, but the Italians seem to place them along under rows of vines, where maybe they get a bit of protection. So these may well be on the move.

This one is doing well

My plan for next week is to sow a veg that I can't traditionally get here - Brussel Sprouts (Cavolo Di Bruxelles) and try my hand at Asparagus(Asparaghi) and Leeks(Porro) plus try my hand at some flowers to brighten up the place. But most of my planting is going to come from seedlings, bought from a local nursery. It's cheaper and less hassle, last year my pots of seeds got blown away no less than three times!

Oh, and the wild primroses are abundant down Primrose Lane and at the bottom of our garden, so I've planted a few...